Using Sekelbos wood (Barbecue wood) or Oak wood on the BBQ, OFYR, Plancha, or Grill

Oak Wood and Sekelbos wood are both popular choices for barbecues, but they differ in various ways, from their origin to their burning properties and flavor profiles. At Ecolighter, we have highlighted the main differences between these two types of wood for you:


In this photo, we are using sekelbos wood, also known as; braai wood in Afrikaans.

1. Origin:
   
• Oak Wood: Oak wood comes from the oak tree, a tree widespread in Europe, North America, and other parts of the world.
• Sekelbos Wood: Sekelbos wood originally comes from South Africa and is harvested from the Sekelbos shrub, a native plant species in the region.
  
  
2. Burning Properties:
   
• Oak Wood: Oak wood is known for its slow, even burning. It produces consistent heat and a smoky flavor that pairs well with a variety of foods.
• Sekelbos Wood: Sekelbos wood is known for its quick ignition and intense heat. It burns hot and fast, making it ideal for quickly grilling meat and other dishes. Due to the low moisture content in this extremely dry type, there is also much less smoke when burning.
  
  
3. Flavor Profile:
   
• Oak Wood: Oak wood imparts a subtle smoky flavor to dishes, which suits a wide range of ingredients. It adds depth of flavor without overpowering.
• Sekelbos Wood: Sekelbos wood has a strong smoky flavor that can be more pronounced than that of oak wood. It can add an intense taste to grilled dishes, especially meat.
  
  
4. Availability:
   
• Oak Wood: Oak wood is generally easy to find in areas where oak trees grow, such as Europe and North America. It is often used for barbecue charcoal and smoking wood.
• Sekelbos Wood: Sekelbos wood is more specific to South African regions. It is traditionally used as braai wood in South African kitchens. However, it has found its way to the European market. You will find many suppliers of it in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, and Germany.

Depending on what you are going to cook, bake, or braai, at Ecolighter we also use different types of wood. Partly because of the application at the moment, the flavor it gives your meat, fish, or vegetables, or simply because we feel like it!

In the end, one thing remains certain regardless of your preference... You use Ecolighter to light it in a safe, quick, and economical way!