Humidity control during tobacco storage is crucial as tobacco leaves and cut tobacco are extremely hygroscopic and can easily regain moisture from the surrounding environment. If the right moisture level and humidity control are not achieved during tobacco storage, the following can happen:
- Organic corrosion
- Growth of fungus and bacteria
- Deterioration in quality of the stored leaves
- Insect contamination
Proper humidity control systems can prevent these issues, ensuring the tobacco maintains its quality and value. Additionally, maintaining optimal humidity levels helps in preserving the flavor and aroma of tobacco, which are critical for both manufacturers and consumers.
Causes of Uncontrolled Humidity
Humidity control during tobacco storage is essential because storage/godowns in the tobacco industry are moisture-prone areas. The tobacco leaves, coming into contact with even a little moisture, can undergo significant changes in weight and other characteristics.
Typically, tobacco is stored in farms with higher relative humidity, making effective humidity control crucial to maintain the quality and integrity of the leaves.
Also, tobacco is stored in compressed bales. As soon as the new lot arrives in the storage area, it brings a certain moisture with it during its transportation which when present in the godown for a certain time, leads to growth of bacteria and fungus, supported by compressed bales.
Sanitation of tobacco and its surrounding also plays a major role in causing uncontrolled moisture.
General Recommendation
Humidity control during tobacco storage is crucial to maintaining the equilibrium moisture content of the stored tobacco at 16% to 19%. For this, a relative humidity of 35% to 45% needs to be maintained inside the storage area to preserve their quality.
Proper humidity control ensures that tobacco leaves do not absorb excess moisture, which can lead to deterioration in flavor, aroma, and overall quality. Additionally, it helps prevent the growth of mold and bacteria, protecting the tobacco from potential contamination.
Tobacco leaves must be dried properly before they are packed and marketed, and effective humidity control throughout storage is vital for achieving this. By implementing the right humidity control measures, the longevity and market value of tobacco products can be significantly enhanced.
Bry-Air Solution
Bry-Air offers simplest and most economical solution to humidity related problems. Bry-Air dehumidifier absorbs moisture from the air to prevent tobacco from getting destroyed or lose its taste and value. It can maintain equilibrium moisture content of the stored tobacco at 16% to 19%.
Partial Reference List
- Brown and Williamson Tobacco Corp., U.S.A.
- Alleghany Warehouse, Netherlands
- Malaysian Tobacco Company
- VST Industries
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