Physico-Chemical Characterization of Tropical Wood Species for Use and Production of Grilling Planks

Abstract The objective of this research is to evaluate the possibility of use of tropical hardwood species (Amburana cearensis and Cedrella fissilis) for grilling plank production. Physical, chemical and organoleptic properties were evaluated and compared with properties of a well-used wood specie for grilling plank across Europe and USA, Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata). For chemical analysis, three techniques were used: hydro distillation, soxhlet and head space. Normality test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for the comparison between Thuja plicata and tropical hardwoods. The results of organoleptic, chemical and statistical analysis demonstrated the possibility of use of Amburana cearensis and Cedrella fissilis on grilling plank production, with no volatile compound present in these species being toxic, low apparent density and Nerolidol presence, chemical compound used as flavoring agent, enabling their use as grilling planks.