Noob Questions About Whole Leaf Storage

[seaweed]

Looking into home blending for some fun and cost savings. I’m having trouble figuring out what is/isn’t possible with whole leaf.

My original plan -

Buy a variety of whole leaf by the pound. This seems like a no brainer just based on how cheap it is compared to tinned, and I’m relatively certain I’ll enjoy the experimenting.

Unbox, open, process (thick ribbon with sanitized scissors?), let dry, then jar and cellar.

The cellaring part is my main question - are there any concerns cellaring whole leaf tobacco? Would it need to be drier than the average tinned blend?

My thought is that I can only use small amounts at a time, allowing each constituent leaf to age in the cellar. I may or may not want to make some plugs or flakes, but I want to keep it relatively simple for now.

Is there any reason I can’t/shouldn’t do this? Will whole leaf mold in the cellar? I’ve done a bit of reading, but it doesn’t sound like anyone has pounds of processed whole leaf cellared away, and im not sure if that’s just because nobody is mentioning it, or because it’s a bad idea.

 

[Egg Shen]

I just keep them in their original bags in a yeti cooler with a few Broveda pouches. The pouches last forever in there because Yeti’s have a very tight seal and heavy lid. When I go on vacation and need the cooler I just throw them on the kitchen table and let the chips fall as they may. Seems to work fine so far, which is 3 years. They are only left on the table 1 month max. I’m sure other folks have better systems but this works good enough for me.

 

[seaweed]

I just keep them in their original bags in a yeti cooler with a few Broveda pouches. The pouches last forever in there because Yeti’s have a very tight seal and heavy lid. When I go on vacation and need the cooler I just throw them on the kitchen table and let the chips fall as they may. Seems to work fine so far, which is 3 years. They are only left on the table 1 month max. I’m sure other folks have better systems but this works good enough for me.

Do you not process it and jar it (like a usual bulk) just for flexibility in prep? That seems to be the downside with my method. I would be curious to try ropes, shag, etc., but I guess I’d be locking myself in processing it straight away.

Does your leaf age noticeably after three years? That’s another thing I haven’t heard much chatter about - aging whole leaf.

 

[CoffeeAndBourbon]

I would suggest getting a tobacco cutter or at least a dedicated pasta machine to cut the tobacco.

 

[seaweed]

I would suggest getting a tobacco cutter or at least a dedicated pasta machine to cut the tobacco.

Will do! Wasn’t sure how much of a pain scissors would be, and at least this way it’ll be consistent.

 

[Egg Shen]

Do you not process it and jar it (like a usual bulk) just for flexibility in prep? That seems to be the downside with my method. I would be curious to try ropes, shag, etc., but I guess I’d be locking myself in processing it straight away.

Does your leaf age noticeably after three years? That’s another thing I haven’t heard much chatter about - aging whole leaf.

I actually can’t answer that, I have not processed or smoked any. It seems like a bit of an undertaking so I’m waiting for the right time when I feel like dealing with all that. I have no idea how I will cut it, case it, blend it, whether I will press it into plugs or whatever. Hopefully others can share their experiences

 

[Egg Shen]

Will do! Wasn’t sure how much of a pain scissors would be, and at least this way it’ll be consistent.

I was thinking cut it all with cuticle scissors and call it artisanal cut

 

[CoffeeAndBourbon]

I was thinking cut it all with cuticle scissors and call it artisanal cut

Boutique cut tobacco

 

[Egg Shen]

Egg Shen’s Boutique Blend , available now for preorder

 

[kcghost]

Seems like a hell of a lot of work for some random tobacco. If funds are tight, you can find a number of blends for sale in bulk.

 

[Egg Shen]

Seems like a hell of a lot of work for some random tobacco. If funds are tight, you can find a number of blends for sale in bulk.

This is more like a labor of love, exploring and enjoying the process.

 

[seaweed]

Seems like a hell of a lot of work for some random tobacco. If funds are tight, you can find a number of blends for sale in bulk.

The cost savings is only one benefit. It seems fun to me.

 

[prairiedruid]

It's like raising chickens for eggs; it definitely not about saving money.

 

[OzPiper]

It's like raising chickens for eggs; it definitely not about saving money.

My wife likes to grow her own veggies
When you take in the cost of the seedlings, add the cost of premium potting mix and mulch, then factor in the losses from caterpillars and because she forgot to water for a few days in the heat of summer, it‘s a very expensive salad

I like the idea of doing your own blend (the fun aspect) but given the choice of bulk blends available to you in the US, I‘m not sure of the cost benefit.

 

[crusader]

I myself will reseal the bags with a machine and store in a cooler. I have cigar leaf that has 10 yrs on it and is amazing. If you haven't already, check out fairtradetobacco.com. incredible amount of tobacco info on that site.

 

[JackofNone]

It's not just a cost benefit. There's security involved as well. You get the security of knowing the ingredients of the blend. AND when our government writes a ban for tobacco sales via mailing prohibition or undue taxation in all US states we might be able to grow and blend our own tobacco. I have 5 pounds of whole leaf on its way to my place and I have no idea what to do with it.
I think storing leaf in a cooler is a lovely idea. I just need some humidor pucks. Thanks to the contributors in this thread.

 

[proteus]

I store my hands 50 to 55 percent humidity in large plastic totes. I use a hot steam humidifier to maintain those levels. Definitely not saving any money. The investment in tobacco storage and processing equipment alone far outweighs cost savings. For me it's about precise control of my recipes and keping proper track of tobacco inventory used and age.

 

[Jahman7]

I've done my own whole Leaf blending for a couple of years now. If I don't plan on some special blending technique (just straight blending then aging), then I will process them, case them (if needed), then jar them with a high rH boveda pack in an airtight seal.

After I blend, then I lower the rH to 60-70% - which I find is the my preferred rH for smoking.

This also gives me the flexibility of smoking it in a pipe or a freshly rolled cigarrette.