. Rooikrans – Very popular in the Western Cape, it usually comes in log shapes and is also a great hardwood for a braai.. Sekelbos – Is very popular, extremely dry and hardy. Commonly found throughout the country, and is without doubt the best to use as it gives off intense heat, burns incredibly long, and also imparts a lovely smoky flavour to the meat.. Kameeldoring – With the lowest moisture content it is extremely dry and heavy. It takes long to burn out and creates a large amount of hot burning coals. Almost smokeless and has a natural musky fragrance.. Black Wattle – Easy to light, it lasts extremely long and provides that glowing coal. It is a bit harder to find and will be a little more expensive than Blue Gum.. Blue Gum – Not endemic to South Africa, it is often a little wet. The resin also makes it burn out faster than the Black Wattle. In general, not a great wood to braai with, as its smoke also taints the flavour of your meat.. Mopane – Indigenous to SA, it is the braai king next to the Sekelbos. It’s a very dry and hardy wood, and makes extremely hot coals in very little time, and stays hot for very long.. Apple Wood – Difficult to come by, it is a great source of firewood. It is ideal for a pizza oven or for smoking. It has its own sweet aroma that is known to flavour the food.
Wood density
Heavier, more dense wood is ideal wood for a slower braai, especially if you are not in a hurry to get the fire going and want to enjoy fire making and a few cold ones while doing so.
Hard wood burns at a higher temperature for longer, partly due to the fact that the longer wood burns the hotter it gets. Hard/dense wood will also leave ample time to cook and to restart the fire at a later stage in case someone arrives a little late.
Dense wood is usually more expensive and hard to get at times, but in the end, because it burns for longer, you will use less and it’ll probably work out to be for the same amount of money but with a better outcome.
Use soft wood for a camp fire, where it can burn out quickly after you’re done, and it makes for a great high-flame bonfire.
