Microwaving Tobacco

[americaman]

I dry my tobacco by putting it on a paper towel in the microwave for a few seconds. Motzek Strang, Rich Dark Flake, whatever, I nuke it. In fact, I’m smoking some RDF from 2007 right now in one of my EXEXEL Barlings, fresh out of the microwave.

Earlier today, I read a review on Tobacco Reviews saying that using the microwave can cause tobacco to lose its flavor. I can’t see why, but what do you guys think? Is the microwave a no-go for you?

 

[Chasing Embers]

I never pay much attention to tobacco reviews. If I did, I would never have purchased many of the blends I enjoy. Ive used a microwave to dry tobacco many times.

 

[gervais]

Meh, not for me

 

[seanv]

I haven’t tried it but I’ve been close. Someone said in an earlier thread to leave it in the microwave after it’s done for a minute or so.

 

[mau1]

I can't help but wonder what microwaving does to the oils in tobacco. Does it perhaps cause a flash-off given the nature of a microwave and how it heats things? Don't get hung up on my using the word oil. Substitute whatever word is correct to describe that which gives the tobacco its flavour.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I can't help but wonder what microwaving does to the oils in tobacco. Does it perhaps cause a flash-off given the nature of a microwave and how it heats things? Don't get hung up on my using the word oil. Substitute whatever word is correct to describe that which gives the tobacco its flavour.

Ive never noticed a difference of flavor between air drying and microwave. I only heat it for five seconds though.

 

[bullet08]

I don't even like nuking my food.

 

[bluegrassbrian]

As long as the microwave is clean... I’ve never noticed a distinct change in flavor.

 

[Casual]

I’ve overshot the dryness I want and had a crappy experience with a bowl. It’s unforgiving in that sense.

 

[olkofri]

After watching what the microwave oven does to bread, I'll pass.

 

[weezell]

I prefer my blends a little more damp than most. To dry the rope and plugs to much I lose flavor. That however is just me...

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

It's worked ok for me plenty of times. If the tobacco is too wet it kind of steams it and it taste funny. I've stopped using the microwave for pipe tobaccco and ryo tobacco, in favor of a hairdryer and a bowl covered with an old shirt. Any thin fabric will work. Although, this can be messy if youre not careful.

 

[craig61a]

I do it sometimes.

 

[michail]

I ve done it a few times when I get the feeling "I want to lid, now".

But only fresh cutted rope and cake require it. With flakes I never had them so damp to need it

 

[sablebrush52]

I used to use the microwave years ago, but no longer do so. Frankly, blends took on a toasted flavor that I did not like as a smoke. If I wanted to smoke Wheatena, I'd load the pipe with Wheatena.

 

[smudgersmissingleg]

I dry my tobacco by putting it on a paper towel in the microwave for a few seconds. Motzek Strang, Rich Dark Flake, whatever, I nuke it. In fact, I’m smoking some RDF from 2007 right now in one of my EXEXEL Barlings, fresh out of the microwave.

Earlier today, I read a review on Tobacco Reviews saying that using the microwave can cause tobacco to lose its flavor. I can’t see why, but what do you guys think? Is the microwave a no-go for you?

I've used a micro if I'm in a real hurry but I prefer to air dry my tobacco.

 

[Simmerdown☕️]

Yes, on occasion. But, just to kickstart it...maybe 10-15 sec max.️

 

[spugni]

7 seconds...works with most blends!

 

[Sonorisis]

It seems like a little bit of waving will activate the water molecules and make them leave the tobacco (no pun intended) more quickly. 12=15 seconds seems like the right amount to get the water molecules vibrating without affecting the rest of the compounds in the tobacco. I do this often and experience no ill effects or changes in taste. I rub the tobacco out immediately after nuking it. The water quickly evaporates doing it this way.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Seldom do, but it's fine for a short burst or two.

The indoor humidity at my house is generally between 40-60% RH, so it's dry enough to wick moisture out in a few hours. I dry down quite a bit at a time, then stick it in a Mason Jar.