What Is Charcoal?
When you think of charcoal, you probably think of the soft black substance that you can use to light a fire. But what exactly is charcoal?
Charcoal is a form of wood that has been burned in an oxygen-free environment.
This process removes all moisture from the wood and leaves behind carbonized lignin (a substance found in plants) along with other organic materials like cellulose and hemicellulose.
When these elements are heated at high temperatures, they become charred or oxidized and turn into carbon dioxide gas while leaving behind pure carbon residue on your grill or campfire pit.
The Benefits of Charcoal
Charcoal is a great addition to your home. It can be used for cooking, purifying air and water filtration.
How Long Does Charcoal Last?
Charcoal is a natural substance that has been used for hundreds of years. It’s made from wood and can be used as a filter or purifier, depending on its application.
Charcoal lasts longer when stored in cool, dry conditions away from direct sunlight.
The best place to store charcoal is in an airtight container like a plastic bag or jar with an oxygen absorber (a packet containing iron powder).
If you plan on using your charcoal within six months, storing it in this way will ensure that it lasts longer than if you just leave it out on the shelf at room temperature where heat and humidity can cause mold growth and spoilage over time.
How to Tell When Charcoal Is Bad
There are a few signs to look for. If the charcoal is hard and brittle, it’s likely expired. You should also check for mold or discoloration on the surface of your charcoal briquettes.
If there’s an unpleasant odor coming from them, throw them out immediately!
Lastly, if you notice any changes in taste or smell when cooking with your old briquettes like bitter flavors or chemical smells it may be time to get new ones instead of relying on these expired ones anymore.
How to Dispose of Charcoal
- Composting: This is the best way to dispose of your charcoal, as it will break down into nutrient-rich soil. If you are composting at home, simply place the used charcoal in with your organic waste and let nature do its thing!
- Burning: Burning your charcoal will create ash that can be disposed of in a landfill or trash can. Be aware that burning creates smoke pollution, so make sure to do this outdoors (and away from windows) if possible.
- Throwing Away: If you don’t want to use or compost your used charcoals, simply throw them away with regular household garbage but keep them separate from other materials such as food scraps or plastics so they don’t contaminate those items during disposal!
Charcoal Alternatives
Charcoal is a great alternative to wood, gas and electric grills. If you’re looking for an even cleaner option than charcoal, solar grills are also available.
Solar grills use the sun’s heat to cook food without adding any chemicals or pollutants into the air.
The Bottom Line
Charcoal is a great option for many uses, but it doesn’t last forever.
If you need to know how long your charcoal will last, it’s important to consider how you will be using the product and what type of charcoal you have purchased.
If you are using your charcoal for cooking or grilling purposes, then it can last anywhere from one month up until several years depending on how often you use it and what kind of food items are being cooked over the coals.
If this is the case with your application of choice then we recommend storing them in an airtight container out of direct sunlight so they stay fresh longer!
FAQs
How long does charcoal last in storage?
The shelf life of charcoal is dependent on the quality of the product. If you’ve purchased a good brand, it will probably be good for at least a few years if not longer.
What are signs that my charcoal has gone bad or expired?
You’ll know when your briquettes have gone bad if they are discolored or cracked, have an unpleasant odor (like ammonia), and/or won’t light up when you try to use them these are all signs that they’re no longer usable and should be disposed of immediately!
Best Charcoal Brands
- Kingsford
- Royal Oak
- Cowboy
Conclusion
Charcoal is a great option for many applications, but it won’t last forever. If you want to keep your charcoal fresh and ready to use, follow these steps:
- Store it in an airtight container
- Keep the lid on tight when not in use
- Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight