BINCHOTAN

Binchotan is a Japanese activated carbon stick, which is used to purify unwanted elements in tap water and improve its taste. 

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It is a traditional product from Japan, which was invented in the Edo era (17th century). It is now classified as a Japanese cultural heritage, meaning that artisans receive subsidies from the Japanese government to perfect their art and pass it on to younger generations. Japanese binchotan is named after a supplier called Bichuya (BI) Chozaimon (CHO), while TAN stands for 'charcoal'.

 

It is made from a typical tree that only grows in southern Japan: Ubemegashi, a wood so dense that it has the property of sinking in water.This is why real Binchotan cannot be made anywhere other than Japan., especially since only craftsmen approved by the Japanese government have the possibility of exploiting this tree, which is a protected species.

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Not all binchotan carbons made in Japan are intended to purify tap water. In Japan, only 20% of coal production is used to purify water.   Indeed, binchotan is intended for different uses: for heating in wood-burning stoves, for the barbecue when cooking delicate dishes (in particular eel and yakitori skewers), binchotan for cooking rice, binchotan to sanitize and regulate humidity in homes and binchotan for water purification.

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If all these binchotan are made from the same raw material (Ubamegashi wood), the cooking process and the work of the artisan will be different from one product to another. Japanese water purification binchotan is the most successful. It requires more work from the craftsman because its cooking is much longer (minimum 15 days), during which the craftsmen take turns day and night to monitor the oven.

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There are 3 regions that produce binchotan  : 

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- Tosa binchotan, from Koshi prefecture

- Hyuga binchotan, from Miyazaki prefecture

- Kishu Binchotan, from Wakayama prefecture

 

It is the latter that I offer for sale. Kishu's Binchotan is reputed to be the highest quality in the world, with a carbon content of 96%. As a result, it is closer to diamond (which contains 99.9% carbon) than coal.

 

I exclusively offer binchotan from Kishu, because it has the highest quality. In Japan, it is recognized as a brand in its own right. It was deposited by a collective of craftsmen, in order to differentiate Kishu charcoal from that of other Japanese regions.

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Kishu Coal Prefecture also issues passes authorizing the air transport of coal for water purification. She certifies that binchotan was indeed produced in Kishu and that it is intended for water purification. Thus, I can attest to the high quality of our Binchotan.

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Source: http://www.iip.co.jp/minabegawa/index.html

               http://www.charcoal.eskimeit.com/pages/binchotan-blog-binchotan-histoire.html

               https://binchotan.wordpress.com

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All water filtration systems contain activated carbon (osmosis units, filter jugs, etc.). 

In these systems, the activated carbon   is presented in the form of a powder which is enclosed in a plastic cartridge or filter. 

 

With Binchotan, the activated carbon remains in its natural form: instead of being reduced to powder, it comes in the form of sticks.  The advantage of this process is that it does not require plastic cartridges to operate. 

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Activated carbon has the ability to fix unwanted molecules contained in drinking tap water and retain them in order to purify the water. So,it acts both on the quality of the water, but also on its taste and smell. 

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The effectiveness of activated carbon is no longer to be demonstrated: it has been used for hundreds of years for the purification of water, air or the body:  

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- in wastewater treatment plants, the water passes through activated carbon filters 

- in the filter jugs, the water is treated by plastic cartridges containing activated carbon powder 

- this is also the case for air conditioner air filters or cabin filters.

- in cosmetics, it is used for its purifying and detoxifying properties for the skin.

- in medicine, activated charcoal is used to detoxify the body during poisoning. Also sold in pharmacies, it helps to fight against bloating and facilitates digestion by effectively adsorbing gas (the famous "Belloc charcoal").

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Activated carbon acts in particular on: 

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- chlorine, responsible for the bad taste of tap water

- limestone  

- heavy metals

- pesticide residues

- drug residues (including hormones, from birth control pills)

- sulfur residues, responsible for the bad odors and bad taste of tap water

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Water purified by Binchotan is even suitable for the preparation of baby bottles, provided that your water is drinkable. You will no longer need to buy plastic bottles: it is therefore ecological and economical. 

 

You will thus have access to pure, quality water, directly at home 24 hours a day, 7 days a week... and without having to carry the water packs!