The summer grilling season is still hot, and it’s time to think about what charcoal you’re using. For many people, the brand or style of charcoal you use is a no-brainer, but there’s nothing wrong with wanted to try a new, unique smokey flavor. As the number one Worcester deli, D’Errico’s Market is here to help you create the best backyard meals!
The process of making charcoal has been around for thousands of years! Due to the nature of how charcoal burns, it’s been used by blacksmiths in smelters and blast furnaces. But why is that? Well, it all comes back to what charcoal is and how it burns. A good quality piece of charcoal will be nearly pure carbon. So, all excess compounds such as water, hydrogen, or methane have been burned off.
Once all of these impurities have been burned away, only black lumps and powdery carbon are left behind. The good stuff! Although what’s left is only about 25 percent of the original piece of wood, the burning power, and energy output are far more potent than standard raw wood burning. Nowadays, you’ll commonly find two forms of charcoal in stores: lump charcoal and charcoal briquettes.
Lump Charcoal Of the two types of charcoal, each come with their advantages and disadvantages. Lump charcoal is a natural, unprocessed form of charcoal made from pure wood. You won’t have to worry about binders, or accelerants, making their way into the food you’re cooking. Therefore, lump charcoal is going to burn hot and clean. Although, due to the natural form, lump charcoal does tend to burn unevenly and quickly. You’ll find yourself refueling approximately every half hour.
Charcoal Briquettes When most people think charcoal, they’re imaging briquettes. These traditional charcoal briquettes are designed to burn even and maintain a steady hot temperature. But there’s a catch with this. The way manufacturers manage this is through fillers and accelerants added into each nugget. For example, you’ll find sawdust, borax, coal, and petroleum-based fillers for an easy burn. If you want to avoid that acrid taste in your food, it’s best to avoid charcoal briquettes and opt for lump charcoal instead.
Nobody knows meat like D’Errico’s. We have everything you need for the freshest meal, every time. Stop by our location at 141 E Central St, in Worcester, MA.
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