Binchō-tan

Binchō-tan or white charcoal is a traditional charcoal of Japan. It dates to the Edo period, when during the era, a craftsman named Bitchū-ya Chōzaemon began to produce it in Tanabe, Wakayama. The raw material is oak, specifically ubame oak, now the official tree of Wakayama Prefecture. Wakayama continues to be a major producer of high-quality charcoal, with the town of Minabe, Wakayama producing more binchō-tan than any other town in Japan. The fineness and high quality of binchō-tan are attributed to steaming at high temperatures. Although it is often thought that binchō-tan burns hot, it actually burns at a lower temperature than ordinary charcoal but for a longer period of time. It does not release smoke or other unpleasant flavors. From Wikipedia.

Comments

[Chadzilla]

This is ironic because my wife had found some sites in Chinese that discuss this very item. What we found even more interesting than the 'heating' capabilities was the fact that it is ground up and used in a special noodle dish.
I've been wanting to order some online, and your post has just peaked my interest even further.
If you search 'white charcoal noodles' in English, you will pull up several links to this dish. What could the flavor be like?

[DDS San Antonio]

This is the first time I've heard of this. I always thought it was just a name of an anime character that my daughter watches. It is interesting to know that it doesn't produce smoke...

[Brian]

White charcoal is 95% pure carbon compared to about 65% carbon in lump charcoal. It doesn't produce smoke because of this, making it ideal for the crazy idea of grilling indoors. The heat produced from binchō-tan can reach up to 1800°F. Its an item that is heavy and when hit together makes the sound of metal hitting metal.

[john_v_phipps]

I live in the upper left hand corner of the USA map. Any idea where I can source Binchō-tan?

[buy viagra]

The raw material is oak, specifically ubame oak, now the official tree of Wakayama Prefecture.

[Vardenafil]

Wow, nice post,there are many person searching about that now they will find enough resources by your post.Thank you for sharing to us.Please one more post about that..