We’ve all been there: ready for a relaxed braai, but the only wood available is frustratingly wet. Don’t panic. Braaiing with damp wood is tricky, but it’s not impossible. With a few smart hacks and a little patience, you can still turn those coals into a roaring fire. Here’s how to turn wet wood woes into a successful braai.
The secret ingredient: Sugar
Yes, you read that right. The same sugar you put in your coffee can help your braai get going. Here’s why it works: plain white sugar burns at a high temperature. When sprinkled over the wet wood and lit with firelighters like Blitz, it helps raise the internal temperature of the wood, drying it out from the inside. The sugar essentially boosts the flames and gives your wood the extra heat it needs to catch fire. It’s a nifty trick that can make all the difference between struggling and succeeding.
Tip: Don’t go overboard with the sugar – a light sprinkle is all you need. Too much, and you might end up with an overly sticky mess on your grill.
Your braai’s backup plan: Charcoal
If your wood just won’t cooperate, consider using charcoal. Charcoal burns hotter and longer, making it a reliable alternative when wood isn’t up to scratch. Light a generous amount to ensure the heat lasts. For smaller braais, half a bag of charcoal should do the trick.
Why it works: Charcoal, being dry and highly combustible, provides a consistent heat source that can also help dry out nearby wet wood, allowing it to catch fire eventually.
Create airflow
One of the most critical elements in braaiing is airflow. Wet wood struggles to burn because it requires more heat to evaporate the moisture. To speed things up, try stacking your wood in a way that allows air to flow between the logs. The extra oxygen will fan the flames, giving them a better chance of surviving and spreading.
Pro tip: Consider placing some kindling (small dry sticks or paper) between the pieces of wet wood to help get the fire going quicker.
Patience is key
When dealing with wet wood, patience is essential. Wet wood will take longer to dry out and catch properly. Keep an eye on the fire, and be prepared to occasionally shift your wood and charcoal to keep things burning evenly.
Avoid rushing the process by overloading the braai with too much wood at once. Let the fire build slowly and gradually for the best results.
ALSO SEE: No firelighters? No problem! Use these alternatives to get the braai going
No firelighters? No problem! Use these alternatives to get the braai going
Written by Bianca Muller.
Feature image: Pexels
