El Asador is the Spanish word for pitmaster – the most important person in every barbecue. In other words: you. El Asador is 100 % premium XL Quebracho Blanco lump charcoal. This is the best charcoal you can get anywhere in Paraguay or South America.
Barbecuing in Paraguay is mainly large cuts of meat roasted slowly over an open grill over charcoal. This requires a charcoal that burns consistently long and adds a mild, wonderful taste that does not overpower but compliments the natural umami-ness of the meat. Of all the charcoals available in Paraguay, Quebracho Blanco is the best for this type of barbecuing.
What is Quebracho Blanco ?
Quebracho Blanco is one of the hardest and densest commercially available woods in the world. This combination creates a charcoal that burns longer, hotter and cleaner than other charcoals in the market.
Quebracho is made up of two Spanish words:
- quebrar : to break
- hacha : ax
Literally, it means Ax Breaker due to its hardness and density.
Blanco (White) is to differentiate it from other hardwoods with similar names such as Quebracho Rojo (Red), which is of lower quality and contains tannins that give off a strong, overpowering smoke taste many do not enjoy.
What makes El Asador special?
Quality & Care
We bring fewer bags in each shipment container to avoid them getting crushed. This means that barely 1% of the content of our bags ends up as dust and tiny pieces.
Our charcoal is stored in tight, humidity-controlled storage containers. This makes sure you have super dry charcoal that will light easily and quickly every single time.
El Asador is regularly inspected and tested both in Paraguay and The Netherlands for quality. As a matter of fact, every one of our sellers in The Netherlands tests El Asador before they agree to offer it in their stores.
Sizing things up
We went through various options for our charcoal lump sizes. After much discussion and study, the size selected for the lumps in El Asador are perfect, especially for extra-long cooks in Kamado-style grills.
Relationships
We highly value the relationships we create with all the people we work. We especially maintain a personal relationship with our charcoal supplier. They not only meet our quality demands, but also treat the men and women working at the facilities like family. We are also in constant contact with store owners to make sure that you, their final customer, is satisfied with each bag of El Asador.
El Asador characteristics
Size does matter
For a quality slow & low session, the size and uniformity of charcoal lumps is essential to maintain a long, even cook. Our careful size selection for consistently large lumps will ensure a long and consistent barbecue session without temperature spikes and dips.
Burns extra long
El Asador will burn up to twice as long as other lump charcoals so that any cut of meat gets all the slow & low love it needs to become extra tender and juicy. Say bye-bye to the frustration of reloading your charcoal basket in the middle of your barbecue sessions or constantly playing with the air vents to maintain temperature.
Burns extra hot
El Asador has been tested to reach up to 650°C, more than enough to create that all-important Maillard reaction on your favorite steak or bake an authentic pizza Napolitana.
Burns extra clean
Most people don't enjoy heavy smoke flavor on their barbecue. El Asador 100% Quebracho Blanco gives off a mild smoke flavor so you can add the custom wood smoke you want. We want to make sure that the barbecue you carefully prepare tastes exactly as you wish.
Lights up easily
El Asador will be ready to grill within 15 min. Our favorite method is using a charcoal chimney. Some of our more gung-ho customers use grill blow- torches that lights up El Asador in no time.
No fireworks
How often do you light the charcoal and run for safety because you know there's a fireworks show ready to go off on your grill? Not anymore. El Asador does not pop and spark at all. Your eyes, arms and favorite grilling t-shirts are now safe from burns.
Little ash = easier cleaning
El Asador produces very little ash due to its high fixed carbon content. Other charcoals will leave a heap of ash for you to dispose of after every grill session. El Asador will give you more grilling time and less clean-up time.
High yielding
2 kg of El Asador is able to cook up to 5 kg of meat. That's a lot of meat and sausages - or eggplants and zucchinis for your non-carnivorous acquaintances.