Making a Koal Keel
Making Charcoal is one of the oldest traditions in the Caribbean. Unfortunately very few people still make it today. We would like to thank Miss May for allowing us to observe and photograph this process at her home.
Step 1: The cutting of sticks and forming into a tent-like structure. Grapeleave Trees are most commonly used.
Step 2: Leaves, brush and weeds are used to cover the sticks completely.
Rocks are placed around the base of the mound with holes left open periodically for venting.
Step 3: The mound is covered with dirt with holes left open.
Step 4: Kerosene is poured on top branches and fire is lit.
Step 5: As the fire burns, more dirt and brush are placed on top which forces the fire to the bottom of the mound with venting through the bottom holes. A slow burning process is created. If the fire becomes too hot, the mound will cave in and the process ends. This is the trickiest part. The fire will burn for 2-3 days before the process is complete.
Step 6: The completed charcoal process. The coals are placed in burlap sacks and sold to interested parties.