QandAs: Food

What foods are good to grill with Mesquite Wood?

Answer:
Grilling with Mesquite wood is somewhat trickier

than grilling with some of the other woods, since Mesquite wood burns very hot, and produces a very acrid smoke, especially if used when the wood is green. Thus, Mesquite wood is most commonly used only after it has aged, and usually just for grilling, rather than for longer "smoking" operations other woods may be known for.

Mesquite wood comes from the Mesquite tree, a deciduous tree common to parts of the American mid-west, southwest and Mexico. Mesquite wood is one of the hottest burning woods, making it a favorite of many cooks.

Mesquite wood grilling adds a sweet, 'earthy' flavor to beef, poultry, fish, duck or lamb. And, of course, veggies grilled over Mesquite wood will also be wonderfully enhanced.

Grilling foods over Mesquite wood is thought to have its origins in Texas, where the Mesquite tree is plentiful. No doubt, early Native Americans of that region would have learned to use Mesquite to cook with, though not necessarily initially because of any flavor enhancements it offers.

Today, Mesquite flavor has become a well respected and popular flavor additive in many prepared foods as well as snacks like potato chips, corn chips and the like.

Enjoy safe, happy and tasty grilling!