Cold Smoking
An Ancient Craft with Modern Appeal
Cold smoking is a traditional technique used to preserve and flavour meat that has been practised for centuries. Unlike hot smoking, which cooks the meat, cold smoking exposes it to smoke at a low temperature, typically between 10°C and 20°C. This process imparts a distinctive smoky taste while maintaining the raw texture of the meat, making it a favourite among culinary enthusiasts and artisans alike.
Our choice of wood
The choice of wood plays a pivotal role in cold smoking, as each type imparts its own unique flavour to the meat. When it comes to smoking Bacon & Gammon, a blend of Oak and Beechwood is our ‘go to’ choice:
Oak
Oak's rich, earthy flavour complements the savoury and slightly sweet nature of Bacon & Gammon, creating a balance that elevates the meat's natural characteristics. Oak's versatility ensures that it can cater to a variety of palates, whether you prefer a subtle smokiness or a deeper, more pronounced profile.
Beechwood
A classic choice in British and European smoking traditions, beechwood is valued for its mild and slightly nutty aroma. It works exceptionally well with a variety of meats, including pork, sausages, and even delicate fish, offering a balanced smoky flavour that doesn
't overpower the natural essence of the food.
Other popular options include
Applewood
Renowned for its mild and subtly sweet notes, applewood is ideal for poultry and pork.
Hickory
A robust choice that delivers a strong, smoky flavour, hickory pairs well with beef and game meats.
Cherrywood
Similar to applewood, cherrywood offers a fruity essence that complements lighter meats such as chicken and fish.
Maple
Slightly sweet and gentle, maple enhances the natural taste of pork and poultry.
Alder
Particularly favoured for smoking fish, alder imparts a delicate, slightly sweet flavour.
Experimenting with these woods, or even blending them, allows us to craft unique flavour profiles to suit customers individual tastes.
Our full range of product are available in both Smoked or Unsmoked options.
We can also carry out ‘contract’ Smoking on behalf of customers. For more information please don’t hesitate to contact us.
