Saturday, November 15, 2008

Pinot Noir charcoal


Pinot Noir grapevine charcoal

I have experimented with making my own charcoal in the past, but haven't had a chance to produce more since. However, some fall burnoffs provided an opportunity to put the trimmings I'd taken from a Pinot Noir grapevine into a tin and let them carbonize to their heart's content.

The results are a medium to soft charcoal that works like a dream. The previous charcoal was made from willow and had a shorter burn time so is a harder charcoal. Burn times are still being experimented with through different fires.

I've decided to share my secret stash with the world and a couple of packages initially are up for sale on Etsy. If they sell well, I'll look at a larger production of charcoal. I have a continuous, well nearly continuous, supply of grapevines in the greenhouse and about 20 willow trees line the back of the house, so I don't think I'll run out of materials for awhile...

4 comments:

Anita said...

HOw amazing to make your own charcoal and that it came out so successfully!

Jeanette Jobson said...

It works very well Anita. I have a lifetime supply of charcoal on my doorstep it seems.

A Colorful World said...

I would never have thought of making my own....I think it's great you are offering this up for sale!
Marie

Gesa said...

Jeanette, I like the idea of the charcoal. I think this has sorted by xmas presents for stressed friends. Can I buy three lots? I'll check again on Etsy, but there's only one lot for sale at the moment, right?