The Sweet and Fruity Flavor of Cherry Wood Smoking

Want to add a sweet, fruity note to whatever you're smoking? Get to know cherry wood. It's one of my favorites, and here's the rundown on what it does, plus when to use it and when to reach for something else.

A little history

People have smoked food with cherry wood for centuries, though it's gotten more popular more recently. That sweet, fruity flavor comes from the sugars and other compounds in the wood, which release as it burns and work their way into the food.

What cherry tastes like

Cherry is known for a sweet, fruity flavor that a lot of people compare to a tart cherry. It's a gentler smoke that adds a noticeable but not overpowering fruitiness.

When to use cherry

Cherry shines with delicate foods like fish and poultry. Its sweet, fruity character complements those lighter flavors instead of burying them. So if you're smoking a salmon fillet, a turkey breast, or a chicken, cherry is a great pick and adds a fruity note that's hard to beat.

When to pick something else

Cherry isn't the best match for bold meats like beef, pork, and venison. Its lighter, fruity flavor tends to get lost behind those stronger tastes. And if you specifically want a bold, smoky punch, hickory or mesquite will give you that heavier flavor.

How to smoke with cherry

It's simple. Add a handful of cherry chips or pellets to your smoker or grill and let it smoke for about 30 minutes before the food goes on. If you're using chunks, you can soak them in water for about 30 minutes first to slow the burn and keep the smoke from turning bitter.

Whatever you use, stick with high-quality, food-grade wood that's free of harmful chemicals or additives. Kona Wood Pellets are a good choice, since they're made from 100% cherry wood with no artificial flavors or preservatives.

The bottom line

Cherry is a versatile, flavorful wood for smoking, thanks to its sweet, fruity character and wide availability. For fish, poultry, and similar foods, it's a great way to round out the natural flavors. Just keep it off the bold meats, and don't skimp on wood quality. It really does make a difference in the final result.

So fire up your smoker and add some sweet, fruity flavor to your food. And share what you cook with us on Kona's Facebook page, "I Love to Grill," and our Instagram page. We love seeing what you're making.