Drying Tobacco Question

[trailspike48]

It has been raining and 100 % humidity since Friday evening. What is the best way to dry tobacco when the weather doesn't cooperate? I don't want to ruin good tobacco by experimenting with the microwave or oven. However I'm thinking heating the oven to a low temperature and leaving the door open might do the job.

 

[trailspike48]

Thanks Roth, oven is my choice.

 

[hodirty]

If mine is too dry, I just throw a couple plastic desiccants in the jar with them and check it every little bit as not to entirely dry it out. Just my two cents.

 

[jndyer]

I am still trying to figure out what is the best moisture level for my tobacco. My Captain Black in the white poche feels really moist but smokes well. My lane RLP 6 and 1Q are drier but smoke like I need to bring the moisture down even more on them.
I would like to add that I am finding that if I relax that learning how to best smoke a pipe can be fun. I am realizing that I need to enjoy the journey and not just look for some kind of zen smoke in the future.

 

[hodirty]

jndyer, You got it! Its all about the journey, not the destination. I personally think "optimal" moisture level varies with each tobacco. But, for the most part, most tobacco should "feel" dry and fall apart when you grab a fingertip size pinch. Captain Black just has so many preservatives in it, that's why it feels so moist.

 

[ohin3]

I get the oven to 200 and then turn it off. put tobacco on tin foil and into the oven for a min. take it out and let it sit for a few min and check it. If still moist toss it back in the still warm oven for 30 seconds. Heat in small increments of time because, as rothnh stated above, things can go from drying tobacco to crispy dust very quickly. I live in Nova Scotia and it is extremely damp here so I use this method quite a bit. I have left tobacco out to dry here for hours only to find it more moist than when I took it out of the jar.

 

[cortezattic]

The Heat-It Craft Tool is the only way to go. Great if you can't plan ahead, or are too impatient.

It produces very good heat -- quickly, and low velocity so tobacco doesn't go flying all over the place.

I also use it to heat my meers when coating them with bees wax.