What is Wood For Braai?
Hardwood is the preferred wood to keep a good braai going because of its density and low moisture qualities.
This allows it to light easily, burn well, and create hotter and longer fires with less smoke compared to softer woods.
Best Wood For Braai In South Africa
In South Africa, the choice of wood for a braai (barbecue) can greatly impact the flavor and cooking experience.
Different types of wood impart unique aromas and flavors to the food. Here are some popular wood choices for braai in South Africa:
Rooikrans:
Rooikrans, also known as Acacia cyclops or Red-Eyed Wattle, is a dense and hardwood species native to South Africa.
It is highly regarded for its excellent heat and long-lasting burn. Rooikrans wood produces a steady and hot fire, making it ideal for a braai and providing a pleasant smoky flavor to the food.
Black Wattle:
Black Wattle, or Acacia mearnsii, is an invasive tree species originally from Australia but widely found in South Africa.
It is a popular choice for braai wood due to its availability, fast-burning nature, and intense heat production. Black Wattle wood provides a distinctive smoky flavor to the food.
Sekelbos: Sekelbos, also known as Dichrostachys cinerea or African Strongwood, is a thorny shrub or small tree native to Southern Africa.
It is highly prized for braai due to its dense nature and slow-burning properties. Sekelbos wood burns hot and long, creating a flavorful and aromatic smoke that enhances the taste of the meat.
Kameeldoring:
Kameeldoring, or Camel Thorn, is a hardwood species found in Southern Africa. It is known for its high heat output and long-burning characteristics. Kameeldoring wood produces a fragrant smoke that adds a unique flavor to the braai meat.
Mopane:
Mopane, or Colophospermum mopane, is a hardwood species native to Southern Africa. It is a dense and slow-burning wood that generates long-lasting heat.
Mopane wood is known for its distinctive flavor and is commonly used for braai, especially for game meats.
What wood do South Africans use for a braai?
Rooikrans.
This wood is very popular in the Western Cape as it produces good coals and creates that nostalgic braai smoke smell that perfectly flavors your meat and is recognized by most Capetonians as a local “braai hout”.
Which wood burns the hottest in South Africa?
Mopane.
This famously hard and dense African wood comes from the northern regions of South Africa. It is extremely long burning with a clean clear heat that makes grilling a joy.