Meet the beech
© Design Pics/Radius Images/ Alamy Stock Photo
Often growing up to 100 feet tall, beech trees have plenty of surface area for the sun to set alight. That's not the only way they can take on a fiery glow: Here in Germany, beech is considered one of the best sources of firewood. Smoke from its long-burning, gentle flames is the secret that flavors many German smoked beers, meats, and cheeses. So if you enjoy the local charcuterie's toasty notes, why not also visit a beech forest like this for a quick thanks?