What’s the shelf life of pipe tobacco? Does it go bad after a certain period? Does it retain its flavor if you don’t use your pouch for months? These are some questions that many a pipe smoker has likely asked themselves at one point or another. The good news is the answer is yes and no. Pipe tobacco does have an expiration date, but it’s not as cut-and-dry as other products that you might have in your home.
What is Pipe Tobacco?
The easiest way to think about pipe tobacco is the leaves used to make cigars. So why don’t cigars go bad? The processing. Unlike cigars, fermented to get the leaves ready for rolling, pipe tobacco leaves are air-cured. This process subjects the leaves to a gentler heat, moisture, and timely method. As a result, tobacco for pipes is often much lighter in color than its cigar counterpart. Pipe tobacco is a mix of different leaves and varieties of tobacco that have been fermented and then pressed into a cake or block. The leaves are then cut into flakes, or broken up pieces, ready to be packed into a pipe.
Does Pipe Tobacco Go Bad?
The short answer is yes, but the long answer is that the shelf life of pipe tobacco is a bit longer than cigars. There are a few reasons why it’s best to use tobacco within two years, however. Note: Some of these facts are just general guidelines. Each person’s experience with tobacco is different, so this article may not apply to your specific situation.
What Factors Can Impact Its Shelf-like?
Three main factors will dictate how long your tobacco lasts: type of tobacco, moisture, and light and air quality. The first two factors are a bit self-explanatory, but the third factor of light and air quality is essential because tobacco leaves are susceptible to light. This is why it’s important to keep your tobacco in a dark or airtight container to keep it from going bad.
How is Pipe Tobacco Stored?
Top way to store pipe tobacco is in a cool, dry, and dark place. Recommended temperatures for storing tobacco generally range between 50 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit, with the optimum being around 70. The ideal humidity level for storing tobacco is between 35 and 50 percent, but it can go up to 65 percent if no other humidity source is present. The best containers for storing tobacco are jars and sealed containers. Jars with tight-fitting lids will keep out light and humidity, which can cause your tobacco to go bad. When choosing a container for storing tobacco, it’s essential to choose one that is moisture-proof and does not let in light.
Where is Tobacco Stored?
Recommended place for tobacco storage is a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid storing tobacco in areas with a lot of humidity, such as a basement or a bathroom. There are a few options when it comes to tobacco storage:
Airtight Containers
An airtight container, such as a jar, is one of the best ways to store tobacco. There are various types of pots that are good for storing tobacco. Some people prefer mason jars because they’re cheap and easy to find. Others like to use tobacco tins because they seal tightly and come in various sizes, so you can store a lot or a little tobacco at once.
Paper Bags
If you don’t have a lot of space to keep your tobacco, a paper bag is another option. Tobacco leaves can be pressed into a ball and then wrapped in paper, which can then be placed in a bag and closed. Make sure to close the bag tightly, though, because tobacco is very fragile.
How Long Does Pipe Tobacco Last?
This depends on several factors, including the type of tobacco, how it was stored, the container it was kept in, the conditions the container was kept in, etc. The best way to tell if tobacco is terrible is to smell it. If it smells off, it’s probably expired.
Another thing to look out for is dark spots on the tobacco. Those spots can be an indication of mold growth. Tobacco can also dry out, which makes it burn more slowly and can also make it taste powerful. Tobacco that is too dry will also crumble easily, so keep an eye out for that. If your tobacco is too dry, rehydrate it by placing it in a container with a bit of water. Leave it there for a few days, giving it a shake once or twice a day, and it should be moist enough to smoke again.
What Causes Pipe Tobacco to Go Bad?
There are a few factors that can cause tobacco to go bad:
- Light: Tobacco leaves will begin to break down when exposed to light, so it’s important to store tobacco in a container that does not allow light to get through.
- Moisture: Too much humidity can also cause tobacco leaves to break down.
Why Moisture Can Sometimes Have A Significant Part in Potentially Ruining Pipe Tobacco?
Moisture can come from several sources, and they don’t necessarily have to be present in the container you store tobacco in. When tobacco leaves are harvested, they are extremely dry. Once they are cured, they become much moister. The problem with too much moisture is that it can cause the tobacco to rot, which can also cause a chemical change in the tobacco that makes it bad. Tobacco will also absorb extra moisture from the air, so if you store it in a container that isn’t completely sealed, it can still get too damp. If tobacco leaves get too damp, they will break down and become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Unfortunately, once tobacco has begun to rot, there’s not much you can do to save it.
How To Store Pipe Tobacco For Longer?
The best way to store tobacco for an extended period is to keep it in a dry and dark place. The ideal tobacco storage temperature is between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and the perfect humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. You can find airtight containers made explicitly for storing tobacco, but any container that completely seals light and moisture will work just as well. If you’re going to store tobacco on paper, press it into a ball first, so it takes up less space.
Final Pipe Tobacco Lasting Thoughts
Pipe tobacco lasts the longest when kept in a cool and dry environment. Humidity and heat accelerate the process of fermentation: sugars within the leaves are broken down by microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, or fungi which slowly ferment and break down the sugar into alcohol or ethanol. This results in an unpleasant taste that most people wouldn’t want to smoke on their tongue, but it is excellent if you’re making beer
Again, since a few factors will dictate how long your tobacco lasts: type of tobacco, moisture, light, and air quality, the best way to store tobacco for an extended period is to keep it in a dry and dark place, at standard room temperature.