A Brief History of Fatwood

December 29, 2012

20121229-085201.jpg We have been using fatwood as a fire starter, along with newspaper for many years. A few years ago I started bundling up small parcels of it and we would give it with a Christmas gift. Just this year, we started selling the packages at the shops. Fatwood, also know as lighter wood, is derived from the heartwood of pine trees. The resin impregnated heartwood becomes hard and rot-resistant. The stump left in the ground after a tree has been cut or fallen is the perfect source for fatwood. Fatwood use began in prehistoric times. In 1648 a company was formed in Sweden to sell the resin rich heartwood. Fatwood is prized for use as kindling, as it lights quickly even when wet, is wind resistant, and burns hot enough to light larger pieces of wood. Bottom line, the stuff is awesome. I think it looks pretty cool too, massed together or loading up a pail at the ready with other fire starting supplies.

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