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Outdoor chefs all over the UK have been turning their backs on the traditional barbecue, and not only because of the rain that has blighted most of the summer. Sales of gas barbecues are up by almost 50 percent, say local DIY store managers, and part of this is because we can't stand the misery of coaxing charcoal to light. It may not be necessary to go to this expense to achieve a barbecue that cooks food in under four hours. According to the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, those half-cooked sausages may be the result of us using the wrong kind of charcoal. Charcoal-maker Norman Matthews, who works under contract to the Trust in some of its woodland nature reserves, and makes charcoal from some of the wood left behind after trees have been coppiced, says that much of the charcoal used in the UK comes from sources in the tropics: "While the traditional English method of making charcoal allows the coals to cool down for around 18 hours and ensures that it is fully carbonised, some tropical charcoal may be doused with water to save time, leaving it incompletely carbonised and with a higher water content", says Norman, adding that it is the characteristic honeycomb structure of properly carbonised charcoal that enables it to light quickly and give off lots of heat. The consequence of using some foreign charcoals, whose carbon content may be only 50 percent compared to the 90 percent of good, locally-produced charcoal, may be a barbecue that never achieves that "white hot" effect so necessary to delicious outdoor cooking, but remains a sad, smouldering heap. Charcoal made from the products of English woodlands should light almost immediately and start giving off heat straight away. It is also better for the environment, which explains the Trust's interest in encouraging it. Selling charcoal from English woodlands helps provide funds for woodland management programmes, as well as cutting down on transportation costs and supporting local businesses. Barbecuing with charcoal produced from managed English woodlands is good for wildlife. The charcoal comes from trees that have been cut or "coppiced", which not only strengthens the tree but also allows sunlight onto the forest floor. Seeds which have been lying dormant can then germinate, allowing a carpet of wild flowers such as bluebells, anemones and celandines which in turn attract butterflies to the wood. English lumpwood charcoal can be bought from some major DIY stores and from smaller local suppliers. For further information on outlets and on environmentally-friendly barbecuing in general, contact the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust on (01380) 725670. FOR GENERAL PRESS ENQUIRIES,
CONTACT SHARON CHARITY, PRESS OFFICER |
