About Bamboo Charcoal

Bamboo Charcoal – How good it is?

 In general, charcoal that is widely used across the world can be broadly categorized into different types that include lump wood charcoal briquettes and extruded coal. One more alternative is bamboo charcoal. This coal is obtained from bamboo wood derived from bamboo plants that are more than five years old. These bamboo pieces are burned inside an oven at temperatures more than 800° C resulting in the formation of coal. Apart from providing better utilization of bamboo wood, bamboo charcoal is an environmentally beneficial material that helps in reducing the residual pollutants present in water and air.

The usage of bamboo charcoal had been in vogue since ancient times. As per the available documents, this type of coal was used in China as early as in 1486 AD during the Ming Dynasty. There are also records that suggest the usage of this coal in the Qing Dynasty too. At present, bamboo charcoal is widely used in China and Japan as a fuel source for cooking and drying tea.

There are several benefits of using a bamboo charcoal. The extraordinary microstructure of this coal enables it to act as a humidifier, deodorizer, and also can increase the taste of food and water. Some of the applications that can be considered as specific for bamboo coal are listed below.

• When compared to normal coal, bamboo charcoal has an absorption capacity and adsorption rate that is almost four times greater. Due to this reason, bamboo charcoal is used as adsorb minerals such as chlorine and other toxic compounds present in the water, thereby functioning as a water purification system and improving the quality of water.
• It also acts as a natural antibacterial and antifungal agent.
• If used when cooking rice, this variety of coal enhances the overall taste as it releases calcium and other minerals into the water.
• One can improve the taste of fried foods and make them crispy by submerging coal made out of bamboo in oil. Also, bamboo charcoal doesn’t allow foods to become oily.
• Bamboo charcoal is a very porous material that is useful in cleaning and ionizing the atmosphere. It is also equally effective in shielding homes from harmful electromagnetic and infrared radiations.
• Bamboo charcoal acts as a deodorizing agent when placed inside a refrigerator. Also, it helps vegetables and fruits retain their freshness by absorbing the harmful ethylene gas.
• If used in aquariums, charcoal releases natural minerals into the water thereby ensuring healthy growth of plants and animals. It also purifies water and exterminates vermin.
• One can eliminate the smell of cigarette from the inside of a car by placing bamboo charcoal.
• Bamboo charcoal acts as a dehumidifier and removes moisture and molds that can produce unpleasant odor. It keeps shoes and clothes dry and comfortable during rainy seasons. Also, it adjusts the humidity in the air.
• This coal also has an insecticidal activity. Due to this reason, Japanese use these coals inside the households so as to avoid pests and other insects.
• By mixing this coal in water, one can enjoy the privilege of an alkaline bath by just sitting at home. Minerals released by bamboo coal get melted in the water and make the skin smooth and refreshing. Also, the flame released by burning bamboo coal provides an invisible infrared ray effect that can generate warmth in the body, ensures better blood circulation and eases lumbago and stiff shoulder.
• Bamboo charcoal vinegar produced during the process of making charcoal is used for various purposes such as in the manufacturing of cosmetics, insecticides, deodorants, food processing and agriculture. It is believed that this liquid contains more than 400 kinds of minerals and other useful elements with exceptional medicinal properties that are useful for improving skin texture and ensuring better health.