Any experienced smoker knows that the proper conservation of tobacco is essential so that its organoleptic qualities remain intact and that combustion is uniform. However, it is easy to find debates on the internet about the supposed expiration of tobacco, especially among hookah users. Let's shed a little light on this topic to clear all doubts.
IS IT TRUE THAT TOBACCO EXPIRES?
Let us make it clear that, as a general rule, tobacco does not expire . However, hookah molasses usually includes an expiration or preferential consumption date. We will talk about this special case in a specific section.
Why tobacco loses quality
Something quite different from expiration is that, like any other organic substance, tobacco is subject to chemical reactions caused by some gases in the air, such as oxygen.
These reactions cause chemical decomposition and organic alterations that lead to variations in flavor and aroma.
On the other hand, if we also let it dry out, the combustion will be faster and less uniform, which is especially unacceptable for smokers of great cigars.
At the opposite pole, a continuous excess of humidity can favor colonization by fungi and other microorganisms, causing the taste and smell to be downright unpleasant.
CONSEQUENCES OF CONSUMING SPOILED TOBACCO
Since the combustion process eliminates any microorganisms that might have colonized our tobacco, there is no risk of infection from smoking it. The only thing that will happen is one of these three things:
⦁ Rapid and irregular combustion
⦁ Combustion too slow or insufficient
⦁ More or less intense changes in flavor and aroma
HOW TO PROPERLY STORE TOBACCO
Cigarette smokers need not worry, as the average duration of a pack of cigarettes does not allow the tobacco to deteriorate. The only precaution they should take is to buy their packs in establishments that guarantee the origin and quality of the manufacturing process of the cigarettes.
How to store rolling or pipe tobacco
The bite bags are a disastrous way to preserve tobacco, since it dries up in a few hours. The ideal is to have an airtight bottle.
A popular trick is to glue a small square of self-adhesive felt to the inside of the lid. Wetting it every 24 hours will keep the bite like the first day.
However, airtight cans with built-in wetting pads are available on the market in various sizes, shapes, and designs.
Conservation of cigars Cigars should also be kept in airtight boxes. As with the sting, it's a good idea to add a moisturizing pad.
The best solution is to acquire boxes prepared for this purpose, which also include a thermometer and hygrometer. There are boxes with an automatic temperature and humidity regulation mechanism using a Peltier plate system. And the most demanding and wealthy smokers have small cigar storage cellars.
Hookah molasses, a special case Hookah molasses, in addition to tobacco, incorporates other organic components such as glycerin, propylene glycol, honey, aromas, etc. This causes the degradation process to be multiple, which is why molasses is more delicate to preserve than other types of tobacco.
That is why they usually include a best-before or expiration date. We must use this date as a reference, but without worrying too much, since there is usually a two-year margin from the date of manufacture. And the only thing that can happen is a noticeable loss in the quality of the smoke.
Like other tobaccos, molasses must always be kept in airtight containers and the moisturizing pad is recommended.
And if you are very purist, we suggest you keep them in the refrigerator, in order to prevent their degradation as much as possible. It will be enough for you to take them out fifteen minutes before smoking. After that time, you can open the airtight container and use the molasses.
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