Hawaiian Kiawe (kee-ah-vey) wood

[gregbooras]

I really like the flavor or mesquite, but it can be over powering, so I ordered a batch of Kiawe wood from Hawaii earlier this week.

Kiawe wood (prosopis pallidia) is a slightly "sweeter" Hawaiian mesquite. This is a different species than mesquite in the western USA. This variety naturalized in Hawaii over 170 years ago.

The wood has a nice deep brown/red color and I am really looking forward to trying this on Huli-Huli chicken and some brisket in a few weeks.

Cost of the wood was $29.00 which included priority shipping (total weight of wood 12 lbs.). They also sell Guava.

If you have interested, here is where I bought it from:
http://www.hawaiiguava.com/kiawe-smoking-wood.html



Greg

 

[Libohunden]

Man that looks awesome. Have you smoked with it yet?

 

[gregbooras]

No I just received the wood today, it was a bit funny the postman asked did you have rocks shipped in this box!

I told him it was wood from the islands for my smoker, which he replied, wow, cool!

Greg

 

[Libohunden]

I'll be highly interested to hear how you like it when you do use it!

 

[gregbooras]

I'll be highly interested to hear how you like it when you do use it!

I am back on the road for a few days next week, but will give it a go by next weekend and let you know.

Most likely I will try it on some baby back ribs.

Greg

 

[gregbooras]

I tried my new Kiawe wood on ribs last night and it was a huge success. It had a great smell while smoking and the ribs were excellent.

Greg

 

[jcboxlot]

Just ordered some via site and paypal.  I bet they are wondering, what the heck is going on here............................


I figured if I can't find it cheaper on ebay, its gotta be a deal!

 

[jcboxlot]

FYI, interesting they don't ship or sell to HI addresses. 



Most of us won't have that issue!

 

[gregbooras]

John,

I think you will really like it.

Greg

 

[jcboxlot]

Arrived today, didn't even have time to open the box.  Did you zip lock it just like any other wood?

 

[gregbooras]

Arrived today, didn't even have time to open the box.  Did you zip lock it just like any other wood?

John,

Yes I cut up a couple of pounds and the zip locked the rest.

Greg

 

[jcboxlot]

Guess I'll be shopping for another saw.  What did you use to cut these beasts?

 

[gregbooras]

Guess I'll be shopping for another saw.  What did you use to cut these beasts?

John,

I just used an electrician chisel that I bought at Homedepot.

Greg

 

[DivotMaker]

For splitting chunks, a hatchet and hammer works great!  Set the hatchet on the line you want to split, and hit with the hammer.  Works better than a chisel, imo.

 

[Libohunden]

Divot,

Just curious, did you get Smokinlicious to cut your chunks smaller?  If not, I'm now without a bandsaw and have been having a hard time cutting them down with a chisel and a hammer.  I guess I could use longer but thinner chunks but would rather have little squares.

 

[DivotMaker]

Divot,

Just curious, did you get Smokinlicious to cut your chunks smaller?  If not, I'm now without a bandsaw and have been having a hard time cutting them down with a chisel and a hammer.  I guess I could use longer but thinner chunks but would rather have little squares.

Since most of the chunks seem to average about 4 oz, I only split them lengthwise, with the grain (very easy).  I see no need to shorten the length.  I like to keep it simple.

 

[AlinMA]

For splitting chunks, a hatchet and hammer works great!  Set the hatchet on the line you want to split, and hit with the hammer.  Works better than a chisel, imo.

+1 The above is the way to go!

 

[AlinMA]

Divot,

Just curious, did you get Smokinlicious to cut your chunks smaller?  If not, I'm now without a bandsaw and have been having a hard time cutting them down with a chisel and a hammer.  I guess I could use longer but thinner chunks but would rather have little squares.

This is what I do.....If you have chunks use a hatchet and hammer to split the chunks along  the grain. I like to use chunks that are about 1/2 " thick.I shoot for about 1 1/2" square. I use a hatchet and 3 pound hammer to split the chunks.If I have chunks that are longer than the target length I them split them across the grain. At 1/2" thick it's a piece of cake!
The hammer and hatchet can be had for about $15.00 at Harbor Freight, slightly more at Home Depot and more still at Sears.

 

[jcboxlot]

First full cook with these.  Good flavor, slow to ramp up?  I never did really get a "billowing" smoke.  Took 1/2 hour to see smoke.

Pics are after a 3 hr cook.

 

[gregbooras]

First full cook with these.  Good flavor, slow to ramp up?  I never did really get a "billowing" smoke.  Took 1/2 hour to see smoke.

Pics are after a 3 hr cook.

John,

What did you smoke with the Kiawe?

My friend and neighbor next store used this with a mix of two other woods and he said his Pork Butt turned out great.

Greg