Oh No, I Have Moldy Nuns!!!

[markus]

Awhile back (approx. 3 months ago)I jarred up a tin of 3 Nuns after taking a couple of bowls out of it to smoke. I didn't have a 2 oz. jar at the time, I only had a 4 oz. jar, so I used that. Granted there was some free air space in the jar. I took it out earlier today to rub out some of the coins and noticed some moldy fur on 2 of the coins sitting on top. I removed those 2 coins and looked the rest of the tobacco over really closely with a magnifying glass, but found no more mold. I put the whole thing back into a 2 oz. jar, without smoking it and I have decided to let it sit awhile to see if more mold shows up in the smaller jar.

I have 3 questions:

1. Is the remaining tobacco safe to smoke or is the whole thing ruined?

2. What if I watch it for a while and no more mold shows up (BTW I don't inhale), will it be safe then?

3. Did the extra free air space in the jar promote the mold growth?

 

[deathmetal]

Remove moldy parts, heat the rest at 160 F or above for an hour.

 

[pagan]

Im with metal on this one

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

I smoke the Mac Baren Three Nuns regularly and have never had an issue with mold. It may be plume? If it is mold it probably wasn't air that created the issue but more likely moisture. There would need to have been a spore introduced somewhere along the line to make mold as well and most blenders, including Mac Baren, have reliable methods of ensuring this doesn't happen.
Otherwise this...

Remove moldy parts, heat the rest at 160 F or above for an hour.

... should kill any residual cooties and may make it taste better?

 

[deathmetal]

Yes, that level of heat should kill the spores without substantially damaging the tobacco or its delicious Nicotine.

 

[mayfair70]

If it was furry, it was mold. Definitely heat treat it before putting in a clean new jar. Mold is generally toxic and will enter through the mucosa in your mouth, nose and sinuses, even if you don't inhale. Good luck!

 

[markus]

So if I microwave it for a minute or so, that should do it, right?

 

[jefff]

That will fry the tobacco.
Take a small sample and wave it for a min. You won't be impressed with the results.

 

[mayfair70]

Microwaves heat the water molecules, so it should have no effect on spores which are bone dry until they encounter moisture. I'd go with an oven. Some others may have more experience in this area and better assist. (Cue Deathmetal... )

 

[jacks6]

Why is heating a fix for 3 Nuns but this wouldn't have worked for Carolina Red Flake?

 

[jefff]

That is an excellent question.

 

[mayfair70]

I think it would work for Carolina Red Flake as well.

 

[jefff]

I finally sent mine back last week..........oh well.

 

[briarbuda48]

What about putting it in a deep freeze? This is standard practice for cigars with tobacco beetles (I have had to do it on two different occasions)and it saved my humidor. Granted beetles are not mold, just curious.

 

[markus]

Ok I'll try it in the oven this weekend sometime.

My wife is going to love this!

Maybe I'll do it tonight after she goes to bed, that way she won't know a thing about it and I won't get a hundred questions.

 

[mothernaturewilleatusallforbreakfast]

Why is heating a fix for 3 Nuns but this wouldn't have worked for Carolina Red Flake?

It would have worked because heating mold at 140 degrees and above kills it, but there's a difference between pulling out a couple coins that have mold and then baking the rest of the tobacco; and baking a whole tin of moldy tobacco. How much dead mold does one want to smoke before it's too much?

 

[briarbuda48]

Oh, not a recommendation nor am I disputing more experienced puffers and medical professionals but, I had some Penzance mold on my once....smoked every bit of it. And, it was fantastic. I did sprout a third nipple but that was a small price to pay for Penzance. 8O

 

[pagan]

No microwave, deep frees or exorcism, you need a dry heat, oven temp over 150 deg

 

[hakchuma]

Third nipple, haha

 

[jacks6]