Leaf stems in the baccy

[plet]

Hi all,
Just filled my Parker London Briar Poker, roughly size 5, with Presbyterian mixture. The mixture have been sitting 2 months since I opened it the first time. Anyways, I ran into two one-inch leaf stems while grabbing some tobacco out of the tin.
My question is is leaf stems in a ribbon cut mixture or in any mixture a bad quality sign?
Cheers

 

[rcstan]

It's not a bad thing at all. I found a mid rib stem and the actual ends of the leaf with the curlies and the ribs in the last tin of Grousemoor I opened, I thought it was pretty cool. They smoked just fine. Next time I find some, I'll take a picture.

 

[plet]

Getting to the end of the bowl now I haven't experienced any problems. It just felt strange to have these stems among the ribbons. Could maybe result in packing difficulties, but none so far...

 

[uberam3rica]

Could maybe result in packing difficulties

If the stems are long, just use scissors to cut them up into small pieces, and it shouldn't affect anything.

 

[puffy]

They show up from time to time..It's no big deal.

 

[plet]

Cool! just wanted to know! ::

 

[lestrout]

Some fastidious pipers 'groom' their baccy by sifting through and removing the stems and wood. I myself like the little flavor bursts they produce.
hp

les

 

[foggymountain]

In Peter Stokkebye's autobiography he mentions that stems represent a good portion of the weight of the leaf. I forget how much, but maybe around 20-25%. So if they removed the stems the tobacco would cost considerably more, which his company does not do. Therefore, yes, if there is stem in the blend it is an economy move and stems shouldn't really be there in the more expensive products. If you pay $25 a pound, expect stems.

 

[portascat]

I got a bag of "Old Toby" once that was about unsmokable for 1/4 the weight. The stuff looked like bark mulch.

 

[gnatjulio]

I hope it's not a problem. You gotta see the sticks (yes, sticks...)I found in my Lancer Slices. Still smokes good.

 

[irishsmoker]

Stems aren't to unusual to came across! I just pull them out and smoke on!

 

[sjpipesmoker]

I'm one of those "fastidious" pipe smokers who grooms my tobacco. (brings back memories of me cleaning cheap weed)
No big deal, I just toss it.