Bark color question
- Gizmo
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Bark color question
So I've got a rub I really like but the bark it produces doesn't have the customary mahogany color - in fact it's downright non-existant.
Any suggestions of what to add to the rub to get there?
Paprika?
Chili powder?
Oregano?
Any suggestions of what to add to the rub to get there?
Paprika?
Chili powder?
Oregano?
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Re: Bark color question
Love? Tenderness? Care? 

If you can't fix it by sheer force or cursing......then it can't be fixed.....
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- SoloQue
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Re: Bark color question
I use Paprika in all my current rubs. Do you use a wet base under your rub? Again here I almost always use some mixture of mustard painted on before adding the rub. Just offering up what I do and I do get a nice bark but I really can't give you a def answer as to why. Now that is kinda disturbing when I think about it. 

If it can't be smoked .... try frying it. It that don't work, it's probably best just left alone
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Re: Bark color question
Thanks Solo. I have used mustard and I like it. I don't always have it handy so I frequently just use Pam as a binder. I was thinking maybe the cheapest house brand generic Paprika that wouldn't effect the flavor as much but still add color? 

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Re: Bark color question
Rick, are you trying to any meat in particular you are having this trouble with? on pork I have found a lighter coating of rub at the beginning and a second coat during wrap gives me a nice red color.
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- Gizmo
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Re: Bark color question
Actually it was more on brisket than anything. My pork rub has a decent color - never thought about a second coat when wrapping...
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- SmokinFF
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Re: Bark color question
In the rub I mix up, paprika does the trick for me. I'm nowhere near the comp thing, but I feel it turns out pretty good.
Just my $.02
Just my $.02

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- Gizmo
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Re: Bark color question
Thanks Smokinff ... I kinda suspected paprika but I'm still learning my way around spices in general ...
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- SmokinFF
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Re: Bark color question
Also add Tea while smokin, the color will look great on anything.
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Re: Bark color question
Just ground tea from a tea bag?
I've got instant around here all the time....
I've got instant around here all the time....

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Re: Bark color question
Brewed tea Rick,
we did the tea thing on ribs here at HQ yesterday... Looked awesome! I must say them were the reddest ribs I have cooked. these had a light coating of blues hog on them.
we did the tea thing on ribs here at HQ yesterday... Looked awesome! I must say them were the reddest ribs I have cooked. these had a light coating of blues hog on them.
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Re: Bark color question
If it's brewed tea then you are brushing it on at the end of the cook?
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- SmokinFF
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Re: Bark color question
Oh, I was unaware you could brush them with tea. I meant drink copious amounts of Nice Tea. 

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Re: Bark color question
Obviously! Large amounts of NICE tea will change the color of most anything .... 

And on the eighth day God created barbecue …. because he DOES love us and he wants us to be happy.
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Re: Bark color question
I poured it in when I wrapped. you gotta rub them also.
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- Rodcrafter
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Re: Bark color question
Rick,
I would say that on brisket, trying to get a red sort of color it would be chili powder more than paprika. My briskets are a darker color with brown and black as the primary 2 colors. But I often use a dark marinate, and just add smoke.
I would say that on brisket, trying to get a red sort of color it would be chili powder more than paprika. My briskets are a darker color with brown and black as the primary 2 colors. But I often use a dark marinate, and just add smoke.
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Re: Bark color question
Im assuming he's referring to spritzing with tea. Yesterday Mike & Frank mopped with tea & the meat came out a awesome color. On brisket I keep my rub pretty basic & let the beef speak for itself. Basically Lawrys Season Salt, Paprika, Chili Powder & heavy on the coarse ground pepper. Bark turns out awesome
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Re: Bark color question
D, all of the above.
I agree on the paprika. I am intrigued by the tea baste, and now I need a snack, with some nice tea to wash it down!
I agree on the paprika. I am intrigued by the tea baste, and now I need a snack, with some nice tea to wash it down!
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- SmokinFF
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Re: Bark color question
Sure, just rub it in. 35 hr no hitter here.
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- Gizmo
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Re: Bark color question
Thanks for all the suggestions guys ... I've got enough now to try a new approach next weekend.... 

And on the eighth day God created barbecue …. because he DOES love us and he wants us to be happy.
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Re: Bark color question
Let us know how it turned out. Tea gave a awesome color on those ribs @ the hq Saturday. I ate leftovers for breakfast...



- Tom_Heath
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Re: Bark color question
There was ribs saterday,,,,, they told me that we ran out.
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Re: Bark color question
Somebody fibbed to you....Smoker Tom wrote:There was ribs saterday,,,,, they told me that we ran out.
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Re: Bark color question
Seems to be a trend in the last couple of posts.



BBQ is just smoke and beers!
Usually more beers than smoke.
Usually more beers than smoke.