kishu charcoal regular is the perfect counter-top water filter solution. ideally placed in any 1-2 quart pitcher, kishu begins working immediately, bonding with toxins in tap water. we recommend adding tap water in the evening for use the next day. optimal filtration time 6 - 8 hours.
enjoy the taste of natural spring water with kishu charcoal. one stick lasts 4 months
kishu charcoal is ready to use upon opening the package. simply place in any pitcher or water bottle and add tap water. kishu begins adsorbing impurities immediately* while also imparting healthy minerals like calcium and magnesium. these give your water a delicious, clean taste.
*while kishu begins working immediately bonding with toxins, for optimal adsorption:
kishu regular – approximately 2 quarts of water/ 4 hours; for chloramines, 6 hours
kishu x-large – approximately 3 gallons of water/ 24 hours
process
kishu charcoal is made by artisans in japan using a centuries-old method: oak branches are sustainably harvested and then fired in handmade outdoor ovens; after many days of continuous, closely monitored carbonization to over 1000 degrees, the branches transform into a hard, glass-like material — activated charcoal.
once the charcoal is shipped from japan it is cleaned in large tubs of water to remove its protective ash. after drying, it is individually hand cut. then each kishu stick is boiled in a large pot of water, dried for 24 hours and then heat-seal it in its compostable sleeve.
maintenance
kishu charcoal should be boiled once per month to keep its pores open. simply place in a shallow pan of water and bring to a boil for 5 minutes. allow to dry for 30 minutes before reusing. while a small amount of flaking may occur, the stick will stay completely intact; kishu will never deteriorate. after four months, kishu should be replaced. please use the handy boiling schedule, located inside the package label, to keep track of your kishu stick’s life.
second life
kishu charcoal has great secondary uses: absorbing odors in the refrigerator (better than baking soda!) or mixed into your garden soil where it will help improve water absorption.
science behind activated charcoal
kishu is a finely crafted form of activated charcoal also called activated carbon. by heating wood to an extremely high temperature, usually in a kiln, and slowly depriving it of oxygen, the wood becomes carbonized. kishu charcoal is 97% pure carbon.
this pure form of carbon readily adsorbs or bonds with toxins, principally metals, at the molecular level. kishu charcoal has been found to be effective at reducing: lead, mercury, copper, aluminum, uranium, and molybdenum to name a handful of those we tested. in addition, kishu charcoal imparts three minerals: calcium, magnesium and potassium.