One of the reasons I've been smoking cigars for past few weeks (other than them tasting AWESOME, that is) instead of pipes is that it's been humid to the point that I can't get pipe tobacco dried to an acceptable level for smoking. Actually, lately, most days the tobacco gets wetter than it started when I set out a little pile. Is there any tricks you guys in humid environs use to dry out your 'baccy? I don't like microwaving my pipe tobacco and unfortunately don't have a working dehumidifier to run in the house.
Too humid to dry my tobacco. Ideas?
- Thread starter KarlMaldensNose
- Start date
Commander Quan
Commander Yellow Pantyhose
Set it under a desk or gooseneck lamp.
The last couple weeks I've actually set some tobacco that I let get a little too crispy out on my enclosed porch to rehydrate.
The last couple weeks I've actually set some tobacco that I let get a little too crispy out on my enclosed porch to rehydrate.
Yep, this!
Some people recommend against this. It's never altered the flavor in any way I can tell, so I don't have a problem with it. Put a bowl's worth on a clean, microwave safe dish and nuke it for about 10 seconds. Take it out immediately, and it will be slightly steamy. Stir it up and spread it out so the steam dissipates (what little there is...it won't be visible, but it the air will be warm and extra humid near the little pile)
It works fast and well in my experience. I don't do it anymore because my microwave is broken, but it worked well for me for a while. However, moisture will build up under the leaf pile in addition to escaping into the surrounding air, so make sure after you do it to spread it out on the dish, away from the damp so it doesn't get reabsorbed.
Some have suggested it might alter the flavor. I haven't noticed it. Some have suggested it might damage the tobacco. I've seen it pointed out that it won't get nearly as hot as when you set it on fire though. I am fine with this, just don't overdo it!
It works fast and well in my experience. I don't do it anymore because my microwave is broken, but it worked well for me for a while. However, moisture will build up under the leaf pile in addition to escaping into the surrounding air, so make sure after you do it to spread it out on the dish, away from the damp so it doesn't get reabsorbed.
Some have suggested it might alter the flavor. I haven't noticed it. Some have suggested it might damage the tobacco. I've seen it pointed out that it won't get nearly as hot as when you set it on fire though. I am fine with this, just don't overdo it!
You could also dry out a few of the moisture absorbing packets commonly found in vitamins and other moisture sensitive food products. The internet has a variety of ways, I have placed them on a cookie sheet for a few minutes at a low temp to achieve this. Then place them in a bag with your tobacco. The amount of packets needed depends on quantity and wetness. You can also buy large moisture absorbers that can be reused many times after drying them out.
- Thread starter
- #6
I've actually used the microwave method in the past. I think it's mostly in my mind that it's not good for the tobac's flavour. In any case, the desk lamp will be used tonight and I'm going to look into the moisture absorbing packets for prepping ahead of time. Thanks.
It's hot and dry here. Why don't you just send it to me and I will dry it for you. 
- Thread starter
- #8
You know, it seems like it's many of my favourite blends (FVF, Stonehaven, Brown Flake, Exotique, Mississippi River) that are wet, so you'd probably really enjoy "drying" my tobacco for me, at least by my standards.
That's funny since a lot of my favorite blends need rehydrating. What a conundrum!
10 seconds (maximum) in a microwave.
