Jealous Devil charcoal has carved a name for itself in the grilling and barbecue community, lauded for its exceptional quality, long burn times, and clean flavor. But what exactly goes into making this coveted fuel? The answer lies in carefully selected raw materials and a meticulous manufacturing process. Let’s delve deep into the composition of Jealous Devil charcoal and explore what sets it apart from the competition.
The Foundation: Hardwood Species
At the heart of Jealous Devil charcoal is dense, sustainably sourced hardwood. The specific types of wood used are crucial in determining the charcoal’s characteristics. Unlike some brands that may utilize a blend of hardwoods, Jealous Devil primarily focuses on certain varieties known for their density and flavor profile.
The Importance of Density
The density of the wood directly impacts the charcoal’s performance. Denser woods translate to charcoal that burns hotter, longer, and with a more consistent heat output. This is because denser wood contains more carbon per unit volume. More carbon means more fuel to burn, resulting in a longer-lasting and more intense fire.
Species Selection: Quebracho Blanco and More
Jealous Devil primarily utilizes Quebracho Blanco hardwood. This wood, native to South America, is renowned for its exceptional density and unique flavor characteristics.
Quebracho Blanco is one of the densest hardwoods commercially available. This high density gives Jealous Devil charcoal its characteristic long burn times and ability to maintain consistent temperatures, making it ideal for low and slow cooking as well as searing at high heat. The wood imparts a subtle, slightly smoky flavor to food, enhancing the overall grilling experience without overpowering the natural flavors of the ingredients.
While Quebracho Blanco is the cornerstone, Jealous Devil might also incorporate other carefully selected hardwoods in their blend. These additional woods can contribute complementary flavor notes and enhance the overall performance of the charcoal. Information on these other woods might not be as readily available, as Jealous Devil considers their exact blend a trade secret, protecting their unique formula.
The Manufacturing Process: Turning Wood into Charcoal
Transforming raw hardwood into high-quality charcoal requires a specific process known as pyrolysis. This involves heating the wood in a low-oxygen environment.
The Art of Pyrolysis
Pyrolysis is the thermal decomposition of organic material (in this case, wood) at elevated temperatures in the absence of oxygen. Without oxygen, the wood doesn’t burn in the traditional sense. Instead, the heat causes the volatile compounds (water, methane, hydrogen, and tar) within the wood to break down and escape as gases and smoke. What remains is primarily carbon – the essence of charcoal.
Ensuring Purity: Removing Impurities
A well-controlled pyrolysis process is essential for producing high-quality charcoal. The goal is to remove as many impurities as possible, leaving behind a pure carbon structure. This results in charcoal that burns cleaner, with less smoke and ash. Jealous Devil prides itself on its meticulous manufacturing process, which is designed to minimize impurities and maximize the carbon content of its charcoal. This is a key factor in its performance and contributes to its reputation for producing minimal ash.
The Importance of Kiln Design
The design of the kiln used for pyrolysis plays a significant role in the quality of the final product. Different kiln designs can influence the temperature distribution, airflow, and overall efficiency of the process. Jealous Devil employs specific kiln designs optimized for producing consistent, high-quality charcoal. While the specific details of their kiln design are proprietary, it’s safe to assume they are engineered to ensure uniform heating and efficient removal of volatile compounds.
What Jealous Devil Charcoal is NOT Made Of
It’s equally important to understand what Jealous Devil charcoal isn’t made of. This helps to differentiate it from lower-quality charcoals that may contain undesirable additives.
No Fillers or Binders
One of the key hallmarks of Jealous Devil charcoal is its purity. It does not contain any fillers, binders, or additives. These are often found in cheaper charcoal briquettes, which are made from a mixture of charcoal dust, coal dust, sawdust, and other ingredients held together by binders such as starch or clay. These fillers can produce excessive ash, unpleasant odors, and can negatively impact the flavor of the food. Jealous Devil’s commitment to using only pure hardwood ensures a clean-burning and flavorful grilling experience.
No Chemical Additives
Jealous Devil charcoal is made without the use of any chemical additives. Some charcoal brands use chemicals to accelerate ignition or to control the burn rate. These chemicals can impart undesirable flavors to food and may even be harmful to health. Jealous Devil’s commitment to natural, pure charcoal ensures a safe and delicious grilling experience.
No Softwoods
While some charcoal brands might incorporate softwoods into their blends, Jealous Devil primarily uses dense hardwoods. Softwoods like pine or fir burn faster and produce more smoke and ash than hardwoods. Their use would compromise the long burn times and clean-burning characteristics that Jealous Devil is known for.
The Benefits of Using High-Quality Charcoal
The careful selection of hardwoods and the meticulous manufacturing process contribute to the superior performance and flavor profile of Jealous Devil charcoal.
Consistent Heat and Long Burn Times
The density of the hardwood and the purity of the charcoal result in consistent heat output and exceptionally long burn times. This is crucial for low and slow cooking, where maintaining a stable temperature for extended periods is essential. With Jealous Devil, you can confidently smoke briskets, ribs, or other large cuts of meat without having to constantly adjust the airflow or add more fuel.
Clean Burning and Minimal Ash
The removal of impurities during the pyrolysis process ensures that Jealous Devil charcoal burns cleanly, producing minimal smoke and ash. This is not only beneficial for the flavor of the food but also makes cleanup easier. Excessive ash buildup can restrict airflow and affect the temperature of the grill, so minimizing ash production is a significant advantage.
Enhanced Flavor
The subtle, smoky flavor imparted by the Quebracho Blanco hardwood enhances the natural flavors of the food without overpowering them. This allows the ingredients to shine through, creating a more balanced and delicious grilling experience. Unlike charcoals that contain fillers or chemical additives, Jealous Devil charcoal delivers a pure, natural flavor that complements a wide range of dishes.
Environmental Considerations
Sourcing and sustainability are important aspects of charcoal production. Jealous Devil emphasizes responsible sourcing practices.
Sustainable Sourcing
Jealous Devil claims to source its hardwood from sustainably managed forests. This means that the trees are harvested in a way that ensures the long-term health and productivity of the forest ecosystem. Sustainable forestry practices help to protect biodiversity, prevent soil erosion, and maintain water quality.
Reduced Environmental Impact
By using dense hardwoods and a clean-burning manufacturing process, Jealous Devil charcoal helps to reduce its environmental impact. The long burn times mean that less charcoal is needed overall, reducing the demand for raw materials. The minimal ash production also reduces the amount of waste generated.
Conclusion: The Jealous Devil Difference
Jealous Devil charcoal stands out in the grilling market due to its commitment to quality and purity. The use of dense, sustainably sourced hardwoods, primarily Quebracho Blanco, combined with a meticulous manufacturing process, results in a charcoal that delivers exceptional performance and flavor. Its lack of fillers, binders, and chemical additives ensures a clean-burning and safe grilling experience. For those seeking the best possible results from their grilling and barbecue endeavors, understanding what goes into Jealous Devil charcoal is essential for appreciating its superior quality and performance. Choosing Jealous Devil means choosing a product crafted with care and designed to elevate your grilling experience.
What type of wood is Jealous Devil Charcoal made from?
Jealous Devil Charcoal is primarily made from Quebracho Blanco hardwood. This dense and naturally oily wood is sourced sustainably from South America, specifically Argentina and Paraguay. The wood’s unique properties are what contribute to the charcoal’s exceptional burning characteristics.
Quebracho Blanco is known for its incredible density and low moisture content, even before the charring process. This results in a charcoal that burns hotter, longer, and cleaner than many other types of charcoal on the market. The wood’s natural oils also contribute to the charcoal’s ease of lighting.
Is Jealous Devil Charcoal made with any additives or chemicals?
Jealous Devil Charcoal prides itself on being 100% natural and free of any additives, chemicals, or fillers. The only ingredient is sustainably sourced Quebracho Blanco hardwood. This commitment to purity ensures a clean and flavorful grilling experience.
Many charcoal brands use additives like lighter fluid or binders to speed up the lighting process or hold the briquettes together. Jealous Devil avoids these entirely, relying solely on the quality and properties of the wood itself to create a superior product. This means no unwanted flavors or odors tainting your food.
How is Jealous Devil Charcoal manufactured?
The manufacturing process of Jealous Devil Charcoal involves carefully charring the Quebracho Blanco wood in kilns. These kilns are designed to control the temperature and airflow, allowing for a consistent and thorough conversion of the wood into charcoal. This process is critical for achieving the desired density and burning characteristics.
The charring process removes moisture and volatile compounds from the wood, leaving behind almost pure carbon. The precise temperature and duration of the charring are closely monitored to ensure the charcoal meets Jealous Devil’s high standards for performance and quality. This controlled process is what differentiates Jealous Devil from other brands.
Is Jealous Devil Charcoal environmentally sustainable?
Jealous Devil emphasizes sustainable sourcing practices for its Quebracho Blanco hardwood. They partner with suppliers who adhere to responsible forestry management and replanting initiatives. This helps to ensure that the harvesting of the wood doesn’t negatively impact the environment and that the forests remain healthy for future generations.
The company also focuses on efficient production methods to minimize waste and reduce its carbon footprint. By utilizing a dense hardwood and focusing on complete carbonization, they are able to create a product that burns cleaner and requires less charcoal to achieve the desired cooking temperatures, further contributing to environmental sustainability.
What are the key characteristics of Jealous Devil Charcoal due to its wood source?
The use of Quebracho Blanco hardwood imparts several key characteristics to Jealous Devil Charcoal. Primarily, it results in an exceptionally high heat output. This allows for searing at high temperatures and efficient cooking. The charcoal also burns for a significantly longer duration compared to other types, reducing the need for frequent refills.
Furthermore, Quebracho Blanco creates a very clean-burning charcoal that produces minimal ash. This minimizes cleanup and ensures a consistent cooking environment. The charcoal also imparts a subtle, smoky flavor to food, enhancing the overall grilling experience without overpowering the natural tastes of the ingredients.
How does the type of wood affect the flavor imparted to food cooked with Jealous Devil Charcoal?
Quebracho Blanco wood imparts a subtle, smoky flavor to food cooked with Jealous Devil Charcoal. This flavor is often described as mild and earthy, complementing a wide range of ingredients without overpowering their natural tastes. The subtle smokiness enhances the overall grilling experience and adds a layer of complexity to the dish.
Unlike some charcoal made from fruit woods or other intensely flavored hardwoods, Quebracho Blanco doesn’t dominate the flavor profile. It provides a gentle background smokiness that allows the natural flavors of the meat, vegetables, or other foods to shine through. This makes it a versatile choice for various grilling styles and cuisines.
How can I identify genuine Jealous Devil Charcoal based on its appearance and qualities?
Genuine Jealous Devil Charcoal is easily identifiable by its dense and heavy pieces. The charcoal chunks are typically larger and harder than those of other brands, reflecting the density of the Quebracho Blanco wood. The color is a deep, dark black, indicating thorough carbonization and minimal moisture content.
When burned, genuine Jealous Devil Charcoal produces very little ash and emits minimal smoke. The heat output is noticeably higher than other charcoal types, and the burn time is significantly longer. If you observe these characteristics, along with the absence of chemical odors, you can be confident that you have genuine Jealous Devil Charcoal.