Coconut shell charcoal briquette is an alternative to original charcoal. The demand for this charcoal is due to the number of people who are becoming more aware of their environment and looking for a product that doesn’t cause environmental issues.
As the name indicates, coconut charcoal is made from the shells of this fruit that is no longer used. It is different from original charcoal, which in most cases comes from chopping down the tree for this very purpose.
Sustainability is the main reason why some people opt for the coconut charcoal type. But what exactly makes these two different from each other? Get to know more about both types from the origin, and then move to the comparison side.
Understanding Original Charcoal and Coconut Shell Charcoal Briquette
A short history of these two charcoals:
Original Wood Charcoal
Original charcoal, traditionally made from wood, has a long history dating back to ancient times. Wood was turned into charcoal by burning it up, and the result is a black and energy-rich material.
Charcoal, with its excellent heat output, is the main choice for cooking and industrial purposes. But on the other hand, original charcoal production was closely associated with deforestation, which raised environmental concerns, pushing people to search for something more sustainable.
Coconut Shell Charcoal as an Eco-Friendly Alternative
This is where coconut charcoal comes from. This charcoal is considered a much better option than the one made from wood. The main material for this charcoal was basically waste, more specifically, unused coconut shells that are usually thrown away.
These shells changed into charcoal after passing through the carbonization process. After that, the material was compressed into different shapes called briquettes. The final result is a better and more sustainable fuel source.
A Comparison Analysis Between Original vs. Coconut Shell Charcoal
These two charcoal types have many differences to compare:
1. Heat Output
The one made from coconut shell has proven to give out consistent heat output. While the heat output from original wood charcoal may vary from one another based on the wood type, this makes it less consistent.
2. Sustainability
The main material of coconut charcoal is waste from a coconut company, which means it is more environmentally friendly. On the other hand, original wood charcoal is made from chopping down the tree. In the long term, it could lead to deforestation, which means it is not sustainable.
3. Burning Time
When it comes to how long the charcoal may last when it is burned, charcoal from coconut shells shows its ability to burn longer than its counterpart.
4. Ash Residue
The same characteristic that makes coconut charcoal able to burn longer—the low moisture content and high density—also makes it produce less residue, which makes it so much easier to clean.
5. Smoke Production
Coconut shell charcoal briquette are known for their smokeless emissions, which contribute to cleaner air quality. In this matter, it becomes a winner over its counterpart, who tends to cough up lots of smoke.
6. Flavor Infusion
The one made from coconut shells is known to produce less or no smoke. The mild smoke affects the taste of the grilled dishes subtly, which enhances the dining experience. Charcoal from wood may contribute differently with its robust smoke flavor based on the wood type.
Conclusion
The ongoing comparison between original charcoal and charcoal made from coconut shells is highly debated. Both options offer their benefits and drawbacks.
At the end of the day, the choice will depend on individual preferences, budget considerations, and environmental priorities. As people become increasingly conscious of sustainability issues, the demand for sustainable products like coconut shell charcoal briquette is going to keep up, just like the trend has been showing for the last couple of years.