The present invention relates to graphite powder and to a battery using it as a negative electrode material, the powder having a specific surface area of not more than 3 m2g, an aspect ratio of not more than 6, and a tapping bulk density of not less than 0. Also provided is a method for producing L-glutamic acid by fermentation, which comprises culturing the microorganism in a liquid medium of which pH is adjusted to a pH at which L-glutamic acid is precipitated, to produce and accumulate L-glutamic acid and precipitate L-glutamic acid in the medium. The cannula may include a repeatably removable handle.