Marabu Charcoal: Cuba's Black Gold Conquering the World

In the Cuban countryside grows a plant that for decades was considered a curse for farmers. Today, that same plant has become one of Cuba’s most valuable export products: marabu charcoal.

From Invasive Plant to Black Gold

Marabu (Dichrostachys cinerea) arrived in the Caribbean in the 19th century, likely from Africa. What seemed like a harmless shrub became an agricultural nightmare: it grows fast, is nearly impossible to eradicate, and has invaded more than 1.5 million hectares of Cuban land.

But necessity is the mother of invention. Cuban guajiros discovered that this dense, resistant wood produced exceptional charcoal when slowly carbonized in artisanal kilns.

What Makes Marabu Charcoal Special?

The characteristics that have made it a favorite among professional chefs and grillers:

• High caloric power: Reaches higher temperatures than other vegetable charcoals
• Long-lasting: Burns for 4-5 hours maintaining constant heat
• Low smoke: Clean combustion, ideal for professional kitchens
• Neutral flavor: Doesn’t alter the natural taste of meats and fish
• Subtle aroma: Adds a delicate smoky touch without overpowering

Traditional Cuban Production

The production process is completely artisanal and sustainable:

1. Selective harvesting: Farmer cooperatives cut marabu from agricultural fields
2. Drying: Wood dries in the sun for weeks
3. Carbonization: Burned in traditional earth kilns for 3-7 days
4. Grading: Charcoal is sorted by size and quality
5. Packaging: Bagged for export using Spanish technology

The main production centers are in Bayamo, Ciego de Ávila, and Pinar del Río.

Cuba Exports to the World

Cuban marabu charcoal is exported primarily to:

• 🇩🇪 Germany: Main European market
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: High restaurant demand
• 🇪🇸 Spain: Growing premium BBQ market
• 🇺🇸 United States: Since 2017, first Cuban product after the embargo

Cuba exports between 40,000 and 80,000 tons annually, generating millions of dollars while recovering agricultural land.

A Historic Milestone

In January 2017, marabu charcoal became the first Cuban product exported to the United States since the embargo was imposed in 1960. Coabana Trading achieved this historic agreement with state-owned CubaExport.

Marabú Restaurant in Miami

Marabu charcoal has even inspired high-end Cuban cuisine. At Brickell City Centre in Miami, chef Alberto Cabrera’s restaurant Marabú uses Josper ovens fueled by this charcoal to create dishes like:

• Churrasco with charred cherry tomatoes
• 20-ounce cowboy steak with sautéed onions
• Local tuna with grilled pineapple

It’s the perfect fusion of Cuban tradition and gastronomic innovation.

Where to Buy Marabu Charcoal

In Europe

• Tienda Biomasa - Spain
• Brave Charcoal - International distribution
• Carbonero - Greece (exports throughout Europe)

What to Look For

• Certified Cuban origin
• Large pieces (“canelino” or “restaurant grade”)
• Low dust content
• 10-15 kg bags for home use

Double Environmental Benefit

Marabu charcoal represents a circular economy model:

1. Cleans agricultural land invaded by the plant
2. Prevents deforestation of native trees
3. Generates income for farmer cooperatives
4. Produces clean energy compared to other fuels

It’s a demonstration of how Cuba transforms an environmental problem into an economic opportunity.

Marabu charcoal is the story of an island that turns adversities into strengths. From agricultural plague to gourmet product, Cuba’s black gold heats grills from Berlin to Miami, carrying with it the ingenuity and resilience of the Cuban countryside.