The secrets of Binchotan

binchotan-fabrique-tanabe

The magic of Binchotan

Binchotan comes from the region of Kishu in Japan.

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binchotan-fabrique-tanabe

Bincho-Kama

Traditional kiln
The quality of the charcoal also depends on the quality of the kiln making, the circulation of the air, the nature of the clay covering the inside surfaces.

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The force of carbonisation

Binchotan is the result of the slow burning of ubamegashi wood (Holm oak), over two weeks, slowly reaching temperatures of up to 1300°C. The wood, by then 94% carbon, is plunged into a mixture of ashes, sand and soil, giving it a whitish colouras it cools rapidity, hence the name ‘white charcoal’.

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Sumi-shi

Coalmakers craftsman of Kishu