There are several benefits to cooking with Cedar planks. White meats, such as fish, take on the flavor of the fresh wood and will not dry out or lose their natural juices. Moreover, vegetables also benefit from the gentle cooking process, and the aromatic Cedar flavor is a healthy way to season them. For example, when you make a roast, you can use the same technique to prepare vegetables. And if you plan on serving the meat to guests, it is a good idea to cook it first.
Western Red Cedar
When looking for flooring options, consider Western Red Cedar planks. This natural wood is versatile, durable, and sustainable. Grown in responsible forests in the Pacific Northwest, Western Red Cedar is known for its unique look. Its light red heartwood contrasts well with its creamy white sapwood. This combination creates a distinctive wood flooring choice. Here are some of its benefits. Read on to learn more about this versatile and beautiful wood.
A grade of Western Red Cedar is commonly called Clear, Vertical Grain. This grade has growth rings that run parallel on the surface of the board. The heartwood of Clear, Vertical Grain Cedar is free of growth characteristics that affect its appearance. It has excellent dimensional stability and holds stains and paints well. Patrick Lumber sells this grade of cedar and other specialty clears. The company also deals in rough timbers.
Northern white cedar
The heartwood of Northern White Cedar is resistant to decay, moisture, and insects. It has a straight grain and a tight knot structure. Its characteristic aroma is also noticeable, and it is a stable wood that is easy to work with hand tools. Its machining properties are average and it accepts oil stains well. This is a wood that is perfect for exterior and interior use, and its slow growth rate and natural resistance to rot and insect infestation make it a great choice for use as a flooring or siding.
If you’re looking for a wood product with a distinct smell and beautiful grain, then Northern White Cedar Planks are for you. This versatile wood species has a rich, spicy aroma and is a fantastic choice for outdoor projects. Its strength and natural oils make it perfect for products that are regularly in contact with water, including saunas. Additionally, white cedar is incredibly lightweight and is highly sustainable. The only downside to using untreated cedar is its tendency to turn a “Cape Cod gray” color over time.
Alder
Using Alder or Cedar planks for a grill is a fantastic way to cook food with subtle flavors. Both types of wood impart a sweet, earthy flavor to your food. Both planks are great for cooking fish, seafood, vegetables, and fruit, and can be used in the oven or grill. However, Alder planks have slightly less intense flavors than Cedar, making them more versatile.
While salmon and other fish are most commonly grilled with cedar planks, you can use them for nearly any kind of protein. If you are using them for vegetables, try using different types of wood. Some planks can be used for different types of meat, so it’s important to experiment with various woods to find one that fits your needs. Cedar planks and Alder planks both have their pros and cons, but both will lend a distinctive, smoky flavor to your food. Cedar planks are known for their great flavor, while Alder planks are known for their durability.
Southern yellow pine
If you want a warm, natural wood for your home, consider using cedar planks. Cedar is an age-old species that grows in the Pacific Northwest, Canada, and the United States. Cedar lumber is typically 50 to 80 years old, and is more expensive than the fast-growing Southern yellow pine. Unlike pressure-treated lumber, cedar does not warp, split, or crack. Plus, cedar is also more durable.
Southern yellow pine is a blend of several types of yellow pine. It is popular for building applications and is available in several regional markets in the U.S. Southern yellow pine has a dense, porous grain, which allows preservatives to penetrate the wood evenly. This makes it ideal for many interior building projects. Patrick Lumber offers southern yellow pine wood planks to domestic and international customers. It is an economical, durable choice for framing projects.
Eastern hemlock
While cedar is a popular wood for building products, eastern hemlock isn’t very common in homes. This species is confined to climates where moisture and temperature are moderate and dry. It grows slowly, and mature trees may reach hundreds of years. The growth rate of cedar during the pole stage is slow, and the species is susceptible to overstory suppression and crowding. The oldest recorded tree was 359 years old, and its diameter ranged from 61 to 91 cm.
A variety of fungi are associated with eastern hemlock’s root system. Shoestring fungi and velvet top fungi are the most common. It’s also vulnerable to two types of mycorrhiza on its roots. Eastern hemlock is attacked by at least 24 insect species. Among these are the hemlock borer and spruce budworm. These insects produce woodpecker-like holes in the bark and yellow shoot tips.