When the sun goes down and the atmosphere is filled with the smell of grilled foods, there is nothing quite like that old familiar barbecue. But have you ever given a thought to what burns those fires? Conventional charcoal is a long-time crowd favorite when it comes to dealing with outdoor meals but it also carries with it an environmental baggage. Cue the natural BBQ charcoal: greener, cleaner, and better than not only the Mother Earth, but also your grilling ability if we are to be perfectly honest. You might also fall in love with tasty flavors and environmentally friendly pursuits, so it is time you tested this eco-friendly treat that is raising some frenzy in your backyard. So, what are the reasons why natural BBQ charcoal can become your new best friend at the grill?
The Environmental Impact of Traditional Charcoal
Sometimes the forests are clear-cut in order to have a traditional production of charcoal. This habit contributes to loss of habitats and the local eco systems. De-forestation removal also lets free the stored carbon dioxide further spurring the effects of climate change.
In addition to that, conventional production of charcoal releases toxic fumes into the atmosphere. This emission adds to the formation of smog and is capable of causing problems in the breathing of people in the surrounding areas.
Conventional charcoal burning is associated with a lot of particulate matters that cause negative effects to the environment, as well as the health of human beings.
Water bodies may also experience the brunt of this because in carrying out the production of charcoal, run offs may contain toxic materials that may affect life in the water.
Shifting to more sustainable alternatives is the only way to decrease those harmful effects on our planet and its citizens.
Benefits of Clean-Burning Natural BBQ Charcoal
A wide variety of benefits can be procured by using natural bbq charcoal that is clean-burning. To begin with, it does not emit a lot of smoke as those that are traditional. It will translate to cleaner air as well as more fun in grilling.
The other major strength is that it has a low content of hazardous compounds. Most common charcoals give out toxins when burned down where as the natural types consist of organic compound made without additives. This eases safer cooking.
Another advantage would be flavor enhancement. This clean-burning charcoal gives your grilled foods the rich smoky flavor depth to enhance them without overwhelming your grilled meats with the industrial tastes of harsh chemicals.
It can also be sustainably produced. Lots of brands concentrate on the business of being sustainable, so making sure that the process of the manufacture contributes to the reforestation or it uses the agricultural waste of products.
Better burning ability and heating retention can also be achieved when using this kind of charcoal, you can make your favorites on the grill fast and save time making the pile last longer thus minimizing chances of constant charcoal top up needs.
How to Choose the Best Natural BBQ Charcoal
There are small factors to consider when selecting the most excellent natural BBQ charcoal. Begin by seeking a brand of charcoal at least considered hardwood charcoal. This will give you the assurance that the product is not filler or chemical free.
Look out for certifications that are organic like the USDA Organic or any other eco-friendly product. Such assurances may show sustainable issuance.
Then measure the dimensions of the pieces of charcoal in terms of size and shape. The larger chunks are likely to light up with slower pace but they last longer on burn times and the smaller ones light up quickly whereas they might need more replenishment.
Take some notice over packaging too. Good brands have high-quality brands that are mostly made out of biodegradable materials rather than using plastic that can add detrimental substances to your food.
Do not forget to read reviews of the customers. The reality may help you get a decent decision that suits you perfectly in terms of grilling.
Tips for Using Natural BBQ Charcoal for Grilling
To ensure you use the most of natural BBQ charcoal, the thing to start with is lighting. An efficient and even-burn can be achieved with the use of a chimney starter. This does not include lighter fluid therefore your food will not have a taste of lighter fluid.
Once started, allow the coals to ash over and then cook. The color should be grayish-white which means that they are ready to be used. It is very important when it comes to that sear on your meats.
In organizing the coals, it is advisable to prepare zones direct heat which is good to sear and indirect heat to slow cooking. It is a way that will enable you to have more control over temperatures when grilling.
Pay attention to the flow of air, too; some open vents and close them can help regulate the sudden increase or decrease of the temperature during the preparation of food.
It is good to have some spare charcoal ready nearby, just in case you need additional pieces in the middle of the cooking process. Better to be safe than sorry and have undercooked those scrumptious ribs.
Alternative Uses for Natural BBQ Charcoal
Natural BBQ charcoal may be used when grilling all your tasty beef and various veggies but it can also be used in many different ways that would help out your house and your garden. It can be used as an air purifier. Activated natural charcoal has the ability to absorb odors and toxins associated with the air and thus would be a great addition to any room.
You may also use natural BBQ charcoal on your garden. Putting it in smaller lumps results in a perfect soil amendment, where drainage is increased as well as kept wet. This can be used to aid healthier plants because essential nutrients are availed to plants.
In addition, to dehumidify the house, in case when you keep pets at home, you can use natural BBQ charcoal as a dehumidifier. To keep the humidity in check, it is possible to place bowls shaped in the form of small bowls around the living areas, which will minimize mold growth.
Burned pieces are another innovative use, as you can create DIY artworks (or even jewelry) with them. The handcraft makes it have a special texture and it is made so that unique things can be created.
That way it can be used in many ways other than cooking, it is beyond a doubt that natural BBQ charcoal should find a home in every household toolset therefore this environmentally stable option can be efficiently used and is sustainable as well.