WHITE LYCHEE

The Binchotan charcoal is many times quieter than the Marabu. When lit, it gives no smoke, does not splutter and is completely odourless. Another advantage of the this charcoal is that it burns much longer and can achieve a higher temperature than the Marabu. Binchotan has a very pure composition due to its high carbon percentage of no less than 95.9%. This Japanese charcoal is made by hand in a traditional way in Japan, in kilns made of stone and clay. Making Binchotan is a difficult and especially time-consuming job due to the very high Japanese quality requirements. The whole process from collecting wood to packing Binchotan into boxes can take as many as 15 days. The collected wood is first heated in an oven at 200°C for 10 days with minimal oxygen supply. This decomposes the wood and produces an almost pure composition of carbon. Once the wood has decomposed, the temperature is ramped up to 1000°C, increasing the oxygen supply. The final stage begins once the charcoal takes on a red glow. The charcoal is removed from the kiln and rolled in a mixture of ash and sand. This gives the charcoal a white-grey glow and lives up to its name ‘White Binchotan’. You can light this type of charcoal with a gas burner, taking into account a burning time of 15 minutes. But for a really nice fire, you should take into account that you need to fire it for an hour to an hour and a half. To make it burn faster and easier, it is best to first make a soft charcoal bed with Acacia charcoal. Always place the Binchotan on top of this at an angle. White Lychee is a softer wood than the Konia and Maitiew. It gives a nice even heat, allowing you to make the most beautiful dishes with it. Binchotan is excellent for a long evening or afternoon of grilling on your small open barbecue. After the grilling session, the charcoal is easy and good to reuse by putting it out. Quenching can be done in two ways, namely by sealing the Binchotan in a closed Kamado or by quenching the Binchotan in water and letting it dry for a day.

BINCHOTAN CHARCOAL: ULTIMATE CHOICE FOR ALL BARBECUE LOVERS

A true treasure from Japan, Binchotan charcoal has become a household name among barbecue enthusiasts worldwide. Binchotan is suitable for any charcoal bbq and charcoal kamado. However, it is especially recommended to use Binchotan charcoal on a table barbecue/Shichirin. But what makes Binchotan charcoal so special and why is it also called the charcoal? Let's take a closer look at this category of bbq charcoal and discover why it is the perfect choice for unforgettable barbecue experiences.

UNIQUE FEATURES OF BINCHOTAN

Binchotan is known for its unparalleled efficiency and impressive heat. This is due to its remarkably high carbon content, resulting in an almost pure composition. It is also distinguished by its constant temperature, its long burn time, ranging from 3 to 5 hours, and a reuse option of up to 3 hours, depending on the application. These properties make Binchotan a favourite among experienced grillers.

CRAFTSMANSHIP BEHIND BINCHOTAN

Producing Binchotan is an artisanal process that requires skill and dedication. Traditionally, it is made in stone and clay kilns, where the wood is processed over a 15-day period. The process begins with careful stacking of logs in the kiln, using minimal oxygen supply. The wood is slowly heated to around 200°C, giving it a distinctive red glow. After this intensive process, the charcoal is rolled in ash and sand, resulting in the recognisable grey glow, also known as 'Binchotan white'. This artisanal process contributes to Binchotan's unique properties and quality.

DIFFERENT VARIANTS OF BINCHOTAN

Binchotan is available in several variants, each with its own characteristics and applications. From Eucalyptus with an average burn time of 4 hours to Maitew with a burn time of 6 hours, there is something for everyone. These variants are chemical-free, providing a smoke- and flavour-free grilling experience.

ENVIRONMENTAL FRIENDLINESS AND QUALITY

Besides its superior flavour and performance, Binchotan is also environmentally friendly. Made from sawdust, the briquettes are produced without unnecessary additives.

LIGHTING BINCHOTAN

Lighting Binchotan is a simple process that offers several methods, depending on the griller's preference. Whether it is with a gas burner in 15 minutes or by placing it on a bed of softer charcoal, Binchotan can be lit quickly and efficiently. Alternative methods, such as using Quick-Koko grill bricks, make lighting even easier and faster.

Grilling pleasure guaranteed

Binchotan offers high quality for your grilling session. Whether you use table barbecue charcoal, charcoal bbq or charcoal kamado, with Binchotan you are guaranteed the best quality charcoal, delicious dishes and satisfied guests. Once you try it, you won't want to do without this exceptional charcoal.

Frequently asked questions about Binchotan

1. How do you light Binchotan?

Lighting Binchotan requires a little more patience and attention than regular charcoal, due to its density and high carbon content. An effective method is to use a gas burner. Aim the flame directly at the charcoal and hold it for about 15 minutes until the coals start to glow. For faster ignition, you can also use a bed of already burning, softer charcoal such as Acacia. Lay the blocks diagonally over the glowing charcoal bed and give it time to absorb the heat and start glowing, which can take about an hour.

2. Which is better: Binchotan or Marabu?

The choice between Binchotan and Marabu depends on your specific grilling needs. Binchotan, known for its long burn time and high heat without smoke or smell, is ideal for preparing food where a subtle, clean flavour is desired. Marabu, on the other hand, is also a very efficient charcoal but burns faster than Binchotan and can produce more smoke. Binchotan is perfect for dishes requiring delicate handling and smokeless, high heat, while Marabu is suitable for more powerful, robust grilling.

3. What varieties of Binchotan are there?

Binchotan comes in several varieties, each type of charcoal has its unique properties and applications. Some popular varieties are:

• White Lychee: Made from lychee wood, known for its softness and ability to deliver even heat, ideal for prolonged grilling.
• Konia: Known for its extremely long burn time and robustness, perfect for grilling larger cuts of meat over an extended period.
• Maitiew: This variety has a slightly shorter burn time than Konia but offers a very high temperature, excellent for quick grilling of smaller food.

Each variety has its specific advantages and is suitable for different grilling styles and dishes, depending on the needs of the griller. Want to buy Binchotan charcoal? You can do so at BBQ Flavour!