A method for improving the quality of hand-rolled cigars through low-temperature treatment

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for improving the quality of hand-rolled cigars through low-temperature treatment, belonging to the field of tobacco processing technology. The method involves balancing the moisture content of the cigar sticks under constant temperature and humidity conditions, then subjecting them to low-temperature treatment in a sealed environment, followed by natural warming and subsequent curing under suitable conditions. This method can efficiently, conveniently, and economically improve the sensory quality of cigars, resulting in a smoother and more mellow smoke with reduced harshness and irritation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of tobacco processing technology, and in particular relates to a method for improving the quality of hand-rolled cigars through low-temperature treatment. Background Technology

[0002] Cigars are a type of tobacco product with a long history and a rapidly growing market in my country. They are typically hand-rolled from natural cigar leaves, and their structure consists of the wrapper, binder, and filler, from the outside in. Unlike cigarettes, cigars undergo a special aging process. Traditional aging involves storing rolled cigars in a specific temperature and humidity environment for a period of time. This balances the moisture content and promotes the decomposition and transformation of internal chemical substances, resulting in a more mature flavor. The aging process for cigars is lengthy and requires specific environmental conditions. Improper handling can lead to mold or pests, reducing cigar quality and causing economic losses. For the average consumer, the cost of purchasing and storing cigars is relatively high.

[0003] Currently, existing cigar conditioning methods (patent numbers CN115053977A and CN111387542A) mainly involve modifying the conditioning cabinet and ambient air, and introducing alcohol or tea into the conditioning medium to enhance aroma and remove impurities. However, these methods all suffer from drawbacks such as complex operating procedures and high economic costs. Therefore, there is an urgent need to explore a convenient, efficient, and low-cost aging and conditioning method that can improve the sensory quality of cigars.

[0004] Currently, the low-temperature freezing treatment of cigars (patent number CN111268288A) mainly targets pest control for cigars and does not involve improving the quality of cigars. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this invention proposes a method for improving the quality of hand-rolled cigars through low-temperature treatment. This method can efficiently, conveniently, and economically improve the sensory quality of cigars, resulting in a smoother and more mellow smoke with reduced off-flavors and harshness.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] A method for improving the quality of hand-rolled cigars through low-temperature treatment involves balancing the moisture content of the cigar sticks under constant temperature and humidity conditions, then subjecting them to low-temperature treatment under sealed conditions, and finally allowing them to warm up naturally before maintaining them again under constant temperature and humidity conditions.

[0008] Furthermore, the constant temperature and humidity conditions are: temperature 20℃, humidity 65%.

[0009] Furthermore, the time for balancing the moisture content is 14 days.

[0010] Furthermore, the low-temperature treatment specifically involves lowering the temperature from room temperature to below -20°C and maintaining the temperature for 24 hours.

[0011] Furthermore, the natural temperature rise refers to a temperature rise to 20-22°C.

[0012] Furthermore, the maintenance period is 24 hours.

[0013] Furthermore, the method for rolling a cigar is as follows: fold the filler into multiple bundles and hold them by hand, then fix them with a cigar sleeve, place them in a mold and press for 1 hour, then turn them 90 degrees and continue pressing for 1 hour. Take them out to get the cigar blank, wrap the wrapper around the cigar blank, and the cigar is rolled.

[0014] Furthermore, the moisture content of the filler is 13-15%, the binder is 20-22%, and the wrapper is 28-30%. If the moisture content is below this range, the filler is very prone to drying and crumbling, the binder and wrapper lack tensile strength and are easily damaged, and the wrapper is difficult to fully expand; if the moisture content is above this range, the overall moisture content of the cigar will be too high, and the wrapper tobacco is prone to water stains, affecting the appearance and burning state of the cigar, reducing the sensory quality of the cigarette, and making it difficult for the cigar's flavor to be fully expressed.

[0015] Furthermore, the parameters in the constant temperature and humidity chamber are: temperature 20℃ and humidity 65%. The reason for limiting these parameters is that under this temperature and humidity environment, the overall quality of the cigars will be improved, and they are less likely to crack, mold, or be infested by insects.

[0016] The present invention also provides a cigar prepared using the above method.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and technical effects:

[0018] This invention uses low-temperature treatment of cigars, without damaging any of their physical properties. The process is simple, quick, and requires no special environmental conditions. It is suitable not only for cigar manufacturers but also for ordinary cigar smokers, as the technology is simple and easy to operate. Cigars treated according to this invention produce a smoother smoke, increased body, reduced harshness and irritation, and a more pronounced aroma. Furthermore, this method is environmentally friendly and cost-effective. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail. This detailed description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention, but rather as a more detailed description of certain aspects, features, and embodiments of the present invention.

[0020] It should be understood that the terminology used in this invention is merely for describing particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, with respect to numerical ranges in this invention, it should be understood that each intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range is also specifically disclosed. Every smaller range between any stated value or intermediate value within a stated range, and any other stated value or intermediate value within said range, is also included in this invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included or excluded from the range.

[0021] Unless otherwise stated, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. While only preferred methods and materials have been described herein, any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used in the implementation or testing of this invention. All references to this specification are incorporated by way of citation to disclose and describe methods and / or materials associated with those references. In the event of any conflict with any incorporated reference, the content of this specification shall prevail.

[0022] Various modifications and variations can be made to the specific embodiments described in this specification without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other embodiments derived from this specification will also be obvious to those skilled in the art. This application specification and embodiments are merely exemplary.

[0023] The terms “include,” “including,” “have,” “contain,” etc., used in this article are all open-ended terms, meaning that they include but are not limited to.

[0024] Unless otherwise specified, "room temperature" in this invention refers to 22±2℃.

[0025] In the following embodiments of the present invention, the cigar tobacco leaves were taken from the Cigar Laboratory of Henan Agricultural University, and the finished cigarettes were purchased from physical tobacco product stores.

[0026] The present invention provides a method for improving the quality of hand-rolled cigars through low-temperature treatment, comprising the following steps:

[0027] 1. Cigar Rolling: After fermentation and aging, the cigar tobacco leaves are categorized according to variety and leaf quality, and the wrapper, binder, and filler leaves are selected. These are then rehydrated evenly to the following moisture contents: wrapper 28-30%, binder 20-22%, filler 13-15%. The filler leaves are folded into multiple bundles and held by hand, then secured with binders. They are placed in a mold and pressed for 1 hour, then rotated 90 degrees and pressed for another hour to obtain the cigar blank. The wrapper is then wrapped around the cigar blank, and the cigar is rolled. In the following embodiments of this invention, the moisture content of the wrapper, binder, and filler only needs to be controlled within the above-mentioned ranges.

[0028] The rolled cigars were placed in a constant temperature and humidity chamber (temperature 20℃, humidity 65%) to equilibrate moisture for 14 days, and then subjected to low-temperature treatment.

[0029] 2. Low-temperature treatment:

[0030] 1) Low-temperature treatment device: Select a refrigerator with adjustable temperature and a minimum temperature of less than -20°C. Keep the inside of the refrigerator dry. In addition, do not place other odorous items at the same time during the low-temperature treatment process.

[0031] 2) Low-temperature processing procedure:

[0032] After sealing the cigars in a sealed bag or with plastic wrap, place them in the refrigerator. Turn on the power and allow the refrigerator temperature to gradually drop from room temperature to -20°C, then start timing. After 24 hours, turn off the power and allow the temperature to gradually rise back to room temperature. Remove the cigars and let them rest in a constant temperature and humidity chamber for 24 hours before smoking.

[0033] The following embodiments are further illustrations of the technical solution of the present invention.

[0034] The finished cigarettes used in the following examples also fall under the category of hand-rolled cigarettes.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] 1) Preparation of Single-Fruit Cigars: Cigar tobacco leaves from Shifang, Sichuan Province, harvested in 2022, and fermented, of the Dexue No. 7 variety, were selected. The tobacco leaves were categorized according to their quality, and the wrapper, binder, and filler leaves were selected. Distilled water was evenly sprayed onto the surface of the tobacco leaves using a small sprayer, and the moisture content was adjusted to: wrapper 28-30%, binder 20-22%, and filler 13-15%. After removing the stems, the left and right halves of the leaves were treated separately as a control. The same person stacked the filler leaves into multiple bundles, held them by hand, secured them with binders, placed them in a mold, pressed for 1 hour, then rotated 90 degrees and pressed for another hour to form the cigar blank. The wrapper was then wrapped around the cigar blank to complete the rolling process.

[0037] After the cigars were rolled, they were placed in a constant temperature and humidity chamber (temperature 20℃, humidity 65%) for 14 days to equilibrate their moisture content, and then numbered as T. D7 and CK D7 T D7 Subsequent low-temperature treatment, CK D7 No further low-temperature treatment was performed; these were used as control cigarettes (the meaning of the subsequent naming of the CK group is the same).

[0038] 2) Low-temperature treatment device: Select a refrigerator with adjustable temperature and a minimum temperature of less than -20°C. Keep the inside of the refrigerator dry. In addition, do not place other items with odors at the same time during the low-temperature treatment process.

[0039] 3) Low-temperature treatment process: TD7 After sealing the cigarette in a sealed bag, place it in a refrigerator, turn on the refrigerator power, and start timing when the temperature drops from room temperature to -20°C. After 24 hours of treatment, turn off the refrigerator power and wait until the temperature rises back to room temperature before removing the cigarette. Then, preserve it in a constant temperature and humidity chamber (temperature 20°C, humidity 65%) for 24 hours before smoking.

[0040] Example 2

[0041] Same as Example 1, except that the raw materials for the cigars were different. Cigar tobacco leaves from Laifeng, Hubei Province, produced in 2022 and fermented, of variety CX-80, were selected. The treatment group and control group were numbered T and T, respectively. CX-80 and CK CX-80 Steps 2) and 3) are the same as in Example 1.

[0042] Example 3

[0043] Same as Example 1, except that the raw materials for the cigars were different. Cigar tobacco leaves from 2020, fermented and processed in the Dominican Republic, were selected, specifically the Dominican Seco 14A / 15A (Piloto Cubano) variety. The treatment group and control group were numbered T and T, respectively. 多米 and CK 多米 Steps 2) and 3) are the same as in Example 1.

[0044] Example 4

[0045] Same as Example 1, except that the raw materials for the cigars were different. Cigar tobacco leaves from Indonesia, harvested in 2021 and fermented, were selected; the variety was Indonesian AB / LL-LMB. The treatment group and control group were numbered T and T, respectively. 印尼 and CK 印尼 Steps 2) and 3) are the same as in Example 1.

[0046] Example 5

[0047] Same as Example 1, except that the raw materials for the cigars were different; 2017 Brazilian BD / VI / L cigar tobacco leaves were selected. The treatment group and control group were numbered T and T, respectively. 巴西 and CK 巴西 Steps 2) and 3) are the same as in Example 1.

[0048] Example 6

[0049] 1) Selection of finished cigars: Select the Lansheng No. 3 cigar produced by Sichuan Tobacco Industry Co., Ltd., with a size of 124*50 mm; after unpacking, select two cigars with basically the same draw resistance, one numbered T. 揽3 (Low-temperature treated cigarettes) and CK 揽3(The control cigarette was not subjected to further low-temperature treatment).

[0050] 2) Low-temperature treatment device: Same as in Example 1.

[0051] 3) Low-temperature treatment process: Same as in Example 1.

[0052] Example 7

[0053] Same as Example 6, except that the brand and model of the cigars were different. The cigars used were Snow Dream No. 5 produced by Hubei China Tobacco Industry Co., Ltd., with a size of 124*50 mm. The treatment group and control group were numbered T and T, respectively. 梦5 and CK 梦5 Steps 2) and 3) are the same as in Example 6.

[0054] Example 8

[0055] Same as Example 6, except that the brand and model of the cigars were different. The cigars used were the Ares No. 3 produced by Shandong Tobacco Industry Co., Ltd., with a size of 130*40 mm. The treatment group and control group were numbered T and T, respectively. 战3 and CK 战3 Steps 2) and 3) are the same as in Example 6.

[0056] Example 9

[0057] Same as Example 6, except that the brand and model of the cigars were different. Blue Holiday cigars produced by Anhui Tobacco Industry Co., Ltd. were selected, with a size of 110*38 cm. The treatment group and control group were numbered T and T, respectively. 蓝 and CK 蓝 Steps 2) and 3) are the same as in Example 6.

[0058] Test Analysis:

[0059] 1. Sensory quality evaluation of single-origin cigars

[0060] The single-origin cigars treated in Examples 1-5 and the control cigars were compared and evaluated by 10 judges with industry sensory evaluation qualifications from the National Tobacco Cultivation Physiology and Biochemistry Research Base. The 9-point evaluation method for cigar raw materials from the Three Gorges Cigarette Factory of Hubei China Tobacco Industry Co., Ltd. was used to evaluate the sensory quality of the single-origin cigars based on eight indicators: aroma quality, aroma quantity, off-flavors, irritation, aftertaste, sweetness, combustibility, and grayness. A higher total score indicates better sensory quality of the tobacco leaves. The detailed scoring rules and weighting for the total score are shown in Table 1. The formula for calculating the total score is: (T represents the sensory quality evaluation score; χ²) i p represents the average score of a single indicator. i (The weight is for a specific indicator). The sensory evaluation results of the products are shown in Table 2.

[0061] Table 1. Sensory Quality Evaluation Methods for Single-Blend Cigars

[0062]

[0063] Table 2 Sensory evaluation results of single-origin cigars

[0064]

[0065]

[0066] As can be seen from Table 2, the single-material cigars treated in Examples 1-5 were different from the control. The sensory quality of the cigars treated at low temperature was significantly improved. The green and impure smells were reduced when smoking, the aftertaste was more comfortable, and the sweetness was improved. The impurities and irritation were reduced, and the gray color also turned white. The sensory quality difference was obvious, which further illustrates that the low temperature treatment improves the sensory quality of cigars.

[0067] 2. Sensory evaluation of the style and quality of finished cigars

[0068] The cigarettes treated in Examples 6-9 and the control cigarettes were evaluated by 10 judges with industry sensory evaluation qualifications from the National Tobacco Cultivation Physiology and Biochemistry Research Base. The evaluation used was a 9-point scale based on the cigar style quality assessment standard of the Three Gorges Cigarette Factory of Hubei China Tobacco Industry Co., Ltd., assessing 11 indicators: aroma, richness, smoothness, transparency, off-flavors, sweetness, irritation, aftertaste, combustibility, ash color, and harmony. A higher total score indicates better sensory quality of the tobacco leaves. The detailed scoring rules and weighting for the total score are shown in Table 3. The formula for calculating the total score is: (T represents the sensory quality evaluation score; χ²) i p represents the average score of a single indicator. i (The weight is for a specific indicator). The sensory evaluation results of the products are shown in Table 4.

[0069] Table 3. Sensory Quality Evaluation Methods for Finished Cigars

[0070]

[0071]

[0072] Table 4 Sensory evaluation results of finished cigars

[0073]

[0074] As shown in Table 4, the sensory quality of the finished cigars treated in Examples 6-9 was improved compared to the control cigars after low-temperature treatment. Compared with the control cigars, the treated cigars had a richer and more harmonious aroma, better smoothness, lower off-flavors and harshness, and significantly improved mellowness and sweetness / saltiness. The aftertaste was also pleasant, and the overall sensory quality was significantly different, further demonstrating that low-temperature treatment improves the quality of cigars.

[0075] 3. Ash whiteness

[0076] The cigarette ash from the cigarettes burned in Examples 1-9 was collected, ground in a mortar, and then the whiteness value of the ash was measured using a whiteness meter (model: WSB-VI). The results are shown in Tables 5 and 6.

[0077] Table 5 Ash Whiteness Values ​​of Single-Origin Cigars

[0078]

[0079] Note: Different letters in the table represent significant differences, P<0.05.

[0080] Table 6 Ash Whiteness Values ​​of Finished Cigars

[0081]

[0082] Note: Different letters in the table represent significant differences, P<0.05.

[0083] As can be seen from Table 5-6, the whiteness value of the ash after low-temperature treatment is significantly higher than that of the control group, indicating that the ash color is whiter after low-temperature treatment. This further demonstrates that low-temperature treatment can improve the sensory quality of cigars.

[0084] Comparative Example 1

[0085] Same as Example 1, except that in step 1), the moisture content of the eggplant core is 16%, the moisture content of the eggplant sleeve is 24%, and the moisture content of the eggplant wrapper is 33%. Steps 2) and 3) are the same as in Example 1.

[0086] During the preparation of cigars using this comparative method, the wrapper was prone to tearing during rolling, resulting in some water stains and affecting the cigar's appearance. The rolled cigars exhibited excessive draw resistance towards the rear, leading to poor sensory quality. The ash whiteness value was 4.88, compared to 4.16 for the control ash.

[0087] Comparative Example 2

[0088] Same as Example 1, except that in step 3), the low-temperature treatment process is as follows: After sealing the rolled cigar sticks in a sealed bag, place them in a refrigerator, turn on the refrigerator power, and start timing when the temperature drops from room temperature to 0°C. After 24 hours of treatment, turn off the refrigerator power and wait until the temperature rises back to room temperature before taking out the cigar sticks. Then, preserve them in a constant temperature and humidity chamber (temperature 20°C, humidity 65%) for 24 hours before smoking. Steps 1) and 2) are the same as in Example 1.

[0089] The cigars prepared using this comparative method showed no significant change in sensory quality, with an ash whiteness value of 5.15, compared to 5.04 for the control ash whiteness value.

[0090] Comparative Example 3

[0091] Same as Example 1, except that in step 3), the low-temperature treatment process is as follows: After sealing the rolled cigar sticks in a sealed bag, place them in a refrigerator, turn on the refrigerator power, and start timing when the temperature drops from room temperature to -20°C. After 24 hours of treatment, turn off the refrigerator power, remove the cigars, and then place them directly in a constant temperature and humidity chamber (temperature 20°C, humidity 65%) for 24 hours before smoking. Steps 1) and 2) are the same as in Example 1.

[0092] Cigars prepared using this comparative method have a risk of wrapper breakage during the process of being taken out of the refrigerator, but their sensory quality is improved, with an ash whiteness value of 7.88 compared to a control ash whiteness value of 6.02.

[0093] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the scope of the technology disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for improving the quality of hand-rolled cigars by low-temperature treatment, wherein the cigar is balanced in moisture under constant temperature and humidity, and then subjected to low-temperature treatment under a sealed condition, and after natural warming, the cigar is cured again under constant temperature and humidity. The constant temperature and humidity condition is: temperature 20℃, humidity 65%. The low-temperature treatment is specifically: the temperature is reduced from room temperature to below-20℃, and the temperature is maintained for 24h. The natural warming is to warm to 20-22℃. The rolling method of the cigar is: the cigar core is stacked into multiple bundles and held by hand, and then the cigar core is fixed by a cigar cover, and then the cigar core is placed into a mold for pressing for 1h, and then the mold is turned by 90° for further pressing for 1h, and then the cigar embryo is obtained, and then the cigar wrapper is wrapped outside the cigar embryo, and the rolling of the cigar is completed; the water content of the cigar core is 13-15%, the water content of the cigar cover is 20-22%, and the water content of the cigar wrapper is 28-30%.

2. The method of improving the quality of a low-temperature processed hand-rolled cigar according to claim 1, wherein, The time for balancing the moisture is 14d.

3. The method of improving the quality of a low-temperature processed hand-rolled cigar according to claim 1, wherein, The curing time is 24h. 4.A cigar prepared by the method according to any one of claims 1-3.

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