How to Store Whole Leaf Tobacco Long Term
Category: All
Proper storage is critical for preserving whole leaf tobacco. If maintained correctly, whole leaf tobacco can last for years without degrading in quality. Similar to wine, tobacco is often aged to enhance its natural flavor and aromas as well as other characteristics, such as burn quality. Below are the key points for long-term storage:
Humidity: The Most Important Factor
The most important factor for preservation, as well as preparation of whole leaf tobacco, is humidity. The moisture of your tobacco and its surrounding environment can make or break your tobacco experience.
-
Too much moisture, and you’ll run into issues like mold, fermentation, and tobacco that won’t burn properly.
-
Too little moisture and you’re left with tobacco that’s too dry to shred, too harsh to smoke, and crumbles into pieces.
Ideal humidity for storing tobacco is between 60% and 70% RH. For whole leaf tobacco, Leaf Only recommends keeping it on the drier side of that range to be safe, and rehumidifying portions of your tobacco as needed. It’s better to store it drier than too wet—you just need to make sure it’s not too dry to use.
Temperature: Don’t Overcook It
Along with humidity, temperature is a crucial factor for the preservation and storage of your tobacco leaves. Environments that are too hot or too cold will make it more difficult to regulate moisture levels.
-
High heat and moisture can promote fermentation, and over-fermented tobacco will start to decay.
-
Cool, moist environments are ideal for mold growth and should be avoided.
Ideal temperature for storing tobacco is between 60°F and 70°F. This keeps it stable and prevents any issues with mold or decay.
Drying Your Tobacco
Exposing tobacco to open air will dry it out—as long as the surrounding air is drier than the tobacco. If your environment is very humid, you may need to lightly heat your tobacco to further dry it out.
Rehumidifying Your Tobacco
There are several ways to add moisture back into your tobacco, but they all have one thing in common—water:
-
A fine mist with a spray bottle works great.
-
Warm steam works even better and faster. Just don’t overdo it—a little goes a long way.
-
Leaf Only also offers a variety of humidity packs that you can add to your tobacco to bring it to its desired moisture level.
Storing Your Tobacco
Store your tobacco—whether whole leaf or otherwise—in a cool, moderately dry, dark environment. This will ensure that the next time you go to use it, it has not lost any of its quality—and may be even better than when you left it. Aged tobacco is especially prized in the cigar community and is highly desirable.
Check out Leaf Only for more helpful articles, and everything whole leaf tobacco!