Hi,
I've just been experimenting with some Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus).
I lit a piece of King Alfred's Cakes (Cramp Ball) and used it to light a piece of Birch Polypore by pressing the two together and blowing. The Birch Polypore was glowing and burning within a few seconds. I left it on the floor out the back for ten minutes and came back later to check on it. It was still burning and glowing to the same extent as when I left it. I think it would make an excellent coal extender. It doesn't burn as hot as King Alfred's Cakes, but it does glow and stay lit without any additional help.
The peice of Birch Polypore I was using was a slice about 5mm x 50mm x 60mm. It had been previously dried thoroughly.
Pappa
I've just been experimenting with some Birch Polypore (Piptoporus betulinus).
I lit a piece of King Alfred's Cakes (Cramp Ball) and used it to light a piece of Birch Polypore by pressing the two together and blowing. The Birch Polypore was glowing and burning within a few seconds. I left it on the floor out the back for ten minutes and came back later to check on it. It was still burning and glowing to the same extent as when I left it. I think it would make an excellent coal extender. It doesn't burn as hot as King Alfred's Cakes, but it does glow and stay lit without any additional help.
The peice of Birch Polypore I was using was a slice about 5mm x 50mm x 60mm. It had been previously dried thoroughly.
Pappa