Keeping it fresh

[robdlouisville]

I have opened a fresh tin of Erinmore Flake. I enjoy this tobacco but do not smoke it regularly. For whatever reason, I can never keep Erinmore fresh or moist in the tin. Do you all transfer the tobacco right away to glass jars when it comes in tins like these? Thanks - RD

 

[cortezattic]

I do. I always transfer it to small, half-pint Mason Jars. I think that's pretty much the SOP for most folks posting in the forums.

There are some people who use various plastic containers, but I don't trust them. While they are good at preserving moisture,

it's possible that some organic molecules can pass right through the plastic -- or so I gather from reading G L Pease.

You may want to read Pease's blog article on the subject.

 

[cobguy]

If it's not going to be smoked in current rotation then definitely jar it up.

You may even like it better if you "forget about it" for a few months and then pop that jar again.

 

[lincolnsbark]

It may depend on where you live but I have managed fine by sealing mine in the tin and then putting the tin in a well sealed plastic bag. I am in the Northeast though so we have plenty of humidity in the air.

 

[cortezattic]

If you can't buy any Mason jars in the near future, there is a work-around for pop-top style aluminum tins.

Rub some candle wax around the rim of the tin, press some aluminum foil on it, then snap the plastic lid back on.

This will seal a tin for several months, at least. But jars provide convenient access, and are much better in the long term.

 

[settersbrace]

Mason jars are the staple but in a pinch I've used the plastic jelly jars washed and dried thoroughly. I figure if any molecular transfer were to occur it would just add a touch of sweetness but truthfully, I haven't experience any change. I do know that if you boil glass and don't allow any flavoring or scent to contact the inside, you will basically have a sterile containment vessel. I fur trap and that's how we store animal urine, sex scents, etc. if it'll fool a coyotes nose, it'll certainly be an adequate container for my tobacco.

 

[lostandfound]

For me, a tin of tobacco retains an acceptable amount of moisture for one to two weeks. After that it starts to get crispy. You can also cover the tin with a piece of tin foil before you put the lid back on.

 

[robdlouisville]

Thanks everyone. Appreciate the feedback. RD

 

[dryseason91]

Yep, jars all the way.
At the same time, I have a question about the pop-top aluminium cans. I have one of British Woods that's been open since February and one of Westminster that's been open since November (without the foil and rubber band procedure recommended by Cortez) and they're both still at optimum moisture. Do those plastic lids seal more hermetically than it seems, or am I just getting lucky?

 

[cigrmaster]

I keep somewhere around 20-25 tins open at all times and my tobacco never dries out. In this pic, you will see plastic tubs with the white covers and that keeps my tobacco fresh for 5-8 months. I buy these tubs at walmart, they come in a 4 pack of different sizes and it cost about 6 bucks for the 4 pack. I have been using this system since May of 2012. It is much easier to just dump my open tins in these containers than bothering to jar it all up.

 

[woodsroad]

Try the small Boveda humidification packets. I've used them for years in my cigar humidor, and now use the m in the square tins. If you enjoy the aesthetic of the tin, then this is a great way to keep the contents at the moisture content that you desire. The packets control humidity both ways: They will absorb moisture if the surrounding humidity is above their rating, and they will expel moisture is the surrounding humidity is below their rating. That means that when they are rechargeable. When they start getting low on water, just put them into a sealed container with a damp sponge and they will reabsorb the water and be good as new. Hint: Don't let them dry out completely, that is usually the death knell for them, and keep them out of direct contact with the damp sponge.
So what is the correct humidity? That's kind of trial end error depending on the tobacco and personal preferences. Here's a chart, derived from data collected by Greg Pease:

I find that the 62% packets keep most tobaccos a bit too dry. The 65% are good, but do not come in the small size. I use the large packets in jarred tobaccos that are either too moist or that get opened frequently, but they will fit into some tins. The 69% packets are great for tins.

Amazon has the best pricing that I've found. Just be sure to double-check which size that you are buying, it is easy to buy the wrong size.

 

[cigrmaster]

woodsroad, interesting post about the bags. Thanks for posting the humidity chart. While the bags do work, I think my way is a bit easier and less costly. I open a tin, and then just toss it in one of my containers and then don't even think about it. I have tins in there for over 6 months that are perfect humidity wise.