How to store tobacco at home: rules and features, expiration date

Tobacco, which was grown and dried by one's own hands, significantly exceeds the purchased product in terms of smell and taste. Under production conditions, raw materials are often exposed to chemicals to avoid spoilage of the product. This has a bad effect on the taste and smell of tobacco and provokes he alth problems. Homemade product is considered to be of higher quality. However, many people have a question about how best to store tobacco at home.

How to properly store tobacco at home

Tobacco leaves are important to store properly. When choosing a place for this, it is worth considering the terms of the intended storage.

It is also recommended to focus on the following features:

• air humidity - 15-30%;
• temperature - +15-20 degrees;
• lack of natural sunlight;
• fresh air restriction;
• no other dried plants nearby;
• restrict pest access;
• no contamination on surfaces that come into contact with dried raw materials.

Fermented tobacco

This type of tobacco should be stored in sheet briquettes or sliced in sealed containers.They shouldn't have air in. In this case, the container should be in a dark and warm place. A distinctive feature of fermentation is that the process, once started, will not stop. The longer the raw tobacco is stored, the more aromatic it becomes.

Unfermented after drying

Dried leaves can be stored for a long time without cutting or moistening. In this case, it is permissible to use the following methods:

• put whole dry leaves in cardboard boxes;
• put bundles under the roof in the cold - for example, put in the attic;
• roll stacks of dried leaves into tubes, tie with a thread, place in bags, remove air from them with a vacuum cleaner and close well.

Storage containers

It is permissible to use different types of containers to store the product. This allows you to choose the most suitable option.

In glass jars

Glass has no pores and is easily disinfected. Therefore, it can be safely used for long-term storage of raw tobacco - for at least 2 months. Cigars are made from leaves that are stored whole, while cigarettes are made from crushed raw materials.

For long-term storage, it is permissible to roll tobacco raw materials into ordinary cans that are intended for conservation. In this case, the containers must be properly prepared:

1. Before use, the jar should be washed by hand with hot soapy water.
2. Treat the container with hot steam or place in the microwave.
3. Wait for the last drops of moisture to evaporate.
4. Place dry tobacco in a cold sterilized container and roll up with a can opener. It can also be done with a special hot lid.

It is recommended to make an inscription on each can indicating the type of tobacco and the date of packaging. After that, the raw materials can be stored away.

In wooden containers

To store pipe tobacco, it is worth using special wooden boxes - humidors. They are equipped with a humidifier and help to maintain optimal humidity parameters in the storage. Such products are made from cedar. They vary in size and can hold 110, 220 or 450 grams of tobacco. The product can be stored in humidors for several months. It is important to keep boxes of raw materials in a dark and cool place.

However, some experts do not recommend storing tobacco in a cigar humidor. The fact is that cedar is able to absorb dampness. Therefore, it draws out moisture and the smell of the tobacco mixture. In addition, the box itself can be saturated with the aroma of pipe tobacco.In this case, it will not be possible to use it for storing cigars in the future.

Besides this, cedar wood can impart its scent to pipe tobacco. In addition, the humidor can make the raw materials too wet. At the same time, its humidity should not exceed 10-14%.

In tin boxes

For long-term storage, sealed tins are recommended. They should be kept in a dark and dry place with a constant temperature. At the same time, connoisseurs note that this storage method is ideal for English and natural tobacco. In this case, aromatic varieties may lose their properties and taste. In tin containers, tobacco cuts are allowed to be kept for at least 1 year.

Features of hookah tobacco storage

Hookah tobacco is distinguished by certain storage features. It is recommended that you consider the following:

1. Make sure the container is completely sealed. This will help prevent moisture evaporation and flavor loss.
2. Avoid exposure to sunlight. Therefore, raw tobacco is recommended to be kept in a dark place, out of light.
3. Do not store raw materials at high air temperature. The optimal parameters are +10 degrees.

Tobacco mix for hookah is recommended to be kept in vacuum bags. Plastic food containers are also suitable for this. In such containers, homemade tobacco can be stored for a long period of time, especially when stored in the refrigerator.

Storage of rolling tobacco and pipes

Sliced tobacco, which is planned to be used for a pipe or rolled cigarettes, is best to carry with you. A cigarette case is suitable for this purpose.

Expiration date

When the storage conditions are met, whole dried leaves can be stored for 5 years. In sliced form, raw materials retain their properties for no more than 2 years. After fermentation, tobacco should be stored for 1 year. Tobacco seeds retain their characteristics for up to 15 years.

Consequences of improper storage

Spoiled raw tobacco loses its taste and aroma. It also contains toxic substances that can seriously harm he alth. If the storage rules are violated, there is a risk of the following problems:

• formation of mold and rot;
• crumble;
• leaf rash;
• infestation by harmful insects;
• oxidation of chemical elements.

To reduce the likelihood of damage to raw materials, it must be checked. It is recommended to do this at intervals of 6 months. When signs of rot, mold or pest infestation appear, tobacco must be thrown away.The overdried mixture can be moistened. To do this, it needs to be sprayed with water from a spray bottle. Moistened tobacco should be dried in a dryer and stored again.

The following signs indicate the deterioration of raw materials:

1. Unnatural color. Raw materials can be covered with a black or light bloom. It often develops dark or light spots.
2. The appearance of pests. Bugs, larvae, worms, midges, weevils can accumulate in the tobacco mixture.
3. Bad smell. It may be putrid or moldy.
4. Unnatural taste. A sugary bitterness appears in the raw material.
5. Loss of elasticity of foliage, crumbling to a state of dust with slight pressure.
6. The formation of wet crumbs at the bottom of the container. It occurs if the foliage has been cut or damaged by harmful insects.

Detecting unwanted chemical processes in raw materials is a little more difficult. Any atypical aromas or, conversely, a complete loss of odor during storage are considered indirect signs of oxidation and deterioration of the substance.

How to store seeds

The main requirement for the storage of seeds is the safety of their germination. If the recommendations are followed, the grains will retain their germination capacity for 15 years.

It is important to follow these recommendations:

1. Choose airtight containers that keep out moisture, sunlight and pests. To do this, use bags with a plastic lock. They must be stored in a box or bag that does not let in light.
2. Seed should be inspected every six months for mold or pest attacks. Spoiled seeds are recommended to be thrown away.
3. Temperature and humidity conditions are similar to those for storing tobacco leaves.
4. The seeds are toxic and must be kept out of the reach of children and pets.

Experienced gardeners who grow plants recommend keeping the seed in the freezer. This helps to maintain its germination for a long time. At the same time, before germination, the grains need to take a break from freezing. To do this, they will have to get out of the freezer in 1.5-3 months. This contributes to the awakening of the embryos.

Tobacco storage at home has many features. To increase the shelf life of raw materials, it is important to choose the right container and ensure optimal temperature and humidity parameters.

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