What is in charcoal briquettes?
by 
The Curious Bag
ANSWERS: 1
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Charcoal briquettes consist mainly of two ingredients, char and coal (approximately 90 percent), and small amounts of other ingredients. Although briquette manufacturers will have slight variations in their ingredient lists, the basic materials are common throughout.
Char
The most plentiful ingredient in charcoal briquettes is char. Char is essentially charcoal and comes from hardwoods such as beech, birch, maple, hickory and oak.
Coal
Another predominant ingredient in charcoal briquettes is coal. Coal is added to allow for high temperatures and to sustain the fire. Various types of coal may be used.
Binding Agent
The binding agent in charcoal briquettes is typically a starch such as corn or wheat.
Accelerant
A minimal amount of an accelerant ingredient such as nitrate is added as an ignition aid.
Ash-Whitening Agent
An ingredient such as lime is used to turn the ashes white when the briquettes are extinguished.
Source:
The Virtual Weber Bullet: Charcoal Briquettes
California BBQ Association: Kingsford Brand Charcoal Ingredients
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