In a German forest, 2 brothers keep the ancient tradition of charcoal burning alive
Summary
Two brothers, Immo and Sascha Feldmer, continue the old tradition of making charcoal in the Harz forest in Germany. They produce charcoal using a method that has been used in the area for over 1,000 years, burning beech wood slowly inside mounds covered with earth.Key Facts
- Immo and Sascha Feldmer run a family charcoal business near Hasselfelde in Germany’s Harz forest.
- They use beech wood, which burns slowly and creates high heat, to produce charcoal.
- The charcoal is made by stacking wood in earthen mounds that smolder for weeks with limited air to avoid burning into ash.
- This traditional charcoal making method has been practiced in the Harz Mountains for more than 1,000 years.
- Coal burning was important historically to produce heat needed for smelting metals like silver, lead, copper, and zinc in the area.
- Today, mining is no longer active in the Harz region, and only a few charcoal burners remain in Germany.
- The Feldmers sell their charcoal mainly for barbecue use.
- The process requires constant care to maintain the right amount of ventilation and prevent fires.
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