Best Firewood Types For Heating Earth Ovens?

Choosing the Right Firewood

When selecting firewood for your earth oven, it’s essential to choose hardwoods over softwoods. Hardwoods like oak, ash, and beech are ideal for earth oven cooking because they burn slow and hot, producing a consistent temperature. This is crucial for cooking, as it allows for even heating and prevents undercooked or overcooked food. When purchasing firewood, look for logs that are at least 8 inches in diameter and 16 inches in length, as these will burn longer and produce more heat.

Preparing the Firewood

Before using the firewood, make sure it’s properly seasoned. Seasoned firewood is wood that has been allowed to dry for at least six months to a year, which reduces the moisture content and makes it burn more efficiently. To prepare the firewood, split the logs into smaller pieces and store them in a dry, well-ventilated area. This will help the firewood dry faster and burn more consistently.

Building the Fire

To build a fire in your earth oven, start by arranging the firewood in a crisscross pattern on the oven floor. Leave enough space in the center for air to flow and help the fire breathe. Add some tinder, such as dry leaves or small twigs, to the center of the fire and light it with a match or lighter. Once the fire is burning well, add more firewood to the oven, gradually increasing the size of the logs as the fire grows.