Treatment method of cigar tobacco leaves

Abstract

The invention discloses a method for treating cigar tobacco leaves, which comprises the following steps of: performing flexible moisture regaining treatment on the cigar tobacco leaves, controlling the vacuum degree of the flexible moisture regaining treatment to be-0.08 to-0.09 MPa, the time of the flexible moisture regaining treatment to be 20-25 minutes or 25-30 minutes, and the temperature of the flexible moisture regaining treatment to be 58-59 DEG C, 59-60 DEG C, 60-61 DEG C, 61-62 DEG C or 62-65 DEG C, so as to obtain a flexible moisture regaining product; carrying out stacking fermentation treatment on the flexible moisture regaining product to obtain a stacking fermentation product; the stacking fermentation product is subjected to enhanced moisture regaining treatment, the vacuum degree of the enhanced moisture regaining treatment is controlled to be-0.09 Mpa to-0.095 Mpa, the time of the enhanced moisture regaining treatment is 40-50 min or 50-60 min, the temperature of the enhanced moisture regaining treatment is 70-75 DEG C, 75-76 DEG C, 76-77 DEG C, 77-78 DEG C, 78-79 DEG C or 79-80 DEG C, an enhanced moisture regaining product is obtained, the mould content of the enhanced moisture regaining product is smaller than 10 CFU / g, and the mould content of the enhanced moisture regaining product is smaller than 10 CFU / g. The retention rate of flavor substances of the enhanced moisture regaining product is greater than 80%, and the flavor substances comprise phenethyl alcohol and / or dihydroactinidiolide. The purposes of bacterium conservation, fermentation promotion, sterilization and mildew control are achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent belongs to the field of cigar processing technology, specifically relating to a method for processing cigar tobacco leaves. Background Technology

[0002] Cigar tobacco leaves are prone to mold growth during fermentation and storage. Traditional vacuum rehumidification processes mainly use a single high-temperature parameter (usually 75-85℃) to completely kill microorganisms. However, this "one-size-fits-all" approach has the following drawbacks: 1. Damage to beneficial microbial communities: Excessive sterilization before fermentation will destroy essential fermentation microorganisms such as aroma-producing yeasts and cellulose-degrading bacteria on the surface of tobacco leaves, resulting in insufficient synthesis of flavor substances (such as phenylethanol and dihydroactinol) during subsequent fermentation, with an aroma loss rate of 15-25%. 2. Inability to precisely control in stages: Traditional processes do not distinguish the differences in microbial function before and after fermentation, and adopt a "one-size-fits-all" high-temperature treatment, which can neither retain beneficial bacteria before fermentation nor achieve complete mold control after fermentation; 3. It is impossible to make precise control based on the evolution of the microbial community before and after fermentation.

[0003] Therefore, a new processing technology is urgently needed to resolve the core contradiction between retaining the essential microorganisms for fermentation and inhibiting harmful molds. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this patent is to provide a method for processing cigar tobacco leaves to achieve the goals of preserving bacteria, promoting fermentation, and killing bacteria and controlling mold.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this patent adopts the following technical solution: A method for processing cigar tobacco leaves includes the following steps: Step 1: Perform a soft rehydration treatment on the cigar tobacco leaves for 20-25 minutes or 25-30 minutes, at a temperature of 58-59℃, 59-60℃, 60-61℃, 61-62℃ or 62-65℃, to obtain a soft rehydrated product. Step 2: The flexible rehydrated product is subjected to stack fermentation treatment for 10-35 days to obtain the stack fermentation product. Step 3: The stacked fermentation product is subjected to enhanced rehydration treatment for 40-50 min or 50-60 min, and the temperature is 70-75℃, 75-76℃, 76-77℃, 77-78℃, 78-79℃ or 79-80℃, to obtain an enhanced rehydrated product. The mold content of the enhanced rehydrated product is less than 10 CFU / g, and the flavor substance retention rate of the enhanced rehydrated product is greater than 80%. The flavor substances include phenylethanol and / or dihydroactinolone.

[0006] Furthermore, in step 1, the vacuum degree of the flexible rehydration treatment is controlled at -0.08 to -0.09 MPa, and the mold content of the flexible rehydration product is maintained at 10³-10⁻⁶ MPa. 4 CFU / g.

[0007] Furthermore, in step 3, the vacuum degree of the enhanced rehumidification treatment is controlled to be -0.09 to -0.095 MPa.

[0008] Furthermore, in step 2, the stacking fermentation process is carried out in a fermentation chamber; The temperature of the fermentation chamber is 28-30℃, 30-32℃, or 32-35℃.

[0009] Furthermore, the stacking fermentation process involves turning the stacks 2-3 times, 3-5 times, or 5-10 times.

[0010] Furthermore, the humidity in the fermentation chamber is 70-75% RH.

[0011] Furthermore, in step 1, water is input during the flexible rehydration process so that the moisture content of the flexible rehydrated product is 15-17%, 17-19%, or 19-20%.

[0012] Furthermore, an aerosol-generated product comprising an enhanced rehydration product obtained by any of the above-mentioned methods for processing cigar tobacco leaves, wherein the aerosol-generated product has a mold rate of ≤0.0055% after aging for 90 days.

[0013] Among them, aerosol-generating products are smoking products, with cigar tobacco leaves as the aerosol-forming matrix, which generate aerosols through heating that can be directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth.

[0014] In this patent, by using an initial mold content of 10³-10 5 The raw material, at CFU / g, undergoes a flexible rehydration treatment to maintain the mold content of the rehydrated product at 10³-10⁻⁶. 4The CFU / g level was maintained, and beneficial bacteria were preserved, with the abundance of Saccharomyces remaining at 10-15%. Functional bacteria were activated, with the survival rate of essential fermentation microorganisms such as cellulose-degrading bacteria and aroma-producing yeasts >85%. The proportion of Aspergillus in the stacking fermentation product naturally increased from 65% to over 90%; the content of the key flavor compound dihydroactinol increased by 2.1-3.2 times, and the phenylethanol retention rate was >85%. The mold content of the fortified rehydrated product decreased to <10 CFU / g (below the detection limit), with a viable bacteria kill rate >99.99%, and a kill rate of >99.9% for the key mold-causing fungus Aspergillus montevidensis.

[0015] This patent provides a method for processing cigar tobacco leaves, establishing a precise, phased vacuum rehumidification process system that combines microbial preservation and fermentation promotion with sterilization and mold control. Through the intelligent linkage of microbial community succession patterns and process parameters, the technical goal of reducing the mold rate of cigar tobacco leaves by more than 98.5% and increasing the retention rate of key flavor substances by more than 30% is achieved. Furthermore, during the stacking fermentation process, the proportion of Aspergillus microorganisms naturally evolves from 65% to over 90%. By rapidly increasing the temperature through enhanced rehydration and reducing high-temperature exposure time, the final enhanced rehydration product exhibits a phenylethanol loss rate of <11%. Simultaneously, strict vacuum control at each stage reduces oxidation reactions throughout the process, resulting in a dihydroactinol retention rate of >92% in the enhanced rehydration product. The final moisture content of the enhanced rehydration product is 13-16%, avoiding excessive drying. The mold content is reduced to <10 CFU / g (below the detection limit), achieving a >99.9% kill rate against Aspergillus montmorillonite, the dominant mold-causing fungus in fermented tobacco leaves, and complete inactivation of key mold-causing fungi such as Penicillium chrysogenum and Aspergillus polymorpha, reaching commercial sterility levels and achieving the goal of "sterilization and mold control." The finished cigarettes prepared from the enhanced rehydration product treated with this patent exhibit a mold rate of ≤0.0055%, a flavor loss rate of ≤10%, and a sensory score of ≥90 points.

[0016] This patent proposes a dual-target synergistic mechanism of preserving bacteria and promoting fermentation, and sterilizing and controlling mold. Based on the isolation and identification of 799 mold strains and the study of the mold-causing properties of 40 high-content strains, it clarifies for the first time the functional temporality of the microbial community during the fermentation process of cigar tobacco leaves—beneficial bacteria such as aroma-producing yeasts and cellulose-degrading bacteria need to be retained before fermentation, and mold-causing bacteria such as Aspergillus and Penicillium need to be completely inactivated after fermentation. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The above content of this patent and the following detailed embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are merely examples of the claimed technical solution.

[0018] Figure 1This is a comparison chart of the mold content at each process node in the enhanced rehydration product prepared in Example 1 of this patent. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The detailed features and advantages of this patent are described below in the specific embodiments. The content is sufficient to enable any person skilled in the art to understand the technical content of this patent and implement it accordingly. Based on the specification, claims and drawings disclosed in this specification, a person skilled in the art can easily understand the related objectives and advantages of this patent.

[0020] This specification also uses several compound terms to describe devices, components, equipment, etc. that include more than one function, or to assign additional functions to a corresponding device, component, equipment, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that such compound terms can be implemented by a single or multiple devices, components, equipment, etc., as long as they are reasonable under the interpretation rules of this patent terminology.

[0021] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters denote similar items in the following figures; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures. In this specification and claims, several terms will be used, and unless otherwise indicated, these terms will be defined as having the following meanings: The terms “comprising” or “having” have the same meaning as “containing”, and also include other forms of the term, such as the gerund and singular forms in English, meaning including but not limited to, and not intended to exclude, for example, other elements, components, integers or steps. All other terms used herein for special definition are intended to have the general meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, in particular meaning that one of ordinary skill in the art, upon reading the claims, specification and drawings of this patent, can directly and without doubt determine how the technical solution of this patent can be implemented.

[0022] Even if there are incomplete descriptions, omissions, or ambiguities in the grammar, words, punctuation, graphics, symbols, etc. of the claims, specification, and drawings of this patent, a person skilled in the art can still arrive at the only correct understanding by reading the claims, specification, and drawings as a whole without extensive reasoning or experimentation, and effectively exclude various incorrect interpretations that are not aimed at achieving the purpose of this patent.

[0023] Those skilled in the art would first choose to read the claims, specification, and drawings of this patent to reasonably interpret the terms; secondly, they would choose to refer to the relevant definitions in other documents published by the applicant before the filing date to reasonably interpret the terms; thirdly, they would choose the references cited in this patent to reasonably interpret the terms; and finally, they would choose to combine the technical dictionaries, technical manuals, reference books, textbooks, national or industry technical standards, etc., commonly used by those skilled in the art to reasonably interpret the terms.

[0024] All references cited in this application are incorporated herein by way of quotation, to the extent that they do not contradict the disclosure herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that products (apparatus, components, devices, compounds, compositions, materials, etc.) and methods (processes, steps, conditions, parameters, equipment, and test methods, equipment, etc.) not specifically described herein can be applied to the implementation of the inventions fully disclosed herein without the need for excessive experimentation. This patent is intended to cover all functional equivalents known in the art of the methods, apparatus, apparatus components, materials, processes, and techniques specifically described herein. All cited references include: The following publications are included: Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers (11th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), published by McGraw-Hill, Inc.; DeGarmo's Materials and Processes in Manufacturing (13th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), published by Wiley; Machinery's Handbook (32nd edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), published by IndustrialPress Inc.; Mechanical Design Handbook (6th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), edited by Cheng Daxian, published by Chemical Industry Press; and Modern Mechanical Design Handbook (6th edition and other editions prior to this patent application date), edited by Wen Bangchun, published by Machinery Industry Press.

[0025] This patent will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar elements. While specific structures and arrangements are discussed, it should be understood that this is done merely for illustrative purposes. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other structures and arrangements can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of this patent. It will be clear to those skilled in the art that this patent can also be used in a variety of other applications.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] This embodiment provides a method for processing cigar tobacco leaves, including the following steps: Raw material warehousing: Domestic eggplant core tobacco leaves (originating from Yunnan), the initial mold content was determined to be 8.2×10³ CFU / g using the test strip method, the moisture content was 14.5%, and the number was ZKHC-B.

[0028] Pre-fermentation flexible rehydration: temperature 62℃, vacuum degree -0.085 MPa, treatment time one cycle (each cycle 22 minutes, i.e., treatment time 22 minutes), during which external water mist is sprayed onto the tobacco leaves. Under a vacuum degree of -0.085 MPa, the boiling point of water drops to approximately 55-60℃. The finished flexible rehydrated tobacco leaves have an outlet temperature of 61℃, a moisture content of 17.2%, a mold content of 9.1×10³ CFU / g, and a tobacco brick looseness rate of 97.1%, and are designated as ZKHC-1.

[0029] Stack fermentation: The flexible rehydrated product ZKHC-1 was stacked and fermented in a fermentation chamber (30±2℃, 72%RH) for 28 days, with the stack turned 3 times. The mold content was below 10% during the fermentation period. 6 CFU / g. Mold content at the end of fermentation was 5.6 × 10⁻⁶. 4 CFU / g, Aspergillus spp. accounted for 91.3%, and the content of dihydroactinolone increased by 2.1 times, with the code DDFJ-A-1.

[0030] Post-fermentation enhanced rehydration: The stacked fermentation product DDFJ-A-1 was continuously treated for two cycles (20 min per cycle, i.e., a total treatment time of 40 minutes) at a temperature of 78℃ and a vacuum degree of -0.092 MPa. The treated enhanced rehydration product had a mold content of <10 CFU / g, a moisture content of 15.8%, and a loss rate of 8.7% for key aroma substances, and was designated ZKHC-A-1.

[0031] The rehydrated product was prepared into cigarettes using conventional methods and then aged according to the aging method disclosed in Chinese Patent CN103445289A. The rehydrated product was placed in oak barrels and aged at 70°F and 70% humidity. The cigars were periodically turned to ensure even aging; the interval depended on the ventilation of the oak barrels, and the space inside the barrels was at least twice the space of the cigars. After 90 days of aging, the finished cigarettes had a mold rate of 0.0038%, a viable bacteria kill rate >99.99%, achieving commercial sterility, and a sensory score of 92.5.

[0032] Example 2

[0033] This embodiment provides a method for processing cigar tobacco leaves, including the following steps: Raw material warehousing: high-end citrus filler tobacco leaves (origin: Dominican Republic), with an initial mold content of 1.2×10³ CFU / g determined using the test piece method.

[0034] Pre-fermentation flexible rehydration: temperature 65℃, vacuum degree -0.08 MPa, time 25 minutes. During this time, external water mist is sprayed onto the tobacco leaves. The outlet temperature of the treated flexibly rehydrated tobacco leaves is 63-64℃, maintaining a moisture content of 18.2%. The mold content after treatment is 1.5×10³ CFU / g, fully activating beneficial bacteria.

[0035] Stack fermentation: Stack fermentation in a fermentation chamber (30±2℃, 72%RH) for up to 35 days, turning the stack 4 times. The mold content should be below 10% during the fermentation period. 6 The concentration was CFU / g, with a moisture content of 14.3%. Aspergillus species accounted for 98.5% of the total, and the content of key flavor compounds such as 2,3-butanedione increased by 3.2 times.

[0036] Enhanced rehydration after fermentation: temperature 78℃, vacuum degree -0.092 MPa, continuous treatment for 2 cycles (25 min per cycle), the moisture content of the enhanced rehydration product after treatment is 15.7%.

[0037] The final mold content of the treated enhanced rehumidification product was <10 CFU / g. The enhanced rehumidification product was used to prepare cigarettes using conventional methods and then aged according to the aging method disclosed in Chinese Patent CN103445289A. The enhanced rehumidification product was placed in oak barrels and aged at 70°F and 70% humidity. The cigars were periodically turned to ensure even aging; the interval depended on the ventilation of the oak barrels, and the space inside the barrels was at least twice the space of the cigars. After 90 days of aging, the finished cigarettes had a mold rate of only 0.0018% and a flavor loss rate of 7.5%. The cigars had a rich nutty and creamy aroma and a sensory score of 94.8.

[0038] Example 3

[0039] This embodiment provides a method for processing cigar tobacco leaves, including the following steps: Raw material warehousing: Three types of domestically produced eggplant core tobacco leaves (from Yunnan, Sichuan, and Hubei provinces respectively) were mixed in a 4:3:3 ratio. The initial mold content varied significantly (2.8×10³-1.1×10³) when measured using the test disc method. 4 (CFU / g), moisture content 14.5-15.5%.

[0040] Pre-fermentation flexible rehydration: temperature 63℃, vacuum degree -0.086 MPa, time 24 minutes, during which external water mist is sprayed onto the tobacco leaves to maintain the moisture content of the flexible rehydrated product at 17.8-18.8%. The discharge temperature of the treated flexible rehydrated tobacco leaves is 61-62℃ to balance the activity of various microorganisms.

[0041] Stack fermentation: A "sandwich" stacking method was adopted, with different varieties stacked alternately, layered thinly and cyclically from the ground upwards in the order of Yunnan-Sichuan-Hubei. The cross-section of the stack was divided into multiple small areas, with the Yunnan-Sichuan-Hubei areas staggered to allow different varieties of microorganisms to fully "communicate" at the contact interface, promoting the penetration and diffusion of dominant bacteria. After 28 days of stack fermentation in the fermentation chamber (30±2℃, 72%RH), the proportion of Aspergillus reached over 95%.

[0042] Enhanced rehydration after fermentation: The temperature was increased to 78℃, the vacuum degree was -0.093 MPa, and the treatment was carried out continuously for 2 cycles (26 min per cycle). The moisture content of the enhanced rehydration product after treatment was 15.5-16.5%.

[0043] The treated, rehydrated product has a final mold content of <10 CFU / g. Mixed fermentation produces a unique, complex flavor. The rehydrated product is used to prepare cigarettes using conventional methods and then aged according to the aging method disclosed in Chinese Patent CN103445289A. The rehydrated product is placed in oak barrels and aged at 70°F and 70% humidity. The cigars are periodically turned to ensure even aging; the interval depends on the ventilation of the oak barrels, and the space inside the barrels is at least twice the space of the cigars. After 90 days of aging, the finished cigarettes have a mold rate of 0.0042%, and the flavor harmony of each variety is improved.

[0044] Example 4

[0045] This embodiment provides a method for processing cigar tobacco leaves, including the following steps: Raw material warehousing: Domestic eggplant core tobacco leaves (variety: Yunnan), the initial mold content was determined to be 8.2×10³ CFU / g using the test strip method, and the moisture content was 14.5%.

[0046] Soft rehydration before fermentation: temperature 65℃, vacuum degree -0.08 MPa, time 25 minutes, to compensate for insufficient ambient temperature, during which external water mist is sprayed onto the tobacco leaves to maintain the moisture content of the soft rehydrated product at 17.2%.

[0047] Stack fermentation: In winter, the fermentation room temperature is only 22-25℃, which affects the fermentation efficiency. Extend the stack fermentation cycle to 32 days, turn the stack 4 times, and add electric auxiliary heating to maintain the center temperature of the stack ≥28℃.

[0048] Enhanced rehydration after fermentation: temperature 78℃, vacuum degree -0.092 MPa, continuous treatment for 2 cycles (26 min per cycle).

[0049] The final mold content of the treated, rehydrated product was <10 CFU / g. The rehydrated product was used to prepare cigarettes using conventional methods and then aged according to the aging method disclosed in Chinese Patent CN103445289A. The rehydrated product was placed in oak barrels and aged at 70°F and 70% humidity. The cigars were periodically turned to ensure even aging; the interval depended on the ventilation of the oak barrels, and the space inside the barrels was at least twice the space of the cigars. After 90 days of aging, the mold rate of the finished cigarettes was 0.0045%. Although the aging period was extended, the sensory evaluation showed more complete accumulation of flavor compounds and a significantly enhanced cigar body.

[0050] Comparative Example 1

[0051] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that it uses a single high-temperature rehumidification process. Both before and after fermentation, the process is carried out at 78°C, a vacuum of -0.092 MPa, and for 40 minutes, without staged differentiated temperature and time control. Specifically, it includes the following steps: Raw material warehousing: Domestic eggplant core tobacco leaves (originating from Yunnan), the initial mold content was determined to be 8.2×10³ CFU / g using the test strip method, and the moisture content was 14.5%.

[0052] Pre-fermentation rehydration: Temperature 78℃, vacuum degree -0.092 MPa, continuous treatment for 2 cycles (20 min per cycle, i.e., treatment time is 40 minutes) to obtain pre-fermentation rehydrated product.

[0053] Stack fermentation: The pre-fermented product was stacked in a fermentation chamber (30±2℃, 72%RH) for 28 days, and the stack was turned 3 times to obtain the stack fermentation product.

[0054] Rehydration after fermentation: The stacked fermentation product was continuously treated at a temperature of 78℃ and a vacuum degree of -0.092 MPa for two cycles (20 min per cycle, i.e., a treatment time of 40 minutes) to obtain the rehydrated product after fermentation.

[0055] The rehydrated product after fermentation is processed into cigarettes using conventional methods and then aged according to the aging method disclosed in Chinese Patent CN103445289A. The rehydrated product is placed in an oak barrel and aged at 70 degrees Fahrenheit and 70% humidity. The cigars are turned periodically to ensure even aging; the interval depends on the ventilation of the oak barrel, and the space inside the barrel is at least twice the space of the cigars.

[0056] Comparative Example 2

[0057] The difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the pre-fermentation rehydration treatment time is two cycles, specifically including the following steps: Raw material warehousing: Domestic eggplant core tobacco leaves (origin: Yunnan), the initial mold content was determined to be 8.2×10³ CFU / g using the test strip method, the moisture content was 14.5%, and the number was ZKHC-B.

[0058] Flexible rehydration before fermentation: temperature 62℃, vacuum degree -0.085 MPa, treatment time 2 cycles (22 min per cycle, i.e., treatment time 44 minutes), during which external water mist is sprayed onto the tobacco leaves. Under a vacuum degree of -0.085 MPa, the boiling point of water drops to about 55-60℃. The flexible rehydration product after treatment is numbered ZKHC-2.

[0059] Stack fermentation: The flexible rehydrated product ZKHC-2 was stacked and fermented in a fermentation chamber (30±2℃, 72%RH) for 28 days, with the stack turned 3 times. The mold content was below 10% during the fermentation period. 6 CFU / g. The stacked fermentation product at the end of fermentation is designated as DDFJ-A-2.

[0060] Post-fermentation enhanced rehydration: The stacked fermentation product DDFJ-A-2 was treated continuously for two cycles (20 minutes per cycle, i.e., a total treatment time of 40 minutes) at a temperature of 78℃ and a vacuum of -0.092 MPa. The resulting enhanced rehydration product was designated ZKHC-A-2. Cigarettes were prepared using conventional methods from the enhanced rehydration product and then aged according to the aging method disclosed in Chinese Patent CN103445289A. The enhanced rehydration product was placed in oak barrels and aged at 70℃ and 70% humidity. The cigars were periodically turned to ensure even aging; the interval depended on the ventilation of the oak barrels, and the space inside the barrels was at least twice the space of the cigars. After 90 days of aging, the mold rate of the finished cigarettes was 0.0041%.

[0061] To further illustrate the advantages of this patent, the cigarettes prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Examples 1-2 were subjected to the following tests.

[0062] 1. Performance Testing

[0063] The performance test results of the cigarettes prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1 are shown in Table 1.

[0064] Table 1: Performance Comparison of Cigarettes Prepared in Example 1 and Comparative Example 1

[0065] As can be seen from Table 1, this patent divides vacuum rehumidification into two stages: "flexible preservation of bacteria before fermentation" and "intensified sterilization after fermentation." This is more effective than the single high-temperature treatment mode of Comparative Example 1. It achieves the advantages of retaining beneficial bacteria and killing harmful bacteria. Furthermore, the flavor loss rate of the cigarette in Example 1 is less than or equal to 10% and the beneficial bacteria retention rate is greater than 85% compared to the product with enhanced rehumidification. The sensory evaluation of the cigarette is better, with a rich nutty and milky aroma.

[0066] 2. Flexible moisture regain cycle detection

[0067] Microbial community analysis, energy consumption statistics, and flavor substance retention rate comparison were performed on the products of each process node in Example 1 and Comparative Example 2. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0068] Table 2: Comparison Table of Example 1 and Comparative Example 2

[0069] As shown in Table 2, Example 1, using a one-cycle pre-fermentation flexible rehydration treatment, significantly outperformed Comparative Example 2, which used a two-cycle pre-fermentation flexible rehydration treatment, in terms of retaining beneficial bacteria (survival rate >85%), reducing energy consumption (by 18%), and improving flavor retention (by 25%). Furthermore, the phenylethanol loss rate was <11%, and the dihydroactinol retention rate was >92%, consistent with the flavor substance protection mechanism. Conversely, using more than one cycle of pre-fermentation flexible rehydration treatment resulted in lower beneficial bacteria survival rates and flavor substance retention rates. Meanwhile, there was no significant difference in the mold growth rate of the finished cigarettes obtained from Example 1 and Comparative Example 2, indicating equivalent mold control effects.

[0070] 3. Mold content detection

[0071] The mold content and Aspergillus percentage of the products were tested at multiple process nodes in the cigar tobacco processing method of Example 1. The results are as follows: Figure 1 As shown in Table 3.

[0072] Table 3: Mold content and Aspergillus percentage at each process node

[0073] As can be seen from Table 3, the processing method of this patent can completely kill the mold in the tobacco leaves after fermentation, achieving a commercial sterility level. Furthermore, it enables precise phased regulation during the stacking fermentation process to preserve bacteria and promote fermentation, thereby forming more flavor compounds.

[0074] The terms and expressions used in this specification are illustrative and not limiting. Their use is not intended to exclude any equivalents of the features or portions thereof shown, but rather to facilitate the understanding that various modifications are possible within the scope of this patent claim. Therefore, it should be understood that while this patent has been specifically disclosed through preferred embodiments, exemplary embodiments, and optional features, variations or modifications of the concepts disclosed herein may be adopted by those skilled in the art, and such variations and modifications are therefore considered to be within the scope of this patent as defined by the appended claims. The specific embodiments given in this specification are examples of useful embodiments of this patent, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this patent can be implemented using many variations of the devices, device components, and method steps disclosed herein.

[0075] The foregoing description of specific embodiments fully discloses the general features of this patent, enabling others to easily modify and / or adapt such embodiments for various applications by applying knowledge within the scope of the art, without excessive experimentation or deviation from the general concept of this patent. Therefore, based on the teachings and guidance provided herein, it is intended that such modifications and alterations be included within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the wording or terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and not intended to be limiting; thus, the wording or terminology in this specification will be interpreted by those skilled in the art based on the foregoing teachings and guidance.

[0076] Furthermore, the scope of this patent should not be limited to any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but only to the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for processing cigar tobacco leaves, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: The cigar tobacco leaves are subjected to a flexible rehydration treatment. The vacuum degree of the flexible rehydration treatment is controlled at -0.08 to -0.09 MPa, the flexible rehydration treatment time is 20-25 min or 25-30 min, and the flexible rehydration treatment temperature is 58-59℃, 59-60℃, 60-61℃, 61-62℃ or 62-65℃, to obtain a flexible rehydrated product. Step 2: The flexible rehydrated product is subjected to stack fermentation treatment for 10-35 days to obtain stack fermentation product. Step 3: The stacked fermentation product is subjected to enhanced rehumidification treatment. The vacuum degree of the enhanced rehumidification treatment is controlled at -0.09~-0.095 MPa, the enhanced rehumidification treatment time is 40-50 min or 50-60 min, and the enhanced rehumidification treatment temperature is 70-75℃, 75-76℃, 76-77℃, 77-78℃, 78-79℃ or 79-80℃, to obtain an enhanced rehumidified product. The mold content of the enhanced rehumidified product is less than 10 CFU / g, and the flavor substance retention rate of the enhanced rehumidified product is greater than 80%. The flavor substances include phenylethanol and / or dihydroactinolone.

2. The method for processing cigar tobacco leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 2, the stacking fermentation process is carried out in a fermentation chamber; The temperature of the fermentation chamber is 28-30℃, 30-32℃, or 32-35℃.

3. The method for processing cigar tobacco leaves according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stacking fermentation process involves turning the stack 2-3 times, 3-5 times, or 5-10 times.

4. The method for processing cigar tobacco leaves according to claim 2, characterized in that, The humidity in the fermentation chamber is 70-75% RH.

5. The method for processing cigar tobacco leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 1, water is input during the flexible rehydration process so that the moisture content of the flexible rehydration product is 15-17%, 17-19%, or 19-20%.

6. An aerosol-generating product, characterized in that, The aerosol-generated product comprises an enhanced rehydration product obtained by the processing method of cigar tobacco leaves according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the mold rate of the aerosol-generated product is ≤0.0055% after aging for 90 days.

Images