Is Oak open or closed grain?
Chef's answer
Open Grain hardwoods, such as elm, oak, and ash are "ring-porous" species. These species have distinct figure and grain patterns. Close Grain hardwoods, such as cherry, maple, birch, and yellow poplar, are "diffuse-porous" species..
Frequently asked Questions 🎓
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The grain is how the strands of muscle run through the meat. It's like a long series of rubber bands, and you'll see the lines in the meat. Check for the grain in 2 directions with a whole brisket. When the brisket is whole, the grain will run in different directions on the flat and point cut..
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Ripsaws are used for cutting wood with the grain, crosscut saws for cutting across the grain. The main difference between the saws is in the way the teeth are ground..
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If you do cut with the grain of the steak, you will often find the meat more gamey and tougher to chew. The reason? It is because the long muscle fibers remain intact and haven't been cut. Cutting against the grain breaks up the muscle fibers making the steak much more tender.
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Open Grain hardwoods, such as elm, oak, and ash are "ring-porous" species. These species have distinct figure and grain patterns. Close Grain hardwoods, such as cherry, maple, birch, and yellow poplar, are "diffuse-porous" species..
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Description. Almost every recipe states to "cut steak across the grain" when preparing or serving. The grain of the steak is referring to the muscle fibers within the piece of meat. Making these fibers shorter, by cutting across or against the grain, makes the meat more tender..
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Look for the lines of visible muscles fibers on the meat as this is the "grain" of the meat. Always sliced corned beef against the grain instead of slicing with it. Cutting through the muscle fibers shortens them and makes each piece easier to chew.
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ripsawThe ripsaw is only used to cut wood in the same direction as the grain. The ripsaw makes a very rough and ragged cut when used to cut across the grain. The crosscut saw is a better all-purpose saw since you can cut with or against the grain..
A few more cooking questions 📍