Hickory trees are deciduous hardwoods native to the eastern half of america. At least 20 species have adapted to the southern, northern and central climates of this region. Hickory wood is identifying for its cream-colored sapwood that contrasts with the tan to brownish or dark-red heartwood and has recently grown in popularity.
Tool Handles
Hickory has long been used as handles for axes, shovels and other long-handled tools. The straight, compact grain and hard wood stands up to stress under use. The wooden handles will bend slightly without breaking, making the tool easier to use for the person wielding it. For example, a hickory axe handle absorbs some of the shock as the axe head strikes on the wood, imparting less of the effect to the worker’s arms and hands.
Furniture Flooring and Cabinets
Because of the sharply contrasting wood colours, hickory wasn’t widely used for furniture, cabinets or flooring. It has changed, particularly since the late 1990s and beyond. Hickory floors, furniture and cabinets add a rustic touch to cottages and houses. Producers and woodworkers specify timber pieces that show the contrasting sapwood and hardwood on each side of the planks for the exceptional appearance of the wood. The demand for hickory as a species for woodworking continues to rise among large and small commercial operations.
Firewood and Seasoning
Though hickory enjoyed broad acceptance as a tool manage, the wood was used mainly as firewood. Later, the distinctive and pleasant odor of the smoke has been used to cure meats such as bacon, ham and sometimes fish. Massive producers now use other procedures and artificial flavorings to cure meats, but small, conventional meat providers and individuals still use hickory wood to impart its own distinctive flavor on meat products during the smoking procedure. Hickory chips for barbecue grills are located in many shops.
Nuts
Hickory trees produce nuts which, depending on the species, range in flavor from bitter to sweet and dry to oily. A thick, woody husk encircles a hard casing, which holds the kernel inside. The husks are dried and split open to reach the shell indoors, then the casing is cracked open and the kernel is expressed. Hickory trees are linked to pecans and the blossoms are similar in shape and size. The nuts are consumed raw, toasted or added to baked products.