Whether you are hosting a braai or trying to ensure that your home is toasty for the winter, Namibian Kameeldoring ticks all the boxes for a firewood that burns for long periods of time and at high temperatures.
What is Kameeldoring?
Vachellia erioloba, also known as Acacia Erioloba, Camel Thorn (or Kameeldoring in Afrikaans), or Giraffe Thorn, is a tree that naturally grows in deep, dry, sandy soils found in parts of South Africa, western Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. Decorated with bright, sweet smelling, yellow puff flowers, these thorny trees attract giraffes and camels, who with their specially adapted, long tongues are able to reach past the thorns (which can reach up to 6omm long!) and enjoy the juicy leaves the tree has to offer. This gives Kameeldorings their name. Kameeldoring trees can grow up to 16 metres high and are immensely dense and strong, making them hardy in drought conditions and quite frost-resistant. The extreme temperatures of African desert climates result in the wood containing only 0-1% moisture, compared to other types of local wood, where the moisture content ranges between 20 and 30%. The wood is one of the most-loved in southern Africa and when roasted, the seeds of a Kameeldoring tree can be used as a substitute for coffee. Due to clearing for building and infrastructure overtime, alongside uncontrolled harvesting, the species is currently under protection. For this reason, only dead trees and fallen branches may be collected. Harvesters are required to carry permits at all times, to be shown on request.
Best uses of Kameeldoring
With its long-lasting heat and appetising aroma, Kameeldoring makes for the perfect braai wood, especially when catering for a large number of people, where more food needs to be cooked. It is also ideal for cooking potjiekos, which requires consistent, steady heat for extended periods of time. This is important to allow all the flavours in the pot to properly stew and infuse the meat. The flavour Kameeldoring offers makes its wood chips great for grilling and smoking food. Kameeldoring may be used in fire pits, closed-combustion (or chiminea) stoves as well as glass-fronted fireplaces to keep a room warm and cosy. Important to note, is that Kameeldoring can safely be used in combination with other firewood types in glass-fronted fireplaces. The heat of Kameeldoring on its own may bend the mild metal units but will be safe in cast iron units. Try combining it with Blue Gum or Black Wattle to get the warmth you are looking for, without damaging your fireplace.
How long does it take to produce coals?
Due to the low moisture content and density of Kameeldoring, no energy is wasted in burning off any excess moisture. The wood produces a large number of coals after about an hour of lighting.
How long do coals last?
The coals produced are extremely hot, maintaining a high and consistent temperature. Coals can last for hours after being formed.
What fragrance does Kameeldoring release?
This Namibian hardwood is known and loved for releasing a natural musky fragrance and producing minimal smoke due to the low sap and residue content. Braai meat is infused with a great tasting smoky flavour that will have your guests asking for seconds.
Kameeldoring for sale in Cape Town
Although typically a bit more expensive than other types of wood, the extra value it gives makes up for it, considering the quality cooking potential and long-lasting heat production this wood has to offer. At The Firewood Company, we offer bagged Kameeldoring firewood anywhere from one bag up to large, bulk orders of 40+ bags. We include a wide range of delivery areas throughout the Western Cape, to ensure utmost convenience.