Method for treating tobacco raw material

Abstract

The present application provides a method for treating a tobacco raw material. The method comprises: subjecting a tobacco raw material to first work section treatment and / or second work section treatment, wherein the first work section treatment comprises (1-1) subjecting the tobacco raw material to moistening and redrying at least once, and (1-2) placing the moistened and redried tobacco raw material in an equilibration environment for equilibration treatment; and the second work section treatment comprises (2-1) adding a mixed material liquid to the tobacco raw material not undergoing the first work section treatment or the tobacco raw material having undergone the first work section treatment, wherein the mixed material liquid comprises an inner material, an amino acid, and water, (2-2) storing the tobacco raw material to which the mixed material liquid is added, (2-3) baking the tobacco raw material treated in step (2-2), and (2-4) placing the baked tobacco raw material in the equilibration environment for equilibration treatment.

Description

Tobacco raw material processing methods

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the priority benefit of Chinese patent application No. 202311428404.6 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 processing tobacco raw materials. Background Art

[0004] Heat-not-burn (HNB) cigarettes are a smoking method that uses electronic devices to heat tobacco rather than burn it. These electronically heated cigarettes not only offer consumers a flavorful tobacco experience, but also significantly reduce the release of tar and undesirable substances in mainstream smoke by heating the tobacco core at a lower temperature. This smoking method is becoming increasingly popular both domestically and internationally, and HNB cigarettes have become a mainstream development within the tobacco industry.

[0005] However, due to the characteristic of "heating tobacco or tobacco extracts rather than burning tobacco" in heat-not-burn cigarettes, the sensory quality of heat-not-burn cigarettes differs significantly from that of traditional cigarettes. For example, the aroma and flavor characteristics of heat-not-burn cigarettes are not prominent, the irritation of offal is enhanced, and the comfort level is poor. Therefore, the current tobacco raw material processing methods still need to be improved.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] This application is based on the inventor's discovery and understanding of the following facts and problems:

[0008] In the related art, pretreatment of tobacco raw materials for heat-not-burn cigarettes can, to a certain extent, reduce the sourness of smoke, reduce the irritation of foreign gases, and improve comfort. However, there are still no reports on pretreatment methods that can enhance the aroma and style characteristics of tobacco raw materials for heat-not-burn cigarettes. This application proposes a method for treating tobacco raw materials that can enhance the aroma and style characteristics of tobacco used in heat-not-burn cigarettes. The method mainly changes the relative release content of acidic, neutral, and alkaline flavor components in the raw materials, and balances the smoke components in the heated state. This method has great practical significance for improving the aroma restoration of tobacco used in heat-not-burn cigarettes and enhancing their sensory quality during smoking.

[0009] In view of this, in order to alleviate or solve at least one of the above-mentioned problems to at least a certain extent, in one aspect of the present application, a method for processing tobacco raw materials is proposed. In some embodiments of the present application, the method for processing tobacco raw materials includes performing a first stage processing and / or a second stage processing on the tobacco raw materials, wherein the first stage processing includes the following steps: (1-1) moistening and redrying the tobacco raw materials at least once, and the moistening and redrying includes: steam rehumidification treatment of the tobacco raw materials; drying treatment of the tobacco raw materials after steam rehumidification treatment; (1-2) placing the tobacco raw materials after moistening and redrying in a balanced environment for balanced treatment; the second stage processing includes the following steps: (2-1) adding a mixed liquid to the tobacco raw materials that have not been treated in the first stage or the tobacco raw materials that have been treated in the first stage, the mixed liquid including lining, amino acids and water, the lining including one or more of sugar, cocoa powder, cocoa extract, licorice powder, licorice extract, citric acid, acetic acid, and burley tobacco lysate; (2-2) storing the tobacco raw materials to which the mixed liquid is added; (2-3) baking the tobacco raw materials treated in step (2-2); (2-4) placing the baked tobacco raw materials in a balanced environment for balanced treatment. The tobacco aroma characteristics of the processed tobacco raw materials are obvious during the heating process, the odor, irritation and strength are reduced, and the comfort is significantly improved.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present application, the method for processing tobacco raw materials includes performing a first stage processing and a second stage processing on the tobacco raw materials, thereby being more conducive to enhancing the expression effect of the characteristic aroma of tobacco.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present application, the first stage of processing includes the steps of moistening and redrying the tobacco raw material twice.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (2-1), a mixed liquid is added to the tobacco raw material that has not been processed in the first stage, wherein the mass of the lining is 3%-10% of the initial mass of the tobacco raw material, the mass of the amino acid is 1%-3% of the initial mass of the tobacco raw material, and the mass of water is 30%-40% of the initial mass of the tobacco raw material; or, a mixed liquid is added to the tobacco raw material after being processed in the first stage, wherein the mass of the lining is 3%-10% of the mass of the tobacco raw material after being processed in the first stage, the mass of the amino acid is 1%-3% of the mass of the tobacco raw material after being processed in the first stage, and the mass of water is 30%-40% of the mass of the tobacco raw material after being processed in the first stage. The sugars in the lining can undergo a Maillard reaction with the amino acids during the high-temperature baking process, thereby enhancing the aroma and style characteristics of the tobacco, and other substances in the lining can improve the smoking taste and reduce the irritation during the smoking process.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (1-1), the moisture content of the tobacco raw material after the steam rehumidification treatment is 20%-24%. This can reduce ammonia and nitrogen impurities to a certain extent, evaporate some free nicotine, and thus reduce the irritation and alkaline smell during tobacco smoking.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present application, the method for processing tobacco raw materials meets at least one of the following conditions: in step (1-1), the temperature of the tobacco raw materials after the steam rehumidification treatment is 50°C-90°C; in step (1-1), the moisture content of the tobacco raw materials after the drying treatment is 10%-12%. Drying the tobacco raw materials at the above temperature can quickly remove part of the moisture, volatile alkaline gas components and part of the free alkali in the raw materials, which is beneficial to reducing the ammonia nitrogen gas, strength and irritation of the tobacco, balancing the aroma components in the tobacco, and improving the expression effect of the characteristic aroma of the tobacco. Drying the tobacco until the moisture content in the tobacco is within the above range can effectively remove the volatile alkaline gas and free alkali in the tobacco raw materials; after the drying treatment, the tobacco raw materials have a suitable moisture content, which is beneficial to the subsequent processing.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present application, the method for processing tobacco raw materials satisfies at least one of the following conditions: in step (1-2), the equilibration treatment time is 24-48 hours, and / or the equilibration treatment temperature is 22°C-25°C, and / or the equilibration treatment relative humidity is 60%-65%; in step (2-4), the equilibration treatment time is 24-48 hours, and / or the equilibration treatment temperature is 22°C-25°C, and / or the equilibration treatment relative humidity is 60%-65%. Carrying out the equilibration treatment under the above conditions is conducive to improving the stability of the tobacco raw materials.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco raw material processing method meets at least one of the following conditions: the tobacco raw material includes burley tobacco raw material; the amino acids include one or more of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, and histidine; the sugar material includes one or more of glucose, fructose, sucrose, white sugar, and invert sugar; and the tobacco raw material includes at least one of tobacco strips and shredded tobacco. The addition of any of the above amino acids can enhance the aroma and style characteristics of the tobacco to a certain extent; both tobacco strips and shredded tobacco can be processed using the method proposed in this application, and the expression of the tobacco aroma characteristics can be improved.

[0017] In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco raw material processing method satisfies at least one of the following conditions: in step (2-2), the tobacco raw material to which the mixed liquid is added is stored at a temperature of 40°C-60°C for 4-8 hours; and the moisture content of the tobacco raw material after processing in step (2-2) is 30%-40%. Thus, the tobacco raw material can fully absorb the mixed liquid, which is conducive to further enhancing the expression of tobacco aroma characteristics.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco raw material processing method meets at least one of the following conditions: in step (2-3), the baking temperature is 90°C-150°C; in step (2-3), the moisture content of the tobacco raw material after baking is 8%-10%. Within the above temperature range, sugars and amino acids can undergo a Maillard reaction, thereby enhancing the aroma and flavor characteristics of the tobacco; the moisture content of the tobacco raw material after baking is appropriate, which is conducive to subsequent balancing treatment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] 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:

[0020] FIG1 shows a flow chart of a method for processing tobacco raw materials according to one embodiment of the present application;

[0021] FIG2 shows a flow chart of a method for processing tobacco raw materials according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0022] FIG3 shows a flow chart of a method for processing tobacco raw materials according to another 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] In one aspect of the present application, a method for processing tobacco raw materials is provided. In some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figures 1 to 3 , the method for processing tobacco raw materials may include performing a first stage processing and / or a second stage processing on the tobacco raw materials.

[0025] In some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG1 and FIG3 , the first stage of processing may include the following steps:

[0026] (1-1) The tobacco raw material is moistened and redried at least once.

[0027] In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco raw material may be subjected to one, two, three or more moistening and redrying.

[0028] In some embodiments of the present application, moistening and redrying the leaves may include the following steps:

[0029] (1-1-1) The tobacco raw materials are subjected to a steam rehumidification treatment.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco raw material is subjected to a steam conditioning treatment to reduce the moisture content of the tobacco raw material to 20%-24%. After conditioning, the moisture content of the tobacco raw material is increased, and its flexibility is improved, which facilitates subsequent operations. During the steam conditioning process, some volatile gas components and free nicotine can be evaporated, which helps reduce irritation and ammonia and nitrogen gas during the smoking process, and enhances the expression of the tobacco's characteristic aroma.

[0031] (1-1-2) Drying the tobacco raw material after the steam rehumidification treatment.

[0032] In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco raw material can be dried to a moisture content of 10%-12%. Thus, the drying process can further evaporate volatile impurity components and free nicotine in the tobacco, which is beneficial for further reducing irritation and impurities during the smoking process, thereby further enhancing the expression of the characteristic aroma of the tobacco.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco raw material may include burley tobacco raw material. In some specific embodiments of the present application, the tobacco raw material may be burley tobacco raw material. When burley tobacco is heated, the alkaline aroma components in its smoke are much higher than other aroma components. By rehumidifying the leaves with water vapor and drying and re-roasting, volatile alkaline impurities (mainly ammonia nitrogen flavor) and some free nicotine in the tobacco raw material can be removed, thereby reducing the ammonia nitrogen impurities, strength, and irritation of the burley tobacco, balancing the aroma components in the burley tobacco, and making its aroma style characteristics easier to capture.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (1-1), the temperature for drying the tobacco raw material after steam rehumidification treatment can be 50°C-90°C. For example, the temperature for drying can be 50°C, 60°C, 70°C, 80°C, 90°C, etc. Drying the raw material at the above temperature can remove some volatile alkaline impurities and free nicotine in the tobacco raw material, thereby effectively reducing the ammonia and nitrogen impurities, strength and irritation during tobacco smoking, making the tobacco aroma characteristics easier to capture. Specifically, drying the burley tobacco raw material after steam rehumidification treatment at 50°C-90°C can make the burley tobacco aroma characteristics easier to capture, thereby helping to improve the expression effect of the characteristic aroma of burley tobacco.

[0035] In the present application, in step (1-1), the temperature for drying the tobacco raw material after steam rehumidification treatment can be 70°C-90°C. For example, the temperature for drying can be 70°C, 73°C, 75°C, 78°C, 80°C, 82°C, 85°C, 87°C, 90°C, etc. Drying the tobacco raw material at the above temperature is beneficial to shortening the drying time, and can remove some alkaline impurities and free nicotine, thereby enhancing the aroma style characteristics of the tobacco.

[0036] In some embodiments of the present application, the first stage of processing may include two steps of moistening and redrying the tobacco raw material. The two steps of moistening and redrying can remove more volatile alkaline impurities and free alkali, thereby further reducing the ammonia and nitrogen impurities, as well as the strength and irritation of the tobacco, making it easier to capture the characteristic aroma of the tobacco.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco raw material may include at least one of tobacco strips and shredded tobacco. Tobacco strips refer to tobacco leaves that have been destemmed and redried. The methods proposed in this application can be used to process tobacco strips and / or shredded tobacco to enhance the expression of the characteristic tobacco aroma. In some embodiments of the present application, the tobacco raw material may be tobacco strips or shredded tobacco. In other embodiments of the present application, the tobacco raw material may be a mixture of tobacco strips and shredded tobacco.

[0038] (1-2) Balancing treatment is performed on the tobacco raw materials after the leaves are moistened and redried.

[0039] In this step, the tobacco raw material after moistening and redrying is placed in a balanced environment for 24 hours to 48 hours (for example, 24 hours, 30 hours, 36 hours, 40 hours, 48 ​​hours, etc.), wherein the temperature in the balanced environment can be 22° C. to 25° C., and the relative humidity can be 60% to 65%, for example, the temperature can be 22° C., 23° C., 24° C., 25° C., etc., and the relative humidity can be 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, etc. Placing the tobacco raw material at the above temperature and relative humidity for 24 hours to 48 hours can maintain uniform moisture content and appropriate moisture content in the tobacco, thereby making the tobacco quality more stable.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 , the second stage of processing may include the following steps:

[0041] (2-1) Adding the mixed liquid to the tobacco raw material.

[0042] In this step, the mixed liquid is added to the tobacco raw material that has not been processed in the first stage or the tobacco raw material that has been processed in the first stage.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present application, the mixed liquid may include a base material, amino acids, and water. The base material may include one or more of sugar, cocoa powder, cocoa extract, licorice powder, licorice extract, citric acid, acetic acid, burley tobacco lysate, etc., and the sugar material may include one or more of glucose, fructose, sucrose, white sugar, invert sugar, etc. Adding the mixed liquid may enhance the expression of the characteristic aroma of tobacco.

[0044] In some specific embodiments of the present application, adding the above-mentioned mixed liquid to the burley tobacco raw material can enhance the expression effect of the characteristic aroma of the burley tobacco. For example, sugars and amino acids can undergo a Maillard reaction during the subsequent high-temperature heating process, thereby enhancing the aroma style characteristics of the burley tobacco; cocoa powder or cocoa extract can enhance the nutty aroma of the burley tobacco; licorice or licorice extract can improve the taste of the burley tobacco and reduce the irritation; citric acid, acetic acid, etc. can neutralize the alkaline aroma of the burley tobacco in the heated state, thereby reducing the excessive alkaline aroma in the burley tobacco in the heated state, making the characteristic aroma of the burley tobacco easier to capture.

[0045] In some embodiments of the present application, the amino acids in the mixed liquid may include one or more of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, and histidine. In some specific embodiments of the present application, the amino acids in the mixed liquid may be aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, or histidine; in other specific embodiments, the amino acids in the mixed liquid may be a mixture of two or more of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine, and histidine. All of these amino acids can enhance the aroma characteristics of tobacco and improve the sensory quality of tobacco during smoking.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present application, referring to Figure 2, in step (2-1), a mixed liquid is added to the tobacco raw material that has not been processed in the first stage. In the mixed liquid, the mass of the lining can be 3%-10% of the initial mass of the tobacco raw material, the mass of the amino acid can be 1%-3% of the initial mass of the tobacco raw material, and the mass of water can be 30%-40% of the initial mass of the tobacco raw material. For example, in the mixed liquid, the mass of the lining can be 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10% or the like of the initial mass of the tobacco raw material, the mass of the amino acid can be 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3% or the like of the initial mass of the tobacco raw material, and the mass of the water can be 30%, 32%, 35%, 37%, 40% or the like of the initial mass of the tobacco raw material.

[0047] In other embodiments of the present application, with reference to Figure 3, in step (2-1), a mixed liquid is added to the tobacco raw material after the first section treatment, in the mixed liquid, the mass of the lining can be 3%-10% (for example, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, etc.) of the mass of the tobacco raw material after the first section treatment, the mass of the amino acid can be 1%-3% (for example, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, etc.) of the mass of the tobacco raw material after the first section treatment, and the mass of the water can be 30%-40% (for example, 30%, 32%, 35%, 37%, 40%, etc.) of the mass of the tobacco raw material after the first section treatment. Thus, the lining, amino acid and water in the mixed liquid all have suitable mass, and after the mixed liquid is added to the tobacco raw material, the mixed liquid can be fully absorbed, and in the subsequent baking process, some components in the lining can undergo Maillard reaction with amino acids, thereby enhancing the aroma style characteristics of the tobacco.

[0048] (2-2) Storing the tobacco raw material added to the mixed liquid.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present application, after the mixed liquid is added, the burley tobacco raw material can be stored at a temperature of 40°C-60°C for 4-8 hours. For example, the burley tobacco raw material can be stored at 40°C, 45°C, 50°C, 55°C or 60°C for 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours or 8 hours. This can promote the absorption of the mixed liquid by tobacco, thereby improving the utilization rate of the mixed liquid.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (2-2), the tobacco raw material added with the mixed liquid is placed in an environment with a temperature of 50°C-60°C and stored for 6h-8h. For example, the tobacco raw material can be placed in an environment of 50°C, 52°C, 55°C, 57°C or 60°C and stored for 6h, 6.5h, 7h, 7.5h or 8h. This can allow the tobacco to more fully absorb the mixed liquid, thereby further improving the utilization rate of the mixed liquid, which is conducive to further enhancing the aroma style characteristics of the tobacco.

[0051] In some embodiments of the present application, the moisture content of the tobacco raw material after treatment in step (2-2) can be 30%-40%, for example, the moisture content can be 30%, 32%, 35%, 37%, 40%, etc. During the baking process, the tobacco raw material will lose some moisture. The moisture content in the tobacco raw material before baking is within the above range, which can promote the Maillard reaction during the baking process. Moreover, after the baking process, the tobacco raw material still has a certain content of moisture.

[0052] (2-3) Perform baking treatment.

[0053] The tobacco raw material treated in step (2-2) is baked, wherein the baking temperature can be 90°C-150°C, for example, the baking temperature can be 90°C, 100°C, 110°C, 120°C, 130°C, 140°C, 150°C, etc. In some embodiments of the present application, the moisture content of the tobacco raw material after baking can be 8%-10%. High-temperature baking can cause sugars and amino acids to produce a Maillard reaction, increase tobacco characteristic aroma substances, thereby enhancing the expression effect of tobacco aroma style characteristics, and improve the reduction degree of tobacco to its traditional tobacco fragrance in a heated state. For burley tobacco raw materials, after adding the mixed liquid and storing the mixture, baking is carried out at a temperature of 90°C-150°C, sugars and amino acids produce a Maillard reaction, which can increase burley tobacco characteristic aroma substances, thereby enhancing the expression effect of burley tobacco aroma characteristic style.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present application, in step (2-3), the baking temperature can be 110°C-130°C, for example, the baking temperature can be 110°C, 115°C, 120°C, 125°C, 130°C, etc. The above temperature range is more conducive to the Maillard reaction between sugars and amino acids, further increasing the content of tobacco characteristic aroma substances, thereby helping to enhance the expression effect of tobacco aroma style characteristics.

[0055] (2-4) The cured tobacco raw material is subjected to a balancing treatment.

[0056] The cured tobacco raw material is placed in a balanced environment for 24 hours to 48 hours (for example, 24 hours, 30 hours, 36 hours, 40 hours, 48 ​​hours, etc.). In the balanced environment, the temperature can be 22° C. to 25° C., and the relative humidity can be 60% to 65%. For example, the temperature can be 22° C., 23° C., 24° C., 25° C., etc., and the relative humidity can be 60%, 61%, 62%, 63%, 64%, 65%, etc. Placing the tobacco raw material at the above temperature and relative humidity for 24 hours to 48 hours can maintain uniform moisture content in the tobacco and an appropriate moisture content, thereby making the quality of the tobacco more stable.

[0057] In some specific embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG1 , the tobacco raw material may be subjected to only the first stage of processing to enhance the aroma style characteristics during the tobacco smoking process.

[0058] In some other specific embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG. 2 , only the second stage processing may be performed on the tobacco raw material.

[0059] In some other specific embodiments of the present application, referring to FIG3 , the tobacco raw material may be subjected to a first stage processing and a second stage processing, thereby further highlighting the aroma style characteristics during the tobacco smoking process.

[0060] 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.

[0061] Example 1

[0062] Only the first stage of processing is performed on the burley tobacco raw material. Specifically, the burley tobacco raw material is subjected to a leaf moistening and redrying process, which includes the following steps in sequence:

[0063] 1) steam conditioning the burley tobacco raw material, wherein the moisture content of the burley tobacco raw material after conditioning is 22%-24%;

[0064] 2) drying the rehydrated raw material at 90° C., wherein the moisture content of the burley tobacco raw material after drying is 10%-12%;

[0065] 3) The dried raw material was placed in a balanced environment for 24 hours (equilibrium conditions: temperature of 22° C., relative humidity of 60%) to obtain a pretreated tobacco raw material.

[0066] Example 2

[0067] Only the first stage of processing is performed on the burley tobacco raw material. Specifically, the burley tobacco raw material is subjected to two leaf moistening and redrying steps, which sequentially include the following steps:

[0068] 1) steam conditioning the burley tobacco raw material, wherein the moisture content of the burley tobacco raw material after conditioning is 22%-24%;

[0069] 2) drying the rehydrated raw material at 90° C., wherein the moisture content of the burley tobacco raw material after drying is 10%-12%;

[0070] 3) steam-rehumidifying the burley tobacco raw material dried in step 2), wherein the moisture content of the burley tobacco raw material after rehumidification is 20%-22%;

[0071] 4) drying the raw material after the moisture regain in step 3) at a temperature of 70° C., wherein the moisture content of the burley tobacco raw material after drying is 10%-12%;

[0072] 5) The raw material dried in step 4) is placed in a balanced environment for 24 hours (equilibrium conditions: temperature of 22° C., relative humidity of 60%) to obtain a pretreated tobacco raw material.

[0073] Example 3

[0074] Only the burley tobacco raw material is subjected to the second stage of processing, which includes the following steps in sequence:

[0075] 1) preparing a mixed liquid, the mixed liquid comprising lining material, amino acid and water, wherein the mass of the lining material (including fructose syrup, cocoa extract, citric acid, licorice extract, etc.) is 3% of the initial mass of the burley tobacco raw material, the mass of the amino acid (lysine) is 1.5% of the initial mass of the burley tobacco raw material, and the mass of the water is 40% of the initial mass of the burley tobacco raw material;

[0076] 2) Spray the prepared mixed liquid evenly on the burley tobacco raw materials and store the leaves at 55°C for 6 hours;

[0077] 3) high-temperature baking of the burley tobacco raw material after leaf storage in step 2), wherein the baking conditions are: baking at 130° C. for 2 min, baking at 120° C. for 2 min, and baking at 110° C. for 2 min, and the moisture content of the raw material after baking is 8%-10%;

[0078] 4) The baked raw material was placed in a balanced environment for 48 hours (equilibrium conditions: temperature of 22° C., relative humidity of 60%) to obtain a pretreated tobacco raw material.

[0079] Example 4

[0080] The first stage processing (including two times of leaf moistening and redrying) and the second stage processing of burley tobacco raw materials include the following steps in sequence:

[0081] 1) steam conditioning the burley tobacco raw material, wherein the moisture content of the burley tobacco raw material after conditioning is 22%-24%;

[0082] 2) drying the rehydrated raw material at 90° C., wherein the moisture content of the burley tobacco raw material after drying is 10%-12%;

[0083] 3) steam-rehumidifying the burley tobacco raw material dried in step 2), wherein the moisture content of the burley tobacco raw material after rehumidification is 20%-22%;

[0084] 4) drying the raw material after the moisture regain in step 3) at a temperature of 70° C., wherein the moisture content of the burley tobacco raw material after drying is 10%-12%;

[0085] 5) placing the raw material after drying in step 4) in a balanced environment for 24 hours (equilibrium conditions: temperature 22° C., relative humidity 60%);

[0086] 6) preparing a mixed liquid based on the mass of the burley tobacco raw material after equilibration in step 5), the mixed liquid comprising a lining material, amino acids, and water. In the mixed liquid, the mass of the lining material (including fructose syrup, cocoa extract, citric acid, licorice extract, etc.) is 3% of the mass of the burley tobacco raw material after equilibration in step 5), the mass of the amino acid (lysine) is 1.5% of the mass of the burley tobacco raw material after equilibration in step 5), and the mass of the water is 40% of the mass of the burley tobacco raw material after equilibration in step 5);

[0087] 7) Spray the prepared mixed liquid evenly on the burley tobacco raw materials and store the leaves at 55°C for 6 hours;

[0088] 8) high-temperature baking of the burley tobacco raw material after leaf storage in step 7), wherein the baking conditions are: baking at 130° C. for 2 min, baking at 120° C. for 2 min, and baking at 110° C. for 2 min, wherein the moisture content of the burley tobacco raw material after baking is 8%-10%;

[0089] 9) The baked raw material was placed in a balanced environment for 48 hours (equilibrium conditions: temperature of 22° C., relative humidity of 60%) to obtain a pretreated tobacco raw material.

[0090] Example 5

[0091] The difference from Example 4 is that in Example 5, the fructose syrup in the material of Example 4 is replaced by invert sugar, and the 1.5% lysine in Example 4 is replaced by 1% aspartic acid + 0.5% glutamic acid. The remaining steps and parameters are the same as those of Example 4.

[0092] Application effect evaluation:

[0093] After adding smoke-generating agents (such as propylene glycol, glycerol, etc.) to the pretreated tobacco raw materials prepared by the methods of Examples 1-5 and untreated burley tobacco raw materials (control samples) in the same proportions, sensory quality evaluation was conducted using a heat-not-burn device. The evaluation results are shown in Table 1 below:

[0094] Table 1 Sensory quality evaluation results of pretreated tobacco raw materials and untreated burley tobacco raw materials in each embodiment

[0095] In Table 1, the sensory evaluation is compared:

[0096] High smoke concentration > relatively high smoke concentration > slightly higher smoke concentration > low smoke concentration;

[0097] Moderate strength > Moderate strength > Slightly stronger strength > Strong strength;

[0098] Good clumping ability > good clumping ability > fair clumping ability > poor clumping ability;

[0099] Fine smoke > Relatively fine smoke > Slightly fine smoke > Rough smoke;

[0100] Good aroma > Fair aroma > Slightly better aroma > Poor aroma;

[0101] Adequate aroma > Relatively sufficient aroma > Acceptable aroma > Moderate aroma;

[0102] Light impurities > Light impurities > Slightly light impurities > Heavy impurities;

[0103] Burley tobacco aroma characteristics are good and significantly improved > Burley tobacco aroma characteristics are good and significantly improved > Burley tobacco aroma characteristics are good and significantly improved > Burley tobacco aroma characteristics are slightly better and improved > Burley tobacco aroma characteristics are fair and slightly improved > Burley tobacco aroma characteristics are weak;

[0104] No stimulation > Little stimulation > Slight stimulation > Slight stimulation > High stimulation;

[0105] Clean aftertaste in mouth > Clean aftertaste in mouth > Acceptable aftertaste in mouth > Slightly worse aftertaste in mouth > Strong alkaline taste in mouth, worse aftertaste;

[0106] Good comfort > Good comfort > Fair comfort > Slightly poor comfort > Poor comfort.

[0107] As shown in Table 1, compared to untreated burley tobacco raw material, the sensory quality of the treated burley tobacco raw material in Examples 1-5 was significantly improved during smoking. Specifically, compared to Examples 1-2, which only underwent the first-stage treatment, and Example 3, which only underwent the second-stage treatment, Examples 4 and 5, which both underwent the first and second-stage treatments, showed even more significant improvements in sensory quality. The slight differences in aroma and taste characteristics between Examples 4 and 5 are primarily due to the different types of amino acids used. The lysine in Example 4 enhances the aroma of the burley tobacco, resulting in a sweet, non-irritating flavor, while the aspartic acid and glutamic acid in Example 5 enhance the aroma of the burley tobacco more effectively, but also have a salty taste and a certain irritation.

[0108] After the burley tobacco raw materials have been treated with leaf moistening and redrying or high-temperature roasting with added ingredients, sensory evaluation shows that the off-flavor, irritation, and strength of the smoke are reduced in the heated, non-combusted state, and the comfort is significantly improved. The smoke clarity is enhanced, and the expression of the characteristic burley aroma is enhanced. After the burley tobacco raw materials have been treated with leaf moistening and redrying and high-temperature roasting with added ingredients, sensory evaluation shows that the smoke is comfortable, with high aroma concentration and moderate strength in the heated, non-combusted state, and the cocoa and nut aromas are prominent, and the characteristic burley aroma style is distinct.

[0109] In general, the use of the method proposed in this application to treat tobacco raw materials has the following beneficial effects: by moistening the leaves with water vapor and drying and re-baking, the volatile alkaline impurities (mainly ammonia nitrogen smell) and part of the free nicotine in the tobacco raw materials can be taken away, reducing the ammonia nitrogen impurities, strength and irritation of the tobacco, balancing the composition of the aroma components in the tobacco, and making its aroma style characteristics easier to capture. Adding lining and amino acids to the tobacco raw materials for storage, and then producing the Maillard reaction through high-temperature baking, increases the content of characteristic aroma substances in the tobacco, enhances the expression effect of the tobacco aroma style characteristics, and improves the degree of reduction of the tobacco to its traditional tobacco aroma in the heated state. The process steps required for this process are relatively simple, the process equipment is mature, and it is suitable for large-scale production applications, which has practical significance for the production and development of heat-not-burn cigarette products.

[0110] In the description of this specification, the reference terms "one embodiment", "another embodiment", "yet another embodiment", "some embodiments", "other 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 representations 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 any one or more embodiments or examples in a suitable manner. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and combine different embodiments or examples described in this specification and features of different embodiments or examples without contradiction.

[0111] 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 processing tobacco raw materials, characterized in that: The method comprises performing a first stage processing and / or a second stage processing on the tobacco raw material, The first stage of processing includes the following steps: (1-1) moistening and redrying the tobacco raw material at least once, wherein the moistening and redrying comprises: Perform steam rehumidification treatment on tobacco raw materials; Drying the tobacco raw material after steam rehumidification treatment; (1-2) placing the tobacco raw materials after leaf moistening and redrying in a balanced environment for balanced treatment; The second stage of processing includes the following steps: (2-1) adding a mixed liquid to tobacco raw materials that have not been treated in the first stage or tobacco raw materials that have been treated in the first stage, wherein the mixed liquid comprises a base material, an amino acid and water, wherein the base material comprises one or more of sugar, cocoa powder, cocoa extract, licorice powder, licorice extract, citric acid, acetic acid and burley tobacco pyrolysate; (2-2) storing the tobacco raw material added to the mixed liquid; (2-3) baking the tobacco raw material treated in step (2-2); (2-4) The baked tobacco raw material is placed in a balanced environment for equilibrium treatment.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The method comprises performing a first stage processing and a second stage processing on the tobacco raw material.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first stage of processing includes the steps of moistening and re-baking the tobacco raw material twice.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step (2-1), a mixed liquid is added to the tobacco raw material that has not been processed in the first stage, wherein the mass of the lining material in the mixed liquid is 3%-10% of the initial mass of the tobacco raw material, the mass of the amino acid is 1%-3% of the initial mass of the tobacco raw material, and the mass of water is 30%-40% of the initial mass of the tobacco raw material; Alternatively, a mixed liquid is added to the tobacco raw material after the first stage of treatment, in which the mass of the lining material is 3%-10% of the mass of the tobacco raw material after the first stage of treatment, the mass of the amino acid is 1%-3% of the mass of the tobacco raw material after the first stage of treatment, and the mass of water is 30%-40% of the mass of the tobacco raw material after the first stage of treatment.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that In step (1-1), the moisture content of the tobacco raw material after the steam rehumidification treatment is 20%-24%.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that At least one of the following conditions is met: In step (1-1), the temperature of drying the tobacco raw material after steam rehumidification treatment is 50° C.-90° C.; In step (1-1), the moisture content of the tobacco raw material after drying is 10%-12%.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that At least one of the following conditions is met: In step (1-2), the equilibration time is 24h-48h, and / or the equilibration temperature is 22°C-25°C, and / or the equilibration relative humidity is 60%-65%; In step (2-4), the equilibration treatment time is 24h-48h, and / or the equilibration treatment temperature is 22°C-25°C, and / or the equilibration treatment relative humidity is 60%-65%.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that At least one of the following conditions is met: The tobacco raw material comprises burley tobacco raw material; The amino acids include one or more of aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine and histidine; The sugar material includes one or more of glucose, fructose, sucrose, white sugar, and invert sugar; The tobacco raw material includes at least one of tobacco flakes and tobacco shreds.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that At least one of the following conditions is met: In step (2-2), the tobacco raw material added with the mixed liquid is stored in an environment with a temperature of 40° C. to 60° C. for 4 h to 8 h; The moisture content of the tobacco raw material after being treated in step (2-2) is 30%-40%.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that At least one of the following conditions is met: In step (2-3), the baking temperature is 90°C-150°C; In step (2-3), the moisture content of the tobacco raw material after baking is 8%-10%.

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