See the Speciality wood section for more information on flavoring of specific types of wood. Years ago, charcoal was prepared by placing pieces of wood piled on end in rows in a shape like a cone. This pile was then covered with dirt or moist ashes with holes left in the top for a chimney and at the bottom for air to enter. The wood was then allowed to burn very slowly. When completely burned, the holes were then covered and the pile of wood was allowed to cool.
Charcoal consists primarily of amorphous carbon and ash.
This carbon consists of tiny, irregularly arranged particles of graphite, which is almost pure carbon. It also has some other impurities consisting of sulfur and hydrogen compounds. It is partially burned or charred wood thus the name charcoal. Charcoal consists of carbon full of porous, or many tiny holes, which assist in complete and thorough burning of the substance. Charcoal consists of wood which has been heated to high temperatures in ovens while restricting the available amount of air.