Description
Aromatic combustion of dried herbs creates complex phenolic compounds that adhere to food surfaces.
Technical
Pyrolysis of terpenes (e.g., thymol, carvacrol) and phenylpropanoids generates volatile aromatics through thermal decomposition of plant cell walls at 150-300°C.
Culinary Significance
Imparts delicate floral-herbal notes without the heaviness of wood smoke, ideal for quick-smoking delicate proteins and vegetables.
Science
Primary Reaction
Thermal decomposition of essential oils
Parameters
Temperature
210°C optimal
160°C to 280°C range
Time
8-12 minutes
2 minutes – 45 minutes
Equipment
Perforated smoking trayTea smoker attachmentsCold smoke generator with herb chamber