The best wood to char is hardwood. The process of charring hardwood creates a durable, natural material that is perfect for a variety of applications. When properly seasoned, it can resist rot and insect infestation. Hardwood also has the ability to absorb and release moisture, making it an excellent choice for use in high-humidity environments.
Historically, the tree used for charring is Japanese Cedar , known as ‘Sugi’ in Japan
Japanese cedar is an evergreen tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. The tree has reddish-brown bark and small, oval leaves. Japanese cedar is native to Japan and China. The tree is often used in the construction of buildings and furniture. Japanese cedar is also used to make paper and charcoal.
Charring wood produces a product called char, which is created when the wood is heated in the absence of oxygen. This process causes the wood to break down into its component parts, including cellulose, lignin, and other organic compounds. The resulting char is a porous material with a high surface area that can be used for a variety of applications, including water filtration, soil amendment, and agricultural mulch.
Charcoal made from Japanese cedar is known as ‘binch otan’ in Japan. Binchotan charcoal has been used for centuries in Japan for cooking and heating homes. The charcoal is said to have many benefits, including the ability to purify water and air, as well as providing a natural source of heat.
Binchotan charcoal is made by slowly burning Japanese cedar at a low temperature in kilns or pits. The resulting charcoal consists mostly of carbon with very little ash content. This type of charcoal burns slowly and evenly, making it ideal for cooking or grilling food. It also produces very little smoke, which makes it suitable for indoor use.
Japanese cedar trees are not the only source of binch otan charcoal. Other trees such as oak, maple, birch, beech, cherry, apple, peach, apricot, plum and persimmon can also be used.
To find the best timber for charring you need to consider the final use of the wood, and the cost you have in mind
When searching for the best wood to char, one should take into account the purpose for which the charcoal will be used. If it is for a specific purpose such as barbecuing, then a hardwood such as hickory or oak would be ideal. If cost is a factor, then any type of wood can be used so long as it burns well.
There are many benefits to using charcoal over other methods of cooking. For instance, charcoal imparts a unique flavor to food that can not be replicated using other methods. Additionally, charcoal cooks food evenly and prevents flare-ups that can often occur when grilling with gas or electricity. Finally, cleanup is typically much easier when cooking with charcoal since there is no need to worry about grease or oil buildup on grill grates or in pans.
While there are many types of woods that can be used for charring purposes, some are better than others. In general, harder woods produce better results since they create more uniform heat and burn more slowly than softer woods. This allows for more consistent results and less chance of burned food. Some of the best woods for charring include hickory, oak, mesquite, and pecan. These all have high densities that make them ideal for creating long-lasting coals that will provide even heat throughout the grilling process.
In addition to taking into account the type of wood being used, it is also important to consider how it will be prepared before cooking with it. For instance, some people soak their wood in water overnight before using it in order to prevent excessive smoke production during the grilling process. Others might opt to use pre-soaked briquettes which have already been treated with chemicals in order to help them light quicker and burn hotter without producing too much smoke
Ideally though, the use of Larch or Cedar is advised
Larch and Cedar are two of the best woods to use for charcoal production. Both species produce high-quality charcoal with a low ash content. Furthermore, they burn hot and slowly, making them ideal for use in grilling and smoking applications.
When choosing a wood for charcoal production, it is important to select a species that is dense and has a high lignin content. Lignin is a natural polymer that helps to bind the cellulose fibers in wood together. This property gives larch and cedar their characteristic strength and durability. In addition, lignin is responsible for producing the signature smoky flavor that makes barbecue so delicious.
While there are many different woods that can be used for charcoal, larch and cedar are undoubtedly two of the best choices available. If you’re looking to produce high-quality charcoal with great burning properties, look no further than these two exceptional species.