Binchotan Japanese White Charcoal Kishu Region (紀州備長炭) 2KG

This item ships to AUSTRALIA ONLY

Binchotan Japanese White Charcoal Kishu Region (紀州備長炭) 2KG, authentic Japanese white charcoal from Kishu (Wakayama). 

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There is Japanese Binchotan, and there is Kishu Binchotan. Kishu is the region where Binchotan was originally made. Japan produces 1800 tons of Binchotan annually, yet only 3% is from Kishu. It is so premium that there is a movement to distinguish Kishu Binchotan from others (from Japan), per Wikipedia.

The quality of Kishu Binchotan is considered superior than other regions and command a hefty premium as well. K&S, through is strong channels, is able to secure a small quantity of Kishu Binchotan for the Australian market. 

This video below shows how the Kishu Binchotan is made. Note that our Kishu Binchotan has the identical packaging as the ones in the video. 

(Kishu Binchotan, K&S stock, Sydney)

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What is Binchotan

Binchotan (備長炭), also known as Japanese white charcoal, is considered the most premium charcoal used for traditional cooking. It is produced using Japanese Ubame oak trees in a special Bincho Klin at around 1000 degrees Celsius, for up to 14 days. A very time-consuming process. 

The resulting charcoal is almost 100% carbon, Binchotan therefore producing very little smoke when burning, and leaving little ash and have a special metallic sound when tapping together. In use a binchotan bed runs at about 800 to 1000 degrees Celsius and holds a steady heat for 3 to 5 hours, against 1 to 1.5 hours for conventional charcoal. The 1200 degree figure sometimes quoted is the kiln temperature at which binchotan is made. Pure (without odour), high heat and long-lasting heat release really brings out the favour of the food, as a result, Binchotan is loved by top Japanese Yakitori restaurants. 

The total production of Binchotan in Japan is about 1800 tons per year. Consumers should pay attention to those non-authentic “Binchotan” produced outside of Japan with timber other than Ubame Oak using non-traditional techniques. Such charcoal cannot produce enough heat and burns out very quickly.

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Note

• Due to its high hardness, it is quite hard to light up the charcoal. It is advised to first light up the charcoal on a gas burner before transferred into the grill.
• Use outdoors or in a well ventilated area
• The charcoal will light up for hours, please make sure the fire is fully extinguished after use. 

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Further reading:

https://journal.rikumo.com/journal/making-of-binchotan-charcoal

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Binch%C5%8Dtan

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/food/japanese-grilling-first-you-must-master-the-binchotan-which-means-mastering-the-heat/2014/05/19/23f9ad34-dacd-11e3-bda1-9b46b2066796_story.html