Ever wonder how to make charcoal and why some charcoals make your food taste so nice? Let me show you!

Step 1: Dig a hole in the ground large enough to hold the amount of wood you wish to convert to charcoal. 

Step 2: Arrange the wood inside the hole mixing up the sizes so the small pieces are mixed in with the big pieces.

Step 3: Cover all the wood with a thick layer of grass (dry if possible). About 6-8 inches is best.

Step 4:  Apply about 3/4 inches of dirt on top of the grass. Be sure to leave a small hole near the top so you can light the and wood inside. The grass is the insulator so try not to light it if you can.

Step 5: Close off the hole you used to light the wood.

Step 6: Observe and make sure it doesn’t cave in. Leave it for 24-48 hours depending on the size of the coal pit.

Step 7: When it’s done, you will notice less smoke coming from your coal pit because the wood has carbonized. Now, you can carefully remove the dirt and douse with water.

Step 8: You have charcoal! 🙂

ALTERNATIVE METHOD: If you don’t have a yard or place to dig a coal pit, you can use a large metal barrel to create your charcoal. Just start with step 2 above.

Stay safe and enjoy your journey.