Another wood question!

[mercynursie]

My sweet pappy-in-law brought me some apple trimmings this week.For those of you who don't know,my mother passed away Monday am after a long illness.He cut/trimmed them a few weeks ago thinking it would save me some time and I could prep it(they are from our heirloom trees that have never been sprayed) a little at a time with Mom being sick.Problem is the wood is already perfectly dried out! He spread the sticks out on his shop table with the woodstove going.I know it wasn't scrubbed or boiled but it is absolutely beautiful wood! Should I still bake it?or go ahead and boil/bake? I'm afraid if I boil it since it is already completely dry,the bark may come off?? Any suggestions???

 

[mercynursie]

:bump1:Anyone have advice??

 

[Riven]

You know this is one of those subjects were it really just depends on your view. I personally would use it. If a it was cut then dried in a timely manner, should not be a problem. If you're worried about bacteria or parasites, you could bake it at 300 for a while. I'm not a fan of boiling, Water boils at 212 degrees... if you bake at 300 or even 250 you're not gaining anything other than getting the wood wet before you get it dry, maybe boiling off any dirt or stuff that nature put on it?

Sorry to hear about your mother, terminal illnesses can be stressful on everyone.

 

[mercynursie]

Thanks for the input Riven! I have prepped wood before,but his looks better than mine! LOL!

 

[mishellyshel]

i have cut branches from last fall and they are pretty much dried out also. i like to give them a hot water (boiling) bath for less then 3 minutes. the water helps remove the dirt and it makes any lichen more visible and easy to scrub off. at that point i would probably still bake them in the oven at 175 until the bark gets a little wrinkly, bout 90 minutes. then i turn the oven off and let them sit over night.

 

[Twilight Chinchillas]

I'm so sorry to hear about your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Hugs my friend!

 

[yummychinchillatoys.com]

You know this is one of those subjects were it really just depends on your view. I personally would use it. If a it was cut then dried in a timely manner, should not be a problem. If you're worried about bacteria or parasites, you could bake it at 300 for a while. I'm not a fan of boiling, Water boils at 212 degrees... if you bake at 300 or even 250 you're not gaining anything other than getting the wood wet before you get it dry, maybe boiling off any dirt or stuff that nature put on it?

Sorry to hear about your mother, terminal illnesses can be stressful on everyone.

I boil my wood. Mulberry is very sappy and boiling it gets it all out and makes for a nicer dried wood. Buts that's just my opinion.