How To Store Pipe Tobacco To Retain Its Freshness?

Pipe Tobacco should be in a good state, i.e., it should be moist and fresh so that every puff can be relished by the smoker. It is considered to be a good experience if treated properly since tobacco smokers are aware of the fact that it cannot be enjoyed if the substance is either wet or too dry.  Some smokers prefer to buy pipe tobacco in huge quantities and store them for future use. Bulk buying of tobacco is preferred by many because it offers a price advantage. Hence, it is necessary to learn a few hacks to keep the tobacco fresh and moist for a long time. The pipe tobacco must be kept with the perfect moisture levels at all times. It should neither be too dry nor too moist. If it dries out, re-hydrating it is mandatory to get the moisture back to increase the shelf life.

How To Fix The Problem Of Dried Tobacco?

The method of production undertaken aims at making the tobacco leaves dry. The chemical composition of tobacco changes when the leaves dry out, which in turn smoothens the smoke and makes it suitable and less harsh for smoking. As soon as you open the packaging, the drying procedure takes off. Usually, Tobacco does not become stale; it has a tendency to dry out. When this happens, the flavor becomes harsh and strong. You can fix this problem by spreading the tobacco over a paper and sprinkling some water on it. Mix it lightly and store it in an airtight container for a day.  Some experts also recommend using a hydro-stone to introduce moisture in tobacco again. They should be kept in the container used for storage along with the tobacco. They are inexpensive and easily available in the market. Hydro-stones have to be dipped in water so that they can absorb some of it and later release moisture as they dry out. Hence, they simply work by adding moisture in the environment around tobacco. The key to not dealing with re-hydrating tobacco is pretty basic- not allowing it to dry in the first place.

Places For Safe Storage Of Pipe Tobacco

The ideal containers for storage of pipe tobacco are airtight containers like mason jars. There must be no room for air passage; otherwise, the outside environmental elements will make the pipe tobacco vulnerable to damage. It should be protected against sunlight, high temperatures, and high humidity. A cool, dry, and dark place should be preferred to keep its moisture intact. Excess heat will spoil the tobacco, and a lack of it will prevent the aging process from commencing. Aged tobacco has a lot of potentials to mature, and it tends to give distinct, mellow flavors over a period of time.  It is not recommended to store pipe tobacco in a cigar humidor for the long term. The tobacco might absorb more moisture than is actually required and probably will start developing molds. It is not recommended to store it in a refrigerator since it might take in flavors from other food stuff stored inside and change its original flavor.

Short-Term And Long-Term Storage

If you plan on consuming the tobacco sooner, i.e., on the same day, you can store it in a tobacco pouch. It is made out of materials like leather, plastic, or cloth.  A humidor is generally not recommended by many, as some say that it might absorb excess moisture and spoil the tobacco. However, a humidor is designed in a way that it provides the right amount of humidity, the level of which can be altered as per your preference. A humidor is a preferential storage device if you are planning to store tobacco for a few months For long-term storage, airtight containers and zip-lock pouches are the best options. Metal tins can also be considered for long term storage. If you’re using a zip lock pouch, make sure all the air inside the pouch is sucked out properly. It is also important to have knowledge about the various kinds of tobacco. Some mature over time and give good flavors. At the same time, some get harsh as they mature and give bitter flavors. Final Thoughts To summarize, if you’re smoking the cigars sooner rather than in the future, and for instance, if you have less than 30 cigars, just put them in a plastic bag or the wooden container, they come in along with the humidity pack. If you have over 30 cigars and you plan on storing them for say a month, you should buy a humidor lined with Spanish cedar and buy a humidifying device that keeps it at 70% humidity. For the long term, consider airtight containers and zip-lock pouches or bags. It is important to keep a check on pipe tobacco from time to time to keep it flavorsome and intact.