ODH Stems

[twoonefive]

I recently picked up a one pound box of Old Dark Fired. Really enjoying the smoke but noticed that the flakes have some rather large stems, or at least what I think are stems, in them. I was wondering if this is normal for this blend. Ive been taking the stems out since I rub out most flakes before I pack them but I was wondering if this is necessary or if I should just be smoking them.
Any advice would be great, thanks!

 

[twoonefive]

Thanks Sam! I picked up a one pound box so the flakes are longer then they come in the tin. I think that may be why some of the stems are so long. I would have to cut them to get them to fit in the bowl. Ill keep pulling them out, thanks again for the advice!

 

[rmbittner]

Maybe I'm unusual, but I never remove stems. They are part of the leaf, they've gone through the entire maturation process, and they carry a great deal of flavor. If they're too big or tough to pack, I break them up as small as possible.
Bob