What is the difference between having some “char” and something being burnt? Why is one something often preferred and the other pretty much universally hated?

Question

Say you’re having steaks for instance; Why is it that a bit of char tastes good (to a lot of people), but it’s different than being burnt? Isn’t charring just some level of burning? And what makes the difference between when something will taste charred or burnt?

In: 3

Answer 1

Charing removes organic compounds leaving behind the charcoal. This is done by heating up organic material to a burning temperature without the presence of oxygen. Charred material lights very easily from a spark so it is highly prized for outdoors and survival situations.

Burning on the other hand converts the carbon to carbon dioxide while burning off the organic compounds. In the end you left with ash. The ash however is still useful. It can be mixed into compost or directly into garden beds to add minerals (phosphorus, potassium, etc). As well it can mixed with water to create a lye mixture that can then be used to create soaps.