Disclosed is a pellet used as a fuel source prepared by a process comprising the steps of: introducing a lignocellulosic biomass having a moisture content of less than about 30% by weight into a reactor； applying a vacuum to the reactor (which is preferably less than 500 torr and more preferably less than 200 torr)； injecting steam having a temperature of between about 180°C and about 235°C into the reactor； maintaining the biomass in the reactor between about 1 and about 12 minutes； removing the treated biomass from the reactor； and forming the treated biomass into fuel pellets.
