Preparation method for shag for heat-not-burn cigarette

Abstract

The present application provides a preparation method for shag for a heat-not-burn cigarette. The method comprises: (1) performing loosening and moisture regain of tobacco leaves to obtain tobacco pieces; (2) spraying a first smoke-producing agent into the tobacco pieces; (3) storing at room temperature the tobacco pieces into which the first smoke-producing agent is sprayed; (4) shredding the tobacco pieces into shag; (5) spraying a second smoke-producing agent into the shag; (6) baking the shag; (7) cooling the shag to room temperature, and spraying spice into the shag; and (8) storing the shag at room temperature to obtain the shag for a heat-not-burn cigarette.

Description

Preparation method of tobacco for heat-not-burn cigarettes

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the priority benefit of Chinese patent application No. 202311422175.7 filed on October 30, 2023, and incorporates the entirety of the application into this document. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to the field of tobacco technology, and in particular to a method for preparing shredded tobacco for heat-not-burn cigarettes. Background Art

[0004] Heat-not-burn (HTB) cigarettes are novel tobacco products that utilize a specific electronic device to heat a specific core material (250°C-350°C) without burning it, releasing flavor and aroma components. Due to the unique heating method used in HNB cigarettes, traditional tobacco cuts cannot be used directly as their core material. Existing HNB cigarette core materials are mostly made using methods such as thick slurry, roller pressing, papermaking, dry-process reconstituted tobacco leaves or pellets, stem cuts, and stem pellets. These processes often involve reconstructing tobacco leaf raw materials. While these materials exhibit strong plasticity, high levels of atomizers (smoking agents), and a high degree of homogenization, the processing can result in a loss of natural tobacco aroma components, resulting in a low degree of restoration of the tobacco's original flavor after heating. Furthermore, some technical solutions utilize traditional HTB tobacco cuts directly with smoking agents as HNB core materials. However, these methods often suffer from low smoke agent absorption efficiency, poor uniformity, and curling of the tobacco cuts during the rolling process, which in turn affects the release of flavor compounds in HNB cigarettes, resulting in low restoration and poor consistency of the tobacco's original flavor.

[0005] Therefore, the current method for preparing tobacco for heat-not-burn cigarettes still needs to be improved.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present application aims to alleviate or solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems to at least some extent.

[0008] In one aspect of the present application, a method for preparing tobacco shreds for heat-not-burn cigarettes is proposed. In some embodiments of the present application, the method for preparing tobacco shreds for heat-not-burn cigarettes comprises the following steps: (1) loosening and rehydrating tobacco leaves to obtain tobacco sheets; (2) spraying a first smoke agent onto the tobacco sheets, wherein the first smoke agent comprises a polyol; (3) storing the tobacco sheets sprayed with the first smoke agent at room temperature; (4) shredding the tobacco sheets after storage; (5) spraying a second smoke agent onto the tobacco shreds, wherein the second smoke agent comprises a polyol; (6) baking the tobacco shreds obtained in step (5); (7) cooling the tobacco shreds to room temperature and spraying flavorings on the tobacco shreds; (8) storing the tobacco shreds sprayed with flavorings at room temperature to obtain tobacco shreds for heat-not-burn cigarettes. Therefore, the stepwise addition of the smoke agent in the present application can improve the absorption efficiency of the tobacco sheets or tobacco shreds for the smoke agent, and the distribution of the smoke agent in the tobacco shreds is more uniform, thereby facilitating the release of tobacco aroma and enhancing the user experience.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (7), if the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco cut is 15%-25% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf, the tobacco cut is cooled to room temperature and sprayed with flavorings; if the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco cut is less than 15% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf, steps (5) and (6) are repeated until the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco cut is 15%-25% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf, and then the tobacco cut is cooled to room temperature and sprayed with flavorings.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, during the preparation of cut tobacco for heat-not-burn cigarettes, steps (5) and (6) are both performed two or three times. This can further improve the absorption efficiency of the cut tobacco for the smoking agent, thereby further improving the uniformity of the distribution of the smoking agent.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (1), the moisture content of the tobacco sheet is 18%-26%. The moisture content of the tobacco sheet within the above range is conducive to loosening the tobacco leaves and can also improve the absorption effect of the tobacco sheet on the smoke-generating agent and liquid.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (2), the mass of the first smoke agent is 2%-7% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves; and / or, in step (5), the mass of the second smoke agent is 5%-10% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. A relatively small amount of the first smoke agent is added, so that the tobacco leaves can more fully absorb the first smoke agent during subsequent storage, and the first smoke agent can also play a certain role in making the tobacco leaves flexible. When the amount of the second smoke agent added is within the above range, the tobacco leaves can more fully absorb the second smoke agent, thereby improving the quality of the tobacco leaves.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present application, step (2) further includes spraying a feed liquid onto the tobacco sheet; and / or step (5) further includes spraying a feed liquid onto the cut tobacco; the feed liquid includes at least one of a tobacco extract, a fruit extract, and a sugar. Adding the feed liquid is beneficial for improving the degree of reduction of the original tobacco aroma.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (2), the mass of the feed liquid is 1%-5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves; and / or, in step (5), the mass of the feed liquid is 1%-5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. Thus, adding a certain amount of feed liquid is beneficial to improving the degree of reduction of the original aroma of tobacco.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco sheets in step (3) are stored at room temperature for 2 hours to 6 hours; and / or, the tobacco shreds in step (8) are stored at room temperature for 2 hours to 6 hours.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (4), the tobacco is cut into shreds having a length of 4 mm to 10 mm. The length of the cut tobacco is 4 mm to 10 mm, which can significantly reduce the probability of tobacco curling during the rolling process.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (6), the tobacco is baked until the moisture content in the tobacco is 8%-10%.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (6), the temperature of baking the tobacco shreds is 110°C-125°C.

[0019] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (7), the flavoring agent includes at least one of tobacco absolute oil, flower and fruit absolute oil, and mint flavoring agent; and / or the mass of the flavoring agent is 0.5%-3% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf.

[0020] In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco leaves include at least one of flue-cured tobacco and air-cured tobacco. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of the present application will become apparent and easily understood from the description of the embodiments in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

[0022] FIG1 shows a flow chart of preparing cut tobacco according to one embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The embodiments of the present application are described in detail below. The embodiments described below are exemplary and are only used to explain the present application, and should not be understood as limiting the present application.

[0024] This application is based on the inventor's discovery and understanding of the following facts and problems:

[0025] The heat-not-burn cigarette core material is prepared by recycling tobacco raw materials. Although it has strong plasticity, high content of loaded atomizer (smoke agent), and high degree of homogenization, its processing process will cause the loss of natural aroma components of tobacco, and the degree of reduction of tobacco flavor after heating is low. The traditional tobacco shreds are directly added with smoke agents for use as heat-not-burn core materials. The process is generally to add atomizers at one time after cutting, resulting in low atomizer absorption efficiency and poor atomizer distribution uniformity. In addition, the tobacco shreds are too long and easy to curl during the tobacco core rolling process, resulting in large gaps between the tobacco shreds and low heat transfer efficiency, thereby affecting the release of flavor substances in the heat-not-burn cigarette products, causing problems such as low degree of reduction of tobacco flavor and poor consistency. The inventors found that the absorption efficiency of the smoke agent can be improved by adding a small amount of smoke agent multiple times, and the distribution uniformity of the smoke agent can be improved, thereby improving the overall uniformity of the smoke volume during the puffing process and increasing the number of puffs; in addition, when cutting the shreds, the length of the cut tobacco shreds is 4mm-10mm, which can significantly reduce the probability of tobacco curling during the rolling process.

[0026] In view of this, in one aspect of the present application, a method for preparing tobacco for heat-not-burn cigarettes is proposed. In some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG1 , the method for preparing tobacco for heat-not-burn cigarettes may include the following steps:

[0027] (1) Loosen the tobacco leaves and rehumidify them to obtain tobacco flakes.

[0028] In this step, the tobacco leaves are loosened and rehumidified to obtain tobacco sheets, wherein the moisture content of the tobacco sheets may be 18%-26%. In some embodiments of the present application, the moisture content of the tobacco sheets may be 18%, 20%, 21%, 22%, 24%, 26%, etc. A moisture content within the above range is more conducive to loosening the tobacco leaves and can improve the tobacco sheets' ability to absorb the feed liquid.

[0029] It should be noted that "tobacco leaves" refer to re-cured tobacco sheets, which are usually packed together in large boxes, stacked and placed tightly, one cake at a time. The "tobacco leaves" are loosened and moistened, and then become "tobacco sheets".

[0030] In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco leaf may include at least one of flue-cured tobacco and air-cured tobacco. In some specific embodiments of the present application, the tobacco leaf may be flue-cured tobacco. In other specific embodiments of the present application, the tobacco leaf may be air-cured tobacco (including at least one of burley tobacco, oriental tobacco, and cigar tobacco).

[0031] (2) Spraying the first smoke agent onto the tobacco sheet.

[0032] In this step, a first smoke agent is sprayed onto the tobacco sheet, wherein the first smoke agent may include a polyol. Adding the first smoke agent can increase the processing resistance of the tobacco sheet and reduce breakage. In addition, the addition ratio of the second smoke agent in the subsequent step (5) can be reduced, so that the second smoke agent is more easily absorbed by the tobacco.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present application, the polyol in the first smoking agent may include at least one of propylene glycol and glycerol. The above polyols all have good atomization performance and can bring out the aroma of tobacco during the smoking process.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (2), the mass of the first smoke agent can be 2%-7% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. For example, the mass of the first smoke agent can be 2%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, etc. of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. When the mass of the first smoke agent is within the above range, the tobacco leaves can more fully absorb the first smoke agent during the subsequent storage process. Moreover, the first smoke agent of the above mass can act as a flexible tobacco leaf and is not easy to clump when cut into strips.

[0035] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (2), the mass of the first smoke agent can be 3%-5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. For example, the mass of the first smoke agent can be 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, etc. of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. The first smoke agent of the above mass can also play the role of flexible tobacco leaves, and is less likely to clump when cut into strips.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (2), a first smoking agent and a liquid may be sprayed onto the tobacco sheet. In some embodiments of the present application, the liquid may include at least one of a tobacco extract, a fruit extract, and a sugar. Thus, the addition of the liquid can enhance the aroma characteristics of the tobacco, thereby further improving the user experience.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (2), the mass of the liquid sprayed into the tobacco sheet can be 1%-5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. For example, the mass of the liquid can be 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 4%, 5%, etc. of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. The above-mentioned mass of liquid can improve the taste of tobacco to a certain extent.

[0038] (3) The tobacco sheet after being sprayed with the first smoke agent is stored at room temperature.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco sheet after being sprayed with the first smoking agent is stored at room temperature to allow the tobacco sheet to absorb the first smoking agent.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco sheet after spraying the first smoke agent may be stored at room temperature for 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, etc., thereby promoting the absorption of the first smoke agent.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco sheets in step (3) can be stored at room temperature for 4h-6h, for example, 4h, 4.5h, 5h, 5.5h, 6h, etc., thereby further promoting the absorption of the first smoking agent, thereby helping to further improve the quality of the tobacco.

[0042] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (2), the first smoke agent and the liquid are sprayed onto the tobacco sheet, and in step (3), the tobacco sheet sprayed with the first smoke agent and the liquid is stored at room temperature for 2 hours to 6 hours, which can promote the absorption of the first smoke agent and the liquid.

[0043] Herein, "room temperature" may be 15°C-30°C, for example, "room temperature" may be 15°C, 18°C, 20°C, 23°C, 25°C, 27°C, 30°C, etc.

[0044] (4) Cutting the tobacco slices after storage treatment into shreds.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present application, the stored tobacco sheets are cut into shreds to obtain shredded tobacco with a length of 4 mm to 10 mm. For example, the shredded tobacco can be 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm, etc. Shredded tobacco within this length range is conducive to crimping and is less likely to curl during the crimping process. After crimping, the shredded tobacco is tightly attached, resulting in high heat transfer efficiency during heating and facilitating the release of flavor substances.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (4), the length of the tobacco shreds can be 6 mm to 8 mm, for example, 6 mm, 6.5 mm, 7 mm, 7.5 mm, 8 mm, etc. The tobacco shreds of the above lengths are more conducive to rolling and are less likely to curl during the rolling process, thereby further improving the heat transfer efficiency during the heating process and promoting the release of flavor substances.

[0047] The width of the tobacco shreds is not particularly limited in this application, and those skilled in the art can select and set the width of the tobacco shreds according to actual needs. In some embodiments of this application, the width of the tobacco shreds can be 0.8 mm to 1.2 mm, for example, the width of the tobacco shreds can be 0.8 mm, 0.85 mm, 0.9 mm, 0.95 mm, 1 mm, 1.1 mm, 1.2 mm, etc.

[0048] (5) Spraying a second smoke agent onto the tobacco.

[0049] After the tobacco is cut, a second smoking agent is sprayed onto the cut tobacco, wherein the second smoking agent may include a polyol. In some embodiments of the present application, the polyol in the second smoking agent may include at least one of propylene glycol and glycerol.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present application, the second smoke agent may be the same as the first smoke agent, that is, the second smoke agent and the first smoke agent have the same composition and ratio. In other embodiments of the present application, the second smoke agent may be different from the first smoke agent, that is, the second smoke agent has a different composition and / or ratio than the first smoke agent.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (5), the mass of the second smoke agent can be 5%-10% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. For example, the mass of the second smoke agent can be 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, etc. of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. The amount of the second smoke agent added within the above range facilitates the full absorption of the second smoke agent by the tobacco shreds. The inventors have found that if the single amount of the second smoke agent added is too large, it is difficult for the tobacco shreds to fully absorb the second smoke agent, resulting in the second smoke agent only adhering to the surface of the tobacco shreds. After rolling, the smoke agent is likely to seep out, and the seeped smoke agent will contaminate the cigarette paper.

[0052] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (5), the mass of the second smoke agent can be 6%-8% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. For example, the mass of the second smoke agent can be 6%, 6.5%, 7%, 7.5%, 8% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, etc. When the amount of the second smoke agent added is within the above range, the tobacco shreds can more fully absorb the second smoke agent, and the smoke agent is not easy to seep out during the subsequent rolling process.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (5), a second smoking agent and a liquid may be sprayed onto the cut tobacco, wherein the liquid comprises at least one of a tobacco extract, a fruit extract, and a sugar. Adding the liquid can enhance the aroma characteristics of the tobacco, thereby further improving the user experience.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (5), the mass of the liquid sprayed onto the tobacco shreds can be 1%-5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. For example, the mass of the liquid can be 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 4%, 5%, etc. of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. The above-mentioned mass of liquid can improve the taste of tobacco to a certain extent.

[0055] (6) baking the tobacco obtained in step (5).

[0056] In some embodiments of the present application, after spraying the second smoke agent, the cut tobacco may be baked to a moisture content of 8%-10%. In some embodiments of the present application, after baking, the moisture content of the cut tobacco may be 8%, 8.5%, 9%, 9.5%, 10%, etc.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (6), the temperature for baking the tobacco can be 110°C-125°C. For example, the temperature for baking the tobacco can be 110°C, 112°C, 114°C, 120°C, 125°C, etc. The baking temperature is set within the above range, which can remove part of the moisture in the tobacco in a shorter time, and will not cause obvious loss of substances such as smoke-generating agents added to the tobacco.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (6), the temperature for baking the tobacco can be 115°C-125°C. For example, the temperature for baking the tobacco can be 115°C, 116°C, 118°C, 120°C, 122°C, 125°C, etc., thereby quickly removing part of the moisture in the tobacco, shortening the process time, and the quality of substances such as smoke agents will not be significantly reduced.

[0059] (7) If the total mass of the smoke agent in the cut tobacco is 15%-25% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, cool the cut tobacco to room temperature and spray it with flavorings; if the total mass of the smoke agent in the cut tobacco is less than 15% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, repeat steps (5) and (6) until the total mass of the smoke agent in the cut tobacco is 15%-25% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, then cool the cut tobacco to room temperature and spray it with flavorings.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present application, after step (5) and step (6) are performed once respectively, the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco cut is 15%-25% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf. For example, the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco cut is 15%, 18%, 20%, 22%, 25%, etc. of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf. The tobacco cut can be cooled to room temperature and flavorings can be sprayed on the tobacco cut.

[0061] In other embodiments of the present application, after step (5) and step (6) are performed once respectively, if the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco cut is less than 15% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf, steps (5) and (6) are repeated until the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco cut is 15%-25% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf, and the tobacco cut is then cooled to room temperature and sprayed with flavorings.

[0062] In some specific embodiments of the present application, step (5) and step (6) are both performed twice, that is, after step (5) and step (6) are performed once respectively, the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco cut is less than 15% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf, and after steps (5) and (6) are performed twice, the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco cut reaches 15%-25% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf.

[0063] In some specific embodiments of the present application, step (5) and step (6) are both performed three times, that is, after step (5) and step (6) are both performed twice, the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco cut is still less than 15% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, and after step (5) and step 6 are both performed three times, the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco cut reaches 15%-25% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves.

[0064] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (7), when the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco cut is 15%-18% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf, flavoring is sprayed again. For example, when the total mass of the smoke agent in the tobacco cut is 15%, 15.5%, 16%, 16.5%, 17%, 17.5% or 18% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf, flavoring is sprayed again.

[0065] In some embodiments of the present application, the flavoring agent may include at least one of tobacco absolute, flower and fruit absolute, and mint flavoring. Adding a flavoring agent can improve the reduction of the original tobacco aroma or enhance the characteristic flavor and aroma, thereby enhancing the taste of the tobacco. In some specific embodiments of the present application, the flavoring agent may include tobacco absolute, flower and fruit absolute, or mint flavoring. In other specific embodiments of the present application, the flavoring agent may include two or more of tobacco absolute, flower and fruit absolute, and mint flavoring.

[0066] In some embodiments of the present application, the mass of the spices can be 0.5%-3% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. For example, the mass of the spices can be 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, etc. of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present application, the mass of the spices can be 0.5%-1% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. For example, the mass of the spices can be 0.5%, 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, etc. of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves. The amount of spices added within the above range can, to a certain extent, improve the degree of restoration of the original aroma of tobacco or increase the characteristic flavor aroma.

[0068] (8) Store the tobacco sprayed with flavoring at room temperature.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present application, after spraying the flavoring, the cut tobacco can be stored at room temperature for 2-6 hours to obtain cut tobacco for heat-not-burn cigarettes. In some embodiments of the present application, after spraying the flavoring, the cut tobacco can be stored at room temperature for 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, etc., so that the cut tobacco can more fully absorb the flavoring, thereby facilitating the release of flavor during the heating process.

[0070] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (8), the tobacco can be stored at room temperature for 4 hours to 6 hours. For example, the tobacco can be stored at room temperature for 4 hours, 4.5 hours, 5 hours, 5.5 hours, 6 hours, etc., so that the added flavoring can be fully absorbed by the tobacco, and the tobacco is more likely to release flavor during the heating process.

[0071] In general, the method proposed in this application is used to prepare tobacco shreds for heat-not-burn cigarettes, and the smoke agent is added in batches, with the number of additions being greater than or equal to 2 times. The tobacco leaves or tobacco shreds have a high absorption efficiency of the smoke agent, and the smoke agent is evenly distributed. Furthermore, the length of the tobacco shreds obtained by shredding is within the range of 4mm-10mm, and the tobacco shreds are not prone to curling during the rolling process. The tobacco shreds are tightly attached to each other, and the heat transfer efficiency of the tobacco shreds after rolling is high, which is conducive to the release of flavor substances. The tobacco shreds for heat-not-burn cigarettes prepared by the method proposed in this application form heat-not-burn cigarette cores after rolling, and the degree of restoration of the original tobacco flavor is high. The sensory quality is significantly higher than that of reconstituted tobacco leaves and granular cigarette cores. In addition, the method proposed in this application can directly utilize the existing production lines of cigarette companies to prepare tobacco shreds for heat-not-burn cigarettes. Only the shredder needs to be modified, which can reduce production costs.

[0072] The present application will be described below by specific examples, and it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the following specific examples are merely for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way. In addition, in the following examples, unless otherwise specified, the materials and equipment employed are all commercially available. If, in the following examples, specific processing conditions and treatment methods are not clearly described, then conditions and methods well known in the art may be used to process.

[0073] Example 1

[0074] (1) loosening and rehydrating the tobacco leaves to obtain tobacco sheets with a moisture content of 20%;

[0075] (2) spraying glycerol and tobacco extract onto the tobacco leaf, wherein the mass of the glycerol is 5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf, and the mass of the tobacco extract is 5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf;

[0076] (3) Store the leaves at room temperature for 6 h;

[0077] (4) Cutting the tobacco leaves after storage into fixed lengths to obtain tobacco shreds with a width of 1 mm and a length of 6 mm;

[0078] (5) spraying glycerol onto the tobacco, wherein the mass of the glycerol is 5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves;

[0079] (6) baking the cut tobacco at 115°C until the moisture content of the cut tobacco is 8%;

[0080] (7) spraying glycerol onto the cut tobacco again, the mass of glycerol being 5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, and baking the cut tobacco at 115° C. until the moisture content of the cut tobacco is 8%; cooling the cut tobacco to room temperature, and spraying tobacco oil onto the cut tobacco, wherein the mass of the tobacco oil is 0.5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves;

[0081] (8) Store the silk at room temperature for 6 hours and then coil it.

[0082] Example 2

[0083] (1) loosening and rehydrating the tobacco leaves to obtain tobacco sheets with a moisture content of 22%;

[0084] (2) spraying glycerol and tobacco extract onto the tobacco leaves, wherein the mass of glycerol is 4% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves and the mass of the tobacco extract is 3% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves;

[0085] (3) Store the leaves at room temperature for 4 h;

[0086] (4) cutting the tobacco leaves after storage into shreds of a fixed length to obtain shredded tobacco with a width of 1 mm and a length of 8 mm;

[0087] (5) spraying glycerol onto the tobacco, wherein the mass of the glycerol is 6% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves;

[0088] (6) baking the cut tobacco at 120°C until the moisture content of the cut tobacco is 8%;

[0089] (7) spraying glycerol onto the cut tobacco again, wherein the mass of glycerol is 8% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, and baking the cut tobacco at 125°C until the moisture content of the cut tobacco is 8%; cooling the cut tobacco to room temperature, and spraying tobacco oil and mint essence onto the cut tobacco, wherein the mass of tobacco oil is 0.5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, and the mass of mint essence is 0.5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves;

[0090] (8) Store the silk at room temperature for 5 hours and then coil it.

[0091] Example 3

[0092] (1) loosening and rehydrating the tobacco leaves to obtain tobacco sheets with a moisture content of 20%;

[0093] (2) spraying glycerol and tobacco extract onto the tobacco leaf, wherein the mass of the glycerol is 5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf, and the mass of the tobacco extract is 5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf;

[0094] (3) Store the leaves at room temperature for 6 h;

[0095] (4) cutting the tobacco leaves after storage into shreds of a fixed length to obtain shredded tobacco with a width of 1 mm and a length of 20 mm;

[0096] (5) spraying glycerol onto the tobacco, wherein the mass of the glycerol is 5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves;

[0097] (6) baking the cut tobacco at 115°C until the moisture content of the cut tobacco is 8%;

[0098] (7) spraying glycerol onto the cut tobacco again, the mass of glycerol being 5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, and baking the cut tobacco at 115° C. until the moisture content of the cut tobacco is 8%; cooling the cut tobacco to room temperature, and spraying tobacco oil onto the cut tobacco, wherein the mass of the tobacco oil is 0.5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves;

[0099] (8) Store the silk at room temperature for 6 hours and then coil it.

[0100] Comparative Example 1

[0101] (1) loosening and rehydrating the tobacco leaves to obtain tobacco sheets with a moisture content of 22%;

[0102] (2) spraying tobacco extract onto the tobacco leaf, wherein the mass of the tobacco extract is 3% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf;

[0103] (3) Store the leaves at room temperature for 4 h;

[0104] (4) cutting the tobacco leaves after storage into shreds of a fixed length to obtain shredded tobacco with a width of 1 mm and a length of 20 mm;

[0105] (5) spraying glycerol onto the cut tobacco, wherein the mass of the glycerol is 18% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, and baking the cut tobacco at 120° C. until the moisture content of the cut tobacco is 8%; cooling the cut tobacco to room temperature, and spraying tobacco absolute oil and mint essence onto the cut tobacco, wherein the mass of the tobacco absolute oil is 0.5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, and the mass of the mint essence is 0.5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves;

[0106] (6) Store the silk at room temperature for 5 hours and then coil it.

[0107] Among them, the difference between Comparative Example 1 and Example 2 is that in Comparative Example 1, the length of the tobacco after cutting is longer, and glycerol is not added in batches.

[0108] Comparative Example 2

[0109] (1) loosening and rehydrating the tobacco leaves to obtain tobacco sheets with a moisture content of 22%;

[0110] (2) spraying glycerol and tobacco extract onto the tobacco leaves, wherein the mass of glycerol is 18% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves and the mass of the tobacco extract is 3% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves;

[0111] (3) Store the leaves at room temperature for 4 h;

[0112] (4) cutting the tobacco leaves after storage into shreds of a fixed length to obtain shredded tobacco with a width of 1 mm and a length of 8 mm;

[0113] (5) baking the cut tobacco at 125°C until the moisture content of the cut tobacco is 8%; cooling the cut tobacco to room temperature, and spraying tobacco oil and mint essence onto the cut tobacco, wherein the mass of the tobacco oil is 0.5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, and the mass of the mint essence is 0.5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves;

[0114] (6) Store the silk at room temperature for 5 hours and then coil it.

[0115] Among them, the difference between Comparative Example 2 and Example 2 is that in Comparative Example 2, glycerol is not added in batches.

[0116] The products prepared in Examples 1, 2, and 3, as well as the comparative examples, were fabricated into heat-not-burn cigarette cores and equilibrated for 24 hours in an environment at a temperature of 22°C-25°C and a relative humidity of 30%-40%. A panel of nine expert smokers conducted a sensory evaluation of the heat-not-burn cigarette cores from each of the examples and comparative examples, based on sensory evaluation standards for tobacco products. The results are shown in Table 1.

[0117] Table 1 Evaluation results of heat-not-burn cigarette cores of various embodiments and comparative examples

[0118] In Table 1, the sensory evaluation is compared:

[0119] Sufficient smoke volume > Fairly sufficient smoke volume > Insufficient smoke volume;

[0120] The amount of aroma is relatively sufficient > the amount of aroma is still sufficient > the amount of aroma is relatively insufficient;

[0121] The number of suction ports is 12 > the number of suction ports is 10.

[0122] Compared to Comparative Examples 1-2, the cigarette cores produced from the products of Examples 1-3 exhibited a relatively sufficient smoke volume and aroma. Specifically, in Example 3, glycerol was added in multiple batches, resulting in a relatively sufficient smoke volume and aroma. Compared to Example 3, the shredded tobacco in Example 1 was shorter, making curling less likely during the crimping process. After crimping, the tobacco shreds adhered tightly, resulting in high heat transfer efficiency during heating, which facilitated the release of flavor substances. The smoke volume was more sufficient and uniform, allowing for more puffs. Compared to Example 2, in Comparative Example 2, glycerol was not added in batches, resulting in poor glycerol absorption. During puffing, the smoke volume and aroma were insufficient, resulting in fewer puffs. Compared to Example 2, in Comparative Example 1, glycerol was not added in batches, resulting in poor glycerol absorption. Furthermore, the shredded tobacco in Comparative Example 1 was longer, hindering crimping, heat transfer, and aroma release. Consequently, the cigarette core produced from the product of Comparative Example 1 exhibited poor sensory effects.

[0123] In the description of this specification, the descriptions with reference to the terms "one embodiment", "some embodiments", "other embodiments", "some specific embodiments", etc. mean that the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment are included in at least one embodiment of the present application. In this specification, the schematic expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials or characteristics described can be combined in a suitable manner in any one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine the different embodiments or examples described in this specification and the features of different embodiments or examples, unless they are contradictory. In addition, it should be noted that in this specification, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated.

[0124] Although the embodiments of the present application have been shown and described above, it can be understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and cannot be understood as limitations on the present application. Ordinary technicians in this field can change, modify, replace and modify the above embodiments within the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for preparing shredded tobacco for heat-not-burn cigarettes, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: (1) loosening and rehumidifying the tobacco leaves to obtain tobacco flakes; (2) spraying a first smoke generating agent onto the tobacco sheet, wherein the first smoke generating agent comprises a polyol; (3) storing the tobacco sheet after spraying the first smoke agent at room temperature; (4) cutting the tobacco sheets after storage treatment into shreds; (5) spraying a second smoking agent onto the shredded tobacco, wherein the second smoking agent comprises a polyol; (6) baking the shredded tobacco obtained in step (5); (7) Cooling the tobacco to room temperature and spraying with spices; (8) The tobacco shreds sprayed with flavoring agents are stored at room temperature to obtain tobacco shreds for heat-not-burn cigarettes.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that In step (7), if the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco shreds is 15%-25% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, the tobacco shreds are cooled to room temperature and sprayed with flavorings; if the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco shreds is less than 15% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, steps (5) and (6) are repeated until the total mass of the first smoke agent and the second smoke agent in the tobacco shreds is 15%-25% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves, and the tobacco shreds are then cooled to room temperature and sprayed with flavorings.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that Step (5) and step (6) are both performed 2 or 3 times.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that In step (1), the moisture content of the tobacco sheet is 18%-26%.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that In step (2), the mass of the first smoking agent is 2%-7% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves; And / or, in step (5), the mass of the second smoke-generating agent is 5%-10% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaf.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that Step (2) further includes spraying a feed liquid onto the tobacco sheet; And / or, step (5) further comprises spraying a feed liquid onto the shredded tobacco; The slurry includes at least one of tobacco extract, fruit extract and sugar.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that In step (2), the mass of the slurry is 1%-5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves; And / or, in step (5), the mass of the slurry is 1%-5% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that In step (3), the tobacco slices are stored at room temperature for 2 h to 6 h; And / or, in step (8), the tobacco is stored at room temperature for 2 h to 6 h.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that In step (4), the tobacco is cut into shreds having a length of 4 mm to 10 mm.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that In step (6), the tobacco is baked until the moisture content in the tobacco is 8%-10%.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that In step (6), the temperature of baking the tobacco shreds is 110°C-125°C.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that In step (7), the flavoring agent includes at least one of tobacco absolute oil, flower and fruit absolute oil, and mint flavoring agent; And / or, the mass of the flavor is 0.5%-3% of the initial mass of the tobacco leaves.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that The tobacco leaves include at least one of flue-cured tobacco and air-dried tobacco.

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