Can I use wood from a camphor tree for a barbecue?

Question

I have some dry wood from a camphor tree in my garden. Is the wood suitable for open fire barbecue?

Do you mean the camphor laurel tree? – CMB92 Mar 10 '17 at 15:35 — CMB92, Mar 10 '17 at 15:35
Yes it is a camphor laurel tree. – Louis Vorster Mar 11 '17 at 09:46 — Louis Vorster, Mar 11 '17 at 09:46

score 4 · Answer 1 · answered Mar 10 '17 at 15:39

It seems that the wood is fast burning, which may not be ideal for a barbecue. Additionally, the wood will probably burn smelling of camphor, which could (will) give your food some of that taste.

I can't find anything related to the safety aspect, but several sources say not to eat things with camphor in them, and that breathing it in large doses can be toxic.

I probably wouldn't use it for that purpose.

Can I use wood from a camphor tree for a barbecue?

1 Answers1