Oga Binchotan Charcoal is a type of charcoal that comes from Akita Prefecture in northern Japan. It is made of oak from the Asian holm oak, just like the more famous Kishu Binchotan from Wakayama prefecture.
However, what makes Oga Binchotan unique is the way it is produced. Unlike the traditional method of slowly burning the wood under limited oxygen to make Binchotan, Oga Binchotan is produced using an advanced technology known as "high-performance carbonization". The wood is heated under high pressure, creating a charcoal with a high density and purity.
Why Oga Binchotan Charcoal is so suitable for the Konro Grill:
Oga Binchotan has a very dense structure and is rich in carbon, which allows it to retain heat for a long time without producing much smoke or ash. It is prized by professional chefs and barbecue enthusiasts for its high quality and ability to enhance the flavor of food without adding any unwanted odor or taste. However, Oga Binchotan is relatively rare and more expensive than some other types of charcoal.
Oga Binchotan Charcoal is ideally suited for itkonro grilling because it has a number of features that make grilling on this traditional Japanese charcoal grill special.
Firstly, Oga Binchotan has a very dense structure and contains a high carbon content, which means that it can retain heat for a long time and evenly without producing much smoke or ash. This is important for konro grilling where the heat is often applied directly to the food and avoiding large amounts of smoke and ash is important so as not to interfere with the flavor of the food.
In addition, Oga Binchotan does not produce any unwanted smell or taste, which is important when grilling food on the konro. This allows the food to retain the flavors and the natural aromas of the ingredients are enhanced.
Oga Binchotan is also a sustainable charcoal that lasts a long time and produces less waste than some other types of charcoal. This is important for konro grilling, where the charcoal is often used for a longer period of time.
These properties make Oga Binchotan Charcoal a popular choice among professional chefs and lovers of konro grilling.