Tobacco composition, non-combustion heating type smoking article, and method for storing tobacco composition

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a stored tobacco composition comprising dried leaf tobacco obtained through drying so as to exhibit green color, in which discoloration during storage is suppressed. This tobacco composition is obtained by storing, for 50 days or longer under one or more of the following conditions (1) to (3), a tobacco composition before storage including first dried leaf tobacco obtained through drying so as to exhibit green color. (1) The tobacco composition before storage is stored at a water content of 10% by weight or less. (2) The tobacco composition before storage is stored in a light-shielding environment. (3) The tobacco composition before storage is stored at 40°C or lower.

Description

Tobacco composition, non-combustion heating smoking article, and method for storing tobacco composition

[0001] The present invention relates to a tobacco composition, a non-combustion heating smoking article, and a method for preserving a tobacco composition.

[0002] In non-combustible smoking articles, flavor components are generally distilled and delivered together with the aerosol by heating a tobacco rod to approximately 150° C. to 350° C. In other words, for non-combustible smoking articles, a tobacco raw material that effectively expresses flavor and aroma in the temperature range of 150° C. to 350° C. is desired.

[0003] Tobacco raw materials used in non-combustible smoking articles are generally those that have traditionally been used in combustible tobacco. Known tobacco raw materials are classified into several types, including Virginia, Burley, and Orient. Virginia is a tobacco raw material with a rich aroma and is often used in combustible tobacco products known as Virginia Blend. Burley has a strong flavor and is used in combustible tobacco products known as American Blend. Orient has a distinctive flavor and can balance the taste and aroma of the entire blend.

[0004] The quality of the raw materials described above is largely determined by the variety and cultivation method, but also by post-harvest processing methods, such as curing. Over the long history of tobacco culture, curing methods tailored to each variety have been thoroughly explored, and today, drying methods suited to each variety have been established. After harvest, Virginia varieties undergo a process called flue-curing. Specifically, they are dried for 5 to 7 days in a temperature- and humidity-controlled environment, typically with the temperature gradually increased to 30 to 70°C (Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2). After harvest, Burley varieties undergo a process called air-curing. Specifically, they are dried for 30 to 40 days at approximately natural ambient temperature, away from direct sunlight (Non-Patent Document 3). After harvest, Orient varieties are shade-dried for one day, then exposed to sunlight for a process called sun / air-curing. Depending on the variety, they may then undergo a fermentation process (Non-Patent Document 4).

[0005] As such, the drying methods and conditions for leaf tobacco vary greatly depending on the variety. The appearance quality also differs depending on the variety, due in part to differences in curing. For example, dried Virginia varieties are yellowish-brown in color. Dried Burley varieties are deep brown in color. Dried Oriental varieties vary further depending on the cultivar, but are often slightly greenish-brown in color.

[0006] In the United States, scientific elucidation of quality changes during curing was undertaken between the 1930s and 1950s. This was summarized in a review by Frankenburg et al. (Non-Patent Document 5). It is believed that changes during the early stages of curing are primarily due to changes in plant respiration and changes in chemical components caused by residual enzyme activity after cell death. Typical changes in components include protein hydrolysis, which is accompanied by increases in some amino acids and soluble nitrogen components such as ammonia (Non-Patent Document 6). Starch is hydrolyzed and converted into low-molecular-weight sugars, including monosaccharides (Non-Patent Document 2). These reactions occur due to the loss of the counterbalance that would normally occur in growing tobacco leaves. In other words, the metabolism of these components is fundamentally different from that during growth. Simultaneously with the hydrolysis reaction, various components also change through oxidation. As curing progresses, the dynamic equilibrium of the plant's natural redox system is lost, resulting in significant oxidation of many of the components in tobacco leaves. Carbohydrates and organic acids are oxidized under the influence of a series of enzymes previously involved in the respiratory system in living plants (Non-Patent Documents 7 and 8). In addition, phenolic and polyphenolic compounds and terpenoid compounds are also decomposed by oxidation (Non-Patent Documents 9-11). As mentioned above, there are several methods for curing tobacco depending on the variety and purpose. Among these, air-curing actively induces oxidation reactions of chemical components. On the other hand, fluid-curing is designed to minimize the effects of oxidation.

[0007] Peedin, G. F.: Production practices: Flue-cured tobacco, p. 104-142. In Tobacco: Production Chemistry and Technology, Davis, D. L., Nielsen, M. T., Eds.; Blackwell Science: Oxford, U.K. (1999)Abubakar, Y., Young, J. H., Johnson, W. H., and Weeks, W. W.: Changes in moisture and chemical composition of flue-cured tobacco during curing. Tob. Sci., 44, 51-58 (2000)Palmer, G. K., and Pearce, R. C.: Production practices: Light air-cured tobacco, p. 143-153. In Tobacco: Production Chemistry and Technology, Davis, D. L., Nielsen, M. T., Eds.; Blackwell Science: Oxford, U.K. (1999)Gilchrist, S. N.: Production practices: Oriental tobacco, p. 154-163. In Tobacco: Production Chemistry and Technology, Davis, D. L., Nielsen, M. T., Eds.; Blackwell Science: Oxford, U.K. (1999)Frankenburg, W. G.: Chemical Changes in the Harvested Tobacco Leaf. I. Chemical and Enzymatic Conversations during the Curing Process. Advances in Enzymolozy, Volume VI, 6, 309-387 (1946)Young, J. R., and Jeffrey, R. N.: Changes in certain water-soluble nitrogenous constituents of burley tobacco during storage. Plant Plysiol., 18, 433-438 (1943)Pucher, G. W., and Vickery, H. B.: The metabolism of the organic acids of tobacco leaves; effect of culture of excised leaves in solutions of organic acid salts. J. Biol. Chem., 178, 557-575 (1949)Vickert, H. B., and Abrahams, M. D.: The metabolism of the organic acids of tobacco leaves; effect of culture of excised leaves in solutions of d-isocitrate and acetate. J. Biol. Chem., 180, 37-45 (1949)Sheen, S. J., and Calvert, J.: Studies on polyphenol content, activities and isozymes of polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase during air-curing in three tobacco types. Plant Physiol., 44, 199-204 (1969)Weston, T. J.: Biochemical characteristics of tobacco leaves during flue-curing. Phytochemistry, 7, 921-930 (1968)Wahlberg, I., Kerstin, K., Austin, D. J., Junker, D., Roeraade, J., Enzell, C. R., and Johnson, W. H.: Effects of flue-curing and aging on the volatile, neutral and acidic constituents of Virginia tobacco. Phytochemistry, 16, 1217-1231 (1977).

[0008] Based on a long history of research and experience, the technology of adjusting the drying process of tobacco leaves to produce dried leaves of the desired quality, i.e., curing technology, has been passed down to the present day. However, this quality is based on the assumption that it will be used in combustible smoking articles, and is not necessarily optimal for non-combustible smoking articles. Conversely, even raw materials that are not suitable for combustible smoking articles may have unexpected effects when used in non-combustible smoking articles.

[0009] By drying harvested tobacco leaves under specific conditions that avoid the browning that inevitably occurs in conventional curing methods, it is possible to obtain green-colored dried tobacco leaves. The inventors have discovered that when this green-colored dried tobacco leaves are applied to non-combustible smoking articles, a natural green note that is not found in conventionally used tobacco raw materials can be imparted.

[0010] Methods for obtaining green-colored cured leaf tobacco include, for example, freeze-drying harvested tobacco leaves and drying using microwaves. Green-colored cured leaf tobacco can also be obtained by subjecting tobacco leaves to a heat treatment (blanching treatment) using hot water or steam, followed by natural drying, freeze-drying, convection drying, contact drying, radiant heat drying, or the like. The key to drying is to dry the tobacco leaves under conditions that make it difficult for enzyme reactions to occur or that shorten the reaction time, so as not to decompose the green pigments contained in the tobacco leaves during drying. Green-colored cured leaf tobacco can be obtained by drying the tobacco leaves under conditions that make it difficult for enzyme reactions to occur or that shorten the reaction time.

[0011] However, it has been found that cured tobacco leaves obtained by drying to present a green color are prone to discoloration during storage. Discoloration of cured tobacco leaves is one of the quality changes, and it is desirable to suppress discoloration during storage.

[0012] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a tobacco composition containing dried leaf tobacco obtained by drying so as to present a green color, a stored tobacco composition in which discoloration during storage is suppressed, a non-combustion heat-type smoking article containing the tobacco composition, and a method for storing the tobacco composition.

[0013] The present inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by the following invention.

[0014] [1] A tobacco composition obtained by storing a pre-storage tobacco composition containing first cured leaf tobacco obtained by drying to present a green color for 50 days or more under one or more of the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) storing the pre-storage tobacco composition at a moisture content of 10% by weight or less; (2) storing the pre-storage tobacco composition in a light-shielding environment; (3) storing the pre-storage tobacco composition at 40°C or less.

[0015] [2] The first dried leaf tobacco is L according to the CIE 1976 standard. ＊ a ＊ b ＊ a measured according to the method ＊ The tobacco composition according to [1], wherein the value is −2 or less.

[0016] [3] The tobacco composition according to [1] or [2], wherein the drying step comprises placing the harvested fresh leaves in an environment of 45°C or less until the moisture content of the mesophyll is 25% by weight or less.

[0017] [4] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the drying step comprises a step of placing the harvested fresh leaves in an environment of 30 to 40°C and a relative humidity of 60 to 70% for 6 to 12 hours, and then placing the leaves in an environment of 45°C or less until the moisture content of the mesophyll is reduced to 25% by weight or less.

[0018] [5] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the first dried leaf tobacco is produced by extracting only the mesophyll portion when the moisture content of the mesophyll portion reaches 12% by weight or less during the drying.

[0019] [6] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the condition (1) is a condition in which the tobacco composition before storage is stored at a moisture content of 7% by weight or less.

[0020] [7] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the tobacco composition before storage further contains at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-propylene glycol.

[0021] [8] The tobacco composition described in [7], wherein the tobacco composition before storage further contains glycerin.

[0022] [9] The tobacco composition according to [7] or [8], wherein the content of at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-propylene glycol contained in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is 5 to 30% by weight.

[0023]

[10] A tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the content of the first dried leaf tobacco contained in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is 30 to 95% by weight.

[0024]

[11] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the tobacco composition before storage further contains an aerosol source other than glycerin, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-propylene glycol.

[0025]

[12] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the tobacco composition before storage further contains reconstituted tobacco.

[0026]

[13] The tobacco composition according to

[12] , wherein the content of the reconstituted tobacco contained in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is 5 to 85% by weight.

[0027]

[14] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein the tobacco composition before storage further contains a second dry leaf tobacco other than the first dry leaf tobacco.

[0028]

[15] The tobacco composition according to

[14] , wherein the content of the second dried leaf tobacco contained in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is 5 to 85% by weight.

[0029]

[16] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to

[15] , wherein the tobacco composition before storage further contains a non-tobacco flavoring material.

[0030]

[17] The tobacco composition described in

[16] , wherein the non-tobacco flavoring material is selected from the group consisting of flavors, cooling agents, and combinations thereof.

[0031]

[18] The tobacco composition according to

[17] , wherein the flavoring is menthol.

[0032]

[19] A non-combustion heating smoking article comprising the tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to

[18] .

[0033]

[20] A method for preserving a tobacco composition, comprising the steps of preserving a pre-storage tobacco composition containing first cured leaf tobacco obtained by drying to present a green color, for 50 days or more under one or more of the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) preserving the pre-storage tobacco composition at a moisture content of 10% by weight or less; (2) preserving the pre-storage tobacco composition in a light-shielding environment; (3) preserving the pre-storage tobacco composition at 40°C or less.

[0034] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a tobacco composition containing dried leaf tobacco obtained by drying so as to exhibit a green color, a stored tobacco composition in which discoloration during storage is suppressed, a non-combustion heat-type smoking article containing the tobacco composition, and a method for storing the tobacco composition.

[0035] 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a non-combustion heating smoking article; 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a non-combustion heating smoking system; 3 is a diagram explaining an example of a first method for producing dried leaf tobacco; 4 is a diagram showing an initial gradient Δa relative to moisture content in Examples 1 to 5; ＊ 1 is a graph showing the relationship between the storage period and a in Examples 6 to 13. ＊ 1 is a graph showing the values ​​of a versus storage period in Examples 14 and 15. ＊ 1 is a graph showing the change in the value of a with respect to the storage period in Examples 16 to 19. ＊ 1 is a graph showing the change in the value of a with respect to the storage period in Examples 20 to 22. ＊ 1 is a graph showing values.

[0036] [Tobacco composition] The tobacco composition according to this embodiment is obtained by storing a pre-storage tobacco composition containing first cured leaf tobacco obtained by drying to present a green color, for 50 days or more under one or more of the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) storing the pre-storage tobacco composition at a moisture content of 10% by weight or less; (2) storing the pre-storage tobacco composition in a light-shielding environment; (3) storing the pre-storage tobacco composition at 40°C or less.

[0037] The present inventors have found that storing a pre-storage tobacco composition containing first dried leaf tobacco obtained by drying to exhibit a green color under one or more of the conditions (1) to (3) above suppresses discoloration of the first dried leaf tobacco during storage. Storing the pre-storage tobacco composition at a moisture content of 10% by weight or less, as in condition (1), can suppress the formation of a reaction field that causes a decomposition reaction of the green pigment. It is therefore presumed that discoloration of the first dried leaf tobacco is suppressed. Furthermore, storing the pre-storage tobacco composition in a light-blocking environment, as in condition (2), suppresses decomposition of the green pigment due to photoreaction. It is therefore presumed that discoloration of the first dried leaf tobacco is suppressed. Furthermore, storing the pre-storage tobacco composition at 40°C or less, as in condition (3), can slow the rate of the above-mentioned reaction. It is therefore presumed that discoloration of the first dried leaf tobacco is suppressed. The tobacco composition according to this embodiment is a stored tobacco composition obtained by storing the pre-storage tobacco composition for 50 days or more under one or more of the conditions (1) to (3) above, and therefore, despite being stored for 50 days or more, discoloration of the first dried leaf tobacco contained in the tobacco composition is suppressed and the green color is sufficiently maintained. In other words, the quality of the tobacco composition according to this embodiment is sufficiently maintained.

[0038] The tobacco composition before storage may be stored for 50 days or more under conditions satisfying condition (1), may be stored for 50 days or more under conditions satisfying condition (2), may be stored for 50 days or more under conditions satisfying condition (3), may be stored for 50 days or more under conditions satisfying conditions (1) and (2), may be stored for 50 days or more under conditions satisfying conditions (1) and (3), may be stored for 50 days or more under conditions satisfying conditions (2) and (3), or may be stored for 50 days or more under conditions satisfying conditions (1), (2), and (3). The storage period is not particularly limited as long as it is 50 days or more, but can be 75 days or more, or can be 100 days or more. The upper limit of the storage period is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, 730 days or less.

[0039] (First dried leaf tobacco) The first dried leaf tobacco according to this embodiment is obtained by drying harvested tobacco leaves (fresh leaves) so that they are green. By drying the harvested tobacco leaves so that they are green, it is possible to avoid a decrease in components suitable for non-combustible smoking articles. The first dried leaf tobacco may be the dried leaves themselves, or the mesophyll portion separated from the dried leaves.

[0040] The color tone of the first dried leaf tobacco is not limited as long as it is visually recognizable as green. ＊ a ＊ b ＊ a measured according to the method ＊ The value is preferably −2 or less. ＊ The value is more preferably −4 or less. ＊ The lower limit of the value is not limited, but may be, for example, -14 or more, -10 or more, or -8 or more. ＊ The value corresponds to a position between magenta and green, with larger values ​​being closer to magenta and smaller values ​​being closer to green.

[0041] L ＊ Value, a ＊ value, b ＊The value can be measured on the surface of tobacco leaves using a spectrophotometer (e.g., KONICA MINOLTA / CM3500d, Konica Minolta Holdings, Inc.) Specifically, standard light (standard illuminant D65 for colorimetry, CIE, ISO reference light) is irradiated onto the surface of tobacco leaves, and the reflected light is measured (reflected color measurement / specular reflection excluded method (SCE)). ＊ The color definitions are based on the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) and JIS.

[0042] In one embodiment, a component suitable for non-combustible smoking articles (hereinafter also referred to as "component H") has a retention index (RI) of 1800 to 3100 in gas chromatography. Component H expresses the original aroma of tobacco. Component H is a component group including partial degradation products of chlorophyll, leaf resin, higher fatty acids, and higher hydrocarbons. Specifically, component H includes neophytadiene (RI = 1842), phytol (RI = 2114), α-cembratriene diol (α-CBT, RI = 2242), linoleic acid (RI = 2145), etc. On the other hand, a component having an RI of 1365 or more but less than 1800 (hereinafter also referred to as "component L") is a component group including degradation products of cembratriene and degradation products of carotenoids. Component L includes 3-oxo-α-ionone (RI=1648), solanone (RI=1368), norsolanadione (RI=1489), megastigmatrienone (RI=1581), and the like.

[0043] RI can be determined by a known method using a standard saturated alkane standard, but is preferably determined by the following method. 1) A standard saturated alkane standard (for example, C7-C40 manufactured by Merck) is diluted with hexane to use hexane (C6) to tetracontane (C40) as the index. 2) The linear retention index is determined based on the following formula and used as the RI. RI = 100 x {[(tr(unknown) - tr(n)] / [tr(N) - tr(n)] + n} n = number of carbon atoms in the n-alkane eluting immediately before the unknown component N = number of carbon atoms in the n-alkane eluting immediately after the unknown component tr = retention time

[0044] The first dried leaf tobacco is preferably Nicotiana tabacum, and more preferably Burley. Burley has a low sugar content, which can reduce the generation of a cereal-like aroma. Non-combustion heating smoking articles emit a distinctive cereal-like aroma when used. It is preferable to suppress this aroma. One of the causes of the cereal-like aroma is glycolysis. When heated, sugar generates pyrolysis components, such as furans. That is, if the sugar content in the first dried leaf tobacco is high, the cereal-like aroma may increase. During the drying process of fresh leaves, catabolic metabolism occurs, increasing the amount of sugars, which can result in the generation of a cereal-like aroma. However, using Burley can suppress the cereal-like aroma.

[0045] (First method for producing dried leaf tobacco) The first dried leaf tobacco according to this embodiment is obtained by drying fresh leaves after harvesting under conditions that result in a green color. However, drying fresh leaves at a high temperature from the beginning tends to result in browned dried leaf tobacco. The reason for this is not limited, but sudden exposure to high temperatures destroys the cells of the fresh leaves, causing an enzyme that oxidizes component H in the fresh leaves to leak out of the cells. It is presumed that this enzyme reacts with component H, resulting in the oxidation of component H. Therefore, it is preferable to perform drying in stages.

[0046] In one aspect, the drying preferably includes a step of placing fresh leaves in an environment of 45°C or less until the moisture content of the mesophyll portion is reduced to 25% by weight or less (low-temperature drying step). Drying at such a low temperature prevents cell destruction in the fresh leaves, making Component H less likely to be oxidized and less likely to brown. The upper limit of the target moisture content of the mesophyll portion (hereinafter also referred to as "target moisture content") is preferably 20% by weight or less. The lower limit of the target moisture content is not limited, but is preferably 15% by weight or more. The lower limit of the temperature is not limited, but is preferably 35°C or more from the viewpoint of work efficiency, etc. The humidity in the low-temperature drying step is not limited, but is preferably 30 to 40% relative humidity (30 to 40% RH).

[0047] It is preferable to carry out a step (high-temperature drying step) in which the dried tobacco leaf obtained in the low-temperature drying step is dried in an environment of 65-75°C and 15-25% RH to reduce the moisture content of the vein portion to 12% by weight or less. This embodiment is shown in Figure 3 (1). The high-temperature drying step exposes the mesophyll and vein portions to high temperatures, but because moisture has already been removed from the mesophyll portion, the enzymatic oxidation reaction of component H and browning are suppressed. The upper limit of the target moisture content in this step can be set to 10% by weight or less. However, because excessive drying may induce decomposition of component H, the lower limit of the moisture content of the vein portion is preferably 8% by weight or more. The temperature is preferably 67-70°C. The humidity is preferably 17-23% RH.

[0048] After this step, the mesophyll portion and the vein portion may be separated, and the mesophyll portion may be used as the first dried leaf tobacco. If the mesophyll portion is used as the first dried leaf tobacco at a stage where the moisture content of the vein portion is reduced to 12% by weight or less in this way, it is possible to prevent decay or deterioration of the leaf tobacco due to moisture remaining in the vein portion during steps after the leaf tobacco is unloaded, i.e., during packaging, storage, and distribution.

[0049] The dried leaf tobacco obtained in the high-temperature drying step is preferably conditioned. The conditions for humidification are not limited, but are preferably 20-25°C and 50-70% RH. Conditioning the humidity can prevent the leaf tobacco from being crushed during unloading and packaging. From this perspective, the temperature is preferably 21-23°C. The humidity is preferably 55-65% RH. A preferred embodiment including the humidification step is shown in Figure 3 (2).

[0050] Before the low-temperature drying step, a step (pretreatment step) of conditioning the fresh leaves for 6 to 12 hours under conditions of a temperature of 30 to 40°C and a relative humidity of 60 to 70% may be carried out. By carrying out the pretreatment, the changes in components due to the cell destruction described above can be further suppressed. From this perspective, the temperature is preferably 32 to 38°C. The humidity is preferably 62 to 67% relative humidity. A preferred embodiment including the humidity conditioning step is shown in Figure 3 (3).

[0051] (Tobacco composition before storage) The tobacco composition before storage is not particularly limited as long as it contains first dry leaf tobacco. The content of the first dry leaf tobacco contained in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is preferably 30 to 95% by weight, and more preferably 50 to 90% by weight. The tobacco composition before storage may consist of the first dry leaf tobacco. In other words, the content of the first dry leaf tobacco contained in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage may be 100% by weight.

[0052] Preferably, the tobacco composition before storage further contains a polyol in addition to the first dried leaf tobacco. By including a polyol in the tobacco composition before storage, discoloration of the first dried leaf tobacco during storage is further suppressed. Examples of polyols include glycerin, diglycerin, triglycerin, polyglycerin, 1,2-propanediol, 1,3-propanediol, dipropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, 1,2-pentanediol, 1,2-hexanediol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene glycerin ether, isoprene glycol, pentaerythritol, and trimethylolpropane. Furthermore, the polyol may be a sugar alcohol or a sugar. Examples of sugar alcohols include sorbitol, inositol, glucosyltrehalose, xylitol, erythritol, mannitol, lactitol, fructose, oligosaccharide alcohols, maltitol, reduced palatinose, reduced starch syrup, reduced starch hydrolysates, etc. Examples of sugars that can be used include fructose, glucose, lactose, xylose, psicose, maltose, starch syrup, oligosaccharides, maltose, trehalose, lactose, palatinite, sucrose, isomerized sugars, isomaltooligosaccharides, fructooligosaccharides, galactooligosaccharides, xylooligosaccharides, lactoferrin oligosaccharides, soybean oligosaccharides, raffinose, sucralose, etc. These may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0053] Among these, it is preferable that the tobacco composition contains at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 1,2-propylene glycol (1,2-propanediol), and 1,3-propylene glycol (1,3-propanediol) (hereinafter also referred to as compound A). When the tobacco composition before storage contains compound A, discoloration of the first dried leaf tobacco during storage is particularly suppressed. Glycerin is particularly preferable as compound A. When the tobacco composition before storage contains compound A, the content of compound A contained in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is preferably 5 to 70% by weight, and more preferably 10 to 50% by weight.

[0054] Although Compound A also serves as an aerosol source, the tobacco composition before storage can also contain an aerosol source other than Compound A. The aerosol source is a material that vaporizes when heated and cools to generate an aerosol, or that generates an aerosol by atomization. When the tobacco composition contains an aerosol source, a sufficient amount of smoke can be achieved. Examples of aerosol sources include glycerin, vegetable glycerin, polyhydric alcohols such as propylene glycol (PG) and 1,3-propanediol, triethyl citrate (TEC), and triacetin. The content of the aerosol source (Compound A + aerosol source other than Compound A) contained in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is preferably 5 to 70% by weight, more preferably 8 to 30% by weight. If the amount of the aerosol source exceeds the upper limit, stains or the like may occur on the tobacco segments, while if it is below the lower limit, the perceived smoke intensity may decrease.

[0055] The tobacco composition before storage can contain tobacco materials other than the first dry leaf tobacco. Such tobacco materials are not limited as long as they are derived from Nicotiana plants. Specific examples include tobacco shreds, tobacco powder, tobacco sheets, and strands, which are commonly used in the art. These materials can be used alone or in combination. Among these, reconstituted tobacco and second dry leaf tobacco other than the first dry leaf tobacco (ordinary dry leaf tobacco other than the first dry leaf tobacco) are preferred from the viewpoint of maintaining a balance of flavor and flavor. Reconstituted tobacco refers to tobacco that has been reconstituted by mixing tobacco components with other materials.

[0056] As the leaf tobacco used for the tobacco material other than the first dry leaf tobacco, species of the genus Nicotiana, such as Tabacum and Rustica, can be suitably used. There are no limitations on the variety, and known varieties such as burley or flue-cured tobacco can be used. One or more of these leaf tobaccos can be mixed and used. The mixture can be an appropriate blend of the above varieties to achieve the desired flavor.

[0057] When the tobacco composition before storage contains the reconstituted tobacco, the content of the reconstituted tobacco in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is preferably 5 to 85% by weight, more preferably 10 to 30% by weight. Furthermore, when the tobacco composition before storage contains the second dry leaf tobacco, the content of the second dry leaf tobacco in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is preferably 5 to 85% by weight, more preferably 10 to 50% by weight.

[0058] The tobacco composition before storage can further include a non-tobacco flavoring material. Non-tobacco flavoring agents are flavoring agents that are not derived from tobacco. Examples include flavoring agents, cooling agents, and combinations thereof. Known flavoring agents and cooling agents can be used.

[0059] In particular, the following fragrances can be used alone or in combination: acetanisole, acetophenone, acetylpyrazine, 2-acetylthiazole, alfalfa extract, amyl alcohol, amyl butyrate, trans-anethole, star anise oil, apple juice, Peru balsam oil, beeswax absolute, benzaldehyde, benzoin resinoid, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenylacetate, benzyl propionate, 2,3-butanedione, 2-butanol, butyl butyrate, butyric acid, caramel, cardamom oil, carob absolute, β-carotene, carrot juice, L-carvone, β-caryophyllene, cassia bark oil, cedarwood oil, celery seed oil, chamomile oil, cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, cinnamyl cinnamate, citronella oil, DL-citronellol, and clary sage extract. Lacto, cocoa, coffee, konjac oil, coriander oil, cumin aldehyde, davana oil, δ-decalactone, γ-decalactone, decanoic acid, dill herb oil, 3,4-dimethyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 4,5-dimethyl-3-hydroxy-2,5-dihydrofuran-2-one, 3,7-dimethyl-6-octenoic acid, 2,3-dimethylpyrazine, 2,5-dimethylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, ethyl 2-methylbutyrate, ethyl acetate, ethyl butyrate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl isovalerate, ethyl lactate, ethyl laurate, ethyl levulinate, ethyl maltol, ethyl octanoate, ethyl oleate, ethyl palmitate, ethyl phenylacetate, ethyl propionate, ethyl stearate, ethyl valerate, ethyl vanillin, ethyl vanillin glucoside, 2-ethyl-3,(5 or 6)-dimethylpyrazine, 5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methyl-2(5H)-furanone, 2-ethyl-3-methylpyrazine, eucalyptol, fenugreek absolute, gene absolute, gentian root infusion, geraniol, geranyl acetate, grape juice, guaiacol, guava extract, gamma-heptalactone, gamma-hexalactone, hexanoic acid, cis-3-hexen-1-ol, hexyl acetate, hexyl alcohol, phenylhexyl acetate, honey, 4-hydroxy-3-pentenoic acid, lauryl methylpropional Ingredients: methicone, 4-hydroxy-4-(3-hydroxy-1-butenyl)-3,5,5-trimethyl-2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-(para-hydroxyphenyl)-2-butanone, sodium 4-hydroxyundecanoate, immortelle absolute, beta-ionone, isoamyl acetate, isoamyl butyrate, isoamyl phenylacetate, isobutyl acetate, isobutyl phenylacetate, jasmine absolute, cola nut tincture, labdanum oil, lemon terpeneless oil, licorice extract, linalool, linalyl acetate, robertia jasmine Orris root oil, maltol, maple syrup, menthol, menthone, L-menthyl acetate, para-methoxybenzaldehyde, methyl 2-pyrrolyl ketone, methyl anthranilate, methyl phenylacetate, methyl salicylate, 4'-methylacetophenone, methylcyclopentenolone, 3-methylvaleric acid, mimosa absolute, honey, myristic acid, nerol, nerolidol, gamma-nonalactone, nutmeg oil, delta-octalactone, octanal, octanoic acid, orange flower oil, orange oil, orris root oil, palmitic acid, omega-pentadeca Calactone, peppermint oil, petitgrain Paraguay oil, phenethyl alcohol, phenethyl phenylacetate, phenylacetic acid, piperonal, plum extract, propenylguaethol, propyl acetate, 3-propylidenephthalide, prune juice, pyruvic acid, raisin extract, rose oil, rum, sage oil, sandalwood oil, spearmint oil, styrax absolute, marigold oil, tea distillate, α-terpineol, terpinyl acetate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydroquinoxaline, 1,5,5,9-tetramethyl-13-oxacyclo(8.3.0.0(4.9))tridecane, 2,3,5,6-tetramethylpyrazine, thyme oil, tomato extract, 2-tridecanone, triethyl citrate, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl-1-cyclohexenyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,6,6-trimethyl-2-cyclohexene-1,4-dione, 4-(2,6,6-trimethyl (1,3-cyclohexadienyl)2-buten-4-one, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, γ-undecalactone, γ-valerolactone, vanilla extract, vanillin, veratraldehyde, violet leaf absolute, N-ethyl-p-menthane-3-carboxamide (WS-3), ethyl-2-(p-menthane-3-carboxamide)acetate (WS-5).

[0060] Among these, menthol is preferred. Ordinary tobacco materials contain a relatively large amount of a component (component L) with an RI of 1600 or less. Therefore, in ordinary tobacco materials, component L interferes with the flavor, and the characteristics of the flavor may not be fully exhibited. However, the tobacco composition according to this embodiment can fully exhibit the characteristics of the flavor. Because the RI of menthol is 1600 or less, a tobacco composition containing menthol allows the flavor of menthol to be fully enjoyed.

[0061] The tobacco composition before storage can be produced by a known method. For example, it can be produced by mixing the respective components. Alternatively, the respective components can be mixed to form a composition, the composition can be spread to prepare a sheet, and the sheet can be used as the composition itself.

[0062] (Condition (1)) In condition (1), the tobacco composition before storage is stored at a moisture content of 10% by weight or less. That is, the tobacco composition before storage is stored while maintaining a moisture content of 10% by weight or less. Note that the moisture content of the tobacco composition during storage may vary as long as it is maintained at 10% by weight or less, but it is preferable that this moisture content is maintained. The moisture content of the tobacco composition before storage is preferably 7% by weight or less, and more preferably 6% by weight or less. The lower limit of the moisture content range of the tobacco composition before storage can be, for example, 3% by weight or more. The moisture content of the tobacco composition before storage can be adjusted and maintained, for example, by the following method. One example is a method in which the tobacco composition with a moisture content adjusted to 10% by weight is stored in a container or bag with gas barrier properties. The moisture content of the tobacco composition before storage can also be measured by the following method. The tobacco composition before storage is pulverized, and an arbitrary amount in the range of 1 to 2 g is weighed into a heat-resistant dish. The pulverized tobacco composition is then dried in an oven set to 80°C for 3 hours. The change in weight before and after drying is converted into the amount of water, and the water content is calculated. Alternatively, the water content of the ground raw material may be measured by Karl Fischer moisture determination.

[0063] (Condition (2)) In condition (2), the tobacco composition before storage is stored in a light-shielding environment. That is, the tobacco composition before storage is stored while being kept in a state where it is not exposed to light. The light-shielding environment is not particularly limited as long as it is an environment where the tobacco composition before storage is not exposed to light, and examples thereof include packaging in a light-shielding aluminum zip-top bag.

[0064] (Condition (3)) In condition (3), the tobacco composition before storage is stored at 40°C or below. That is, the tobacco composition before storage is stored while maintaining a temperature of 40°C or below. Note that the temperature of the tobacco composition during storage may vary as long as it is maintained at 40°C or below, but it is preferable that this temperature be maintained. The temperature of the tobacco composition before storage is preferably 25°C or below, and more preferably 15°C or below. The lower limit of the temperature range of the tobacco composition before storage can be, for example, minus 78°C or above. Examples of methods for maintaining the temperature of the tobacco composition before storage at 40°C or below include storing it in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.

[0065] [Method for Preserving Tobacco Composition] The method for preserving a tobacco composition according to this embodiment comprises the steps of preserving a pre-storage tobacco composition containing first cured leaf tobacco obtained by drying to present a green color, for 50 days or more under one or more of the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) Preserving the pre-storage tobacco composition at a moisture content of 10% by weight or less. (2) Preserving the pre-storage tobacco composition in a light-shielding environment. (3) Preserving the pre-storage tobacco composition at 40°C or less.

[0066] In the tobacco composition preservation method according to this embodiment, a pre-storage tobacco composition containing first dried leaf tobacco obtained by drying to present a green color is stored for 50 days or more under one or more of the conditions (1) to (3) above, thereby suppressing discoloration of the first dried leaf tobacco, as described above. Therefore, during storage of a tobacco composition containing first dried leaf tobacco obtained by drying to present a green color, discoloration of the first dried leaf tobacco is suppressed, and the green color is sufficiently maintained. In other words, the quality of the tobacco composition is sufficiently maintained.

[0067] [Non-combustion heat-activated smoking article] The non-combustion heat-activated smoking article according to this embodiment comprises the tobacco composition according to this embodiment. The tobacco composition according to this embodiment is suitable for non-combustion heat-activated smoking articles. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a non-combustion heat-activated smoking article. As shown in FIG. 1, the non-combustion heat-activated smoking article 20 comprises a tobacco segment 20A, a cylindrical cooling section 20B having perforations on its circumference, and a filter section 20C. The non-combustion heat-activated smoking article 20 may also comprise other components. The axial length of the non-combustion heat-activated smoking article 20 is not limited, but is preferably 40 to 90 mm, more preferably 50 to 75 mm, and even more preferably 50 to 60 mm or less. The circumferential length of the non-combustion heat-activated smoking article 20 is preferably 16 to 25 mm, more preferably 20 to 24 mm, and even more preferably 21 to 23 mm. For example, an embodiment may include a tobacco segment 20A having a length of 20 mm, a cooling section 20B having a length of 20 mm, and a filter section 20C having a length of 7 mm. The lengths of these individual components can be changed as appropriate depending on manufacturability, required quality, etc. Fig. 1 shows an embodiment in which the first segment 25 is disposed, but it is also possible to dispose the first segment 25 and to dispose only the second segment 26 downstream of the cooling section 20B.

[0068] (Tobacco Segment 20A) The tobacco filler 21 in the tobacco segment 20A contains the tobacco composition according to this embodiment. The method for filling the tobacco filler 21 into the wrapper 22 is not particularly limited, and for example, the tobacco filler 21 may be wrapped in the wrapper 22, or the tobacco filler 21 may be filled into a tubular wrapper 22. When the tobacco filler 21 has a longitudinal direction, such as a rectangular shape, it may be filled so that the longitudinal direction is in an unspecified direction within the wrapper 22, or may be aligned in the axial direction of the tobacco segment 20A or in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction. When the tobacco segment 20A is heated, the tobacco components, aerosol source, and water contained in the tobacco filler 21 vaporize and are available for inhalation.

[0069] (Cooling Section 20B) The cooling section 20B is preferably configured as a tubular member. The tubular member may be, for example, a cardboard tube 23 formed by processing cardboard into a cylindrical shape. The cooling section 20B may also be formed from a sheet of thin material that is wrinkled and then pleated, gathered, or folded to form a channel. Examples of such a material include sheet materials selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate, polylactic acid, cellulose acetate, and aluminum foil. The total surface area of ​​the cooling section 20B is appropriately adjusted taking cooling efficiency into consideration, but may be, for example, 300 to 1000 mm ２ / mm. The cooling section 20B is preferably provided with perforations 24. The presence of the perforations 24 allows outside air to be introduced into the cooling section 20B during inhalation. As a result, the vaporized aerosol components generated by heating the tobacco segment 20A come into contact with the outside air, their temperature drops, and they liquefy, forming an aerosol. The diameter (distance) of the perforations 24 is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, 0.5 to 1.5 mm. The number of perforations 24 is not particularly limited, and may be one or two or more. For example, a plurality of perforations 24 may be provided around the circumference of the cooling section 20B.

[0070] The cooling portion 20B may be rod-shaped with an axial length of, for example, 7 to 28 mm. For example, the axial length of the cooling portion 20B may be 18 mm. The cooling portion 20B may have a substantially circular axial cross-sectional shape and a diameter of 5 to 10 mm. For example, the diameter of the cooling portion 20B may be approximately 7 mm.

[0071] (Filter portion 20C) The configuration of the filter portion 20C is not particularly limited, and may be composed of one or more packed layers. The outside of the packed layer may be wrapped with one or more sheets of wrapping paper. The airflow resistance of the filter portion 20C can be appropriately changed depending on the amount, material, etc. of the filter packing filled in the filter portion 20C. For example, when the filter packing is cellulose acetate fiber, the airflow resistance can be increased by increasing the amount of cellulose acetate fiber filled in the filter portion 20C. When the filter packing is cellulose acetate fiber, the packing density of the cellulose acetate fiber is 0.13 to 0.18 g / cm. ３ The airflow resistance is a value measured using an airflow resistance measuring device (product name: SODIMAX, manufactured by SODIM).

[0072] The circumferential length of the filter part 20C is not particularly limited, but is preferably 16 to 25 mm, more preferably 20 to 24 mm, and even more preferably 21 to 23 mm. The length of the filter part 20C in the axial direction (horizontal direction in FIG. 1) can be selected from 4 to 10 mm, and the airflow resistance thereof is selected from 15 to 60 mmH. ２ The axial length of the filter portion 20C is preferably 5 to 9 mm, more preferably 6 to 8 mm. The cross-sectional shape of the filter portion 20C is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, circular, elliptical, polygonal, etc. Furthermore, a destructible capsule containing a fragrance, fragrance beads, or fragrance may be directly added to the filter portion 20C.

[0073] The filter portion 20C may include a center hole portion as the first segment 25. The center hole portion is composed of a first filling layer 25a with one or more hollow portions and an inner plug wrapper (inner wrapping paper) 25b that covers the filling layer. The center hole portion functions to increase the strength of the mouthpiece portion. The center hole portion may not have an inner plug wrapper 25b and its shape may be maintained by thermoforming. The first filling layer 25a may be, for example, a rod with an inner diameter of 5.0 to 1.0 mm, densely packed with cellulose acetate fibers and hardened with 6 to 20% by weight of a plasticizer containing triacetin. Because the first filling layer 25a has a high fiber packing density, during inhalation, air and aerosol flow only through the hollow portion and barely within the first filling layer 25a. Because the first filling layer 25a inside the center hole portion is a fiber-packed layer, the feel from the outside during use is less likely to cause discomfort to the user. The filter portion 20C may also include a second segment 26. The second segment 26 is composed of a second packing layer 26a and an inner plug wrapper (inner wrapping paper) 26b that covers the packing layer.

[0074] The first filling layer 25a and the second filling layer 26a are connected by an outer plug wrapper (outer wrapping paper) 27. The outer plug wrapper 27 can be, for example, a cylindrical piece of paper. The tobacco segment 20A, the cooling section 20B, and the connected first filling layer 25a and second filling layer 26a are connected by a mouthpiece lining paper 28. These connections can be made, for example, by applying a vinyl acetate glue or other adhesive to the inner surface of the mouthpiece lining paper 28 and wrapping the three components. These components may also be connected in multiple layers using multiple lining papers.

[0075] A combination of a non-combustion heated smoking article and a heating device for generating aerosol is also referred to as a non-combustion heated smoking system. An example of such a system is shown in Fig. 2. In Fig. 2, the non-combustion heated smoking system includes a non-combustion heated smoking article 20 and a heating device 10 that heats a tobacco segment 20A from the outside.

[0076] The heating device 10 comprises a body 11, a heater 12, a metal tube 13, a battery unit 14, and a control unit 15. The body 11 has a cylindrical recess 16, and the heater 12 and metal tube 13 are disposed at positions corresponding to the tobacco segment 20A to be inserted therein. The heater 12 may be an electric resistance heater, and is heated by power supplied from the battery unit 14 in response to instructions from a temperature-controlling control unit 15. The heat generated by the heater 12 is transferred to the tobacco segment 20A through the metal tube 13, which has high thermal conductivity. While FIG. 2 shows an embodiment in which the heating device 10 heats the tobacco segment 20A from the outside, it may also heat from the inside. The heating temperature of the heating device 10 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 400°C or less, more preferably 150 to 400°C, and even more preferably 200 to 350°C. The heating temperature refers to the temperature of the heater of the heating device 10. Alternatively, a susceptor may be disposed within the tobacco segment 20A, and the tobacco segment 20A may be heated by an induction heating method.

[0077] The present embodiment will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the present embodiment is not limited to these examples.

[0078] [Example 1] (Production of tobacco composition before storage) ＊ a ＊ b ＊ a measured according to the method ＊ A first cured leaf tobacco was produced by drying the tobacco so as to have a green color and a moisture content of 4.2% by weight, with a moisture content of -11.9. Specifically, harvested Burley leaf tobacco was irradiated with microwaves at an output of 1000 W and dried. The moisture content after drying was 4.2% by weight. The first cured leaf tobacco was used as a tobacco composition before storage.

[0079] (Storage and discoloration evaluation of tobacco composition before storage) The tobacco composition before storage was placed in a vial, sealed, and stored at 40°C in a light-shielded environment for 24 hours so that the moisture content was maintained at 4% by weight. ＊ The value of a before and after storage was measured. ＊The amount of change in the value is the initial gradient Δa ＊ The results are shown in Figure 4.

[0080] [Example 2] The first dried leaf tobacco was conditioned for 24 hours in an atmosphere of 22°C and 60% relative humidity, and a pre-storage tobacco composition was produced, stored, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the moisture content was changed to 11% by weight. The results are shown in Figure 4.

[0081] [Example 3] The first dried leaf tobacco was conditioned for 24 hours in an atmosphere of 22°C and 78% relative humidity, and the moisture content was changed to 17% by weight, but a tobacco composition before storage was produced, stored, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Figure 4.

[0082] [Example 4] The first dried leaf tobacco was conditioned for 24 hours in an atmosphere of 22°C and 86% relative humidity, and the moisture content was changed to 21% by weight, but a tobacco composition before storage was produced, stored, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Figure 4.

[0083] [Example 5] The first dried leaf tobacco was conditioned for 24 hours in an atmosphere of 22°C and 93% relative humidity, and the moisture content was changed to 27% by weight, but a tobacco composition before storage was produced, stored, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are shown in Figure 4.

[0084] As shown in FIG. 4, when stored in the same 40° C. environment, the lower the moisture content, the more discoloration was suppressed, and discoloration was particularly suppressed when the moisture content was 10 wt % or less.

[0085] [Example 6] (Production of tobacco composition before storage) Harvested burley leaf tobacco was conditioned for 12 hours in an environment at a temperature of 35°C and a relative humidity of 64%. Next, the moisture content of the mesophyll was conditioned in an environment at a temperature of 45°C and a relative humidity of 32% until the moisture content of the mesophyll was below 25% by weight. After that, the mesophyll was dried in an environment at 68°C / 20% RH until the moisture content of the vein was below 12% by weight. After drying, the mesophyll was conditioned for 48 hours in an environment at 22°C / 60% RH. Then, the mesophyll and vein were separated, and the color of the mesophyll was measured. ＊The value was -8.2. The moisture content of the mesophyll portion was adjusted to 4.1% by weight, and the mesophyll portion was dried to a green color to produce a first cured leaf tobacco. The first cured leaf tobacco was used as a tobacco composition before storage.

[0086] (Storage and discoloration evaluation of tobacco composition before storage) The tobacco composition before storage was placed in a vial and stored at 30°C under a light-shielded environment for 120 hours so that the moisture content was maintained at 4.1% by weight. ＊ The value of a is measured. ＊ The changes in values ​​were confirmed, and the results are shown in Figure 5.

[0087] [Example 7] Except for conditioning the first dried leaf tobacco in an atmosphere of 25°C and 85% relative humidity for 15 minutes and changing the moisture content to 5.3% by weight, a tobacco composition before storage was produced, stored, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 6. The results are shown in Figure 5.

[0088] [Example 8] The first dried leaf tobacco was conditioned for 25 minutes in an atmosphere of 25°C and 85% relative humidity, and the moisture content was changed to 6.3% by weight, and an unpreserved tobacco composition was produced, preserved, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 6. The results are shown in Figure 5.

[0089] [Example 9] Except for conditioning the first dried leaf tobacco in an atmosphere of 25°C and 85% relative humidity for 30 minutes to change the moisture content to 6.7% by weight, a tobacco composition before storage was produced, stored, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 6. The results are shown in Figure 5.

[0090] [Example 10] The first dried leaf tobacco was conditioned for 24 hours in an atmosphere of 22°C and 55% relative humidity, and the moisture content was changed to 7.6% by weight, and an unpreserved tobacco composition was produced, preserved, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 6. The results are shown in Figure 5.

[0091] [Example 11] Except for conditioning the first dried leaf tobacco in an atmosphere of 25°C and 85% relative humidity for 40 minutes to change the moisture content to 8.3% by weight, a tobacco composition before storage was produced, stored, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 6. The results are shown in Figure 5.

[0092] [Example 12] The first dried leaf tobacco was conditioned for 48 hours in an atmosphere of 22°C and 55% relative humidity, and the moisture content was changed to 9.0% by weight, and an unpreserved tobacco composition was produced, preserved, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 6. The results are shown in Figure 5.

[0093] [Example 13] Except for changing the moisture content of the first dried leaf tobacco to 10.1% by weight by conditioning it for 6 hours in an atmosphere of 22°C and 60% relative humidity, a tobacco composition before storage was produced, stored, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 6. The results are shown in Figure 5.

[0094] As shown in Figure 5, when stored in the same 30°C environment, the lower the moisture content, the more the discoloration was suppressed. In particular, when the moisture content was 7% by weight or less, the discoloration was suppressed even after 120 days of storage. ＊ The value was −4.0 or less, and it was found that discoloration was significantly suppressed.

[0095] [Example 14] (Production of tobacco composition before storage) ＊ a ＊ b ＊ a measured according to the method ＊ A first cured leaf tobacco was produced by drying the tobacco leaf so as to have a green color, a moisture content of 7% by weight or less, and a viscosity index of -4.4. Specifically, harvested Burley tobacco leaf was irradiated with microwaves at an output of 1000 W and dried. The first cured leaf tobacco was used as a tobacco composition before storage.

[0096] (Storage and discoloration evaluation of tobacco composition before storage) The tobacco composition before storage was thinly spread in a transparent polypropylene bag, sealed, and stored in an environment with a luminous emittance of 400 lx and at 22°C. ＊ The value of a is measured. ＊ The change in value (Δa ＊ The results are shown in Figure 6.

[0097] [Example 15] Except for storing in a light-shielded state, a tobacco composition before storage was produced, stored, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 14. The results are shown in Figure 6.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 6, in the same storage environment of 22° C., Example 15 stored under light-shielding conditions showed a higher a ＊ The change in value (Δa ＊ ) was found to be small.

[0099] [Example 16] (Production of tobacco composition before storage) ＊ a ＊ b ＊ a measured according to the method ＊ A first cured leaf tobacco was produced by drying the tobacco leaf so as to have a green color, a moisture content of 7% by weight or less, and a viscosity index of -4.4. Specifically, harvested Burley tobacco leaf was irradiated with microwaves at an output of 1000 W and dried. The first cured leaf tobacco was used as a tobacco composition before storage.

[0100] (Storage and discoloration evaluation of tobacco composition before storage) The tobacco composition before storage was placed in a transparent polypropylene bag, sealed, and stored in an environment of 7°C. ＊ The value of a is measured. ＊ The change in value (Δa ＊ The results are shown in Figure 7.

[0101] [Example 17] Except for being stored in an environment of 22°C, a tobacco composition before storage was produced, stored, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 16. The results are shown in Figure 7.

[0102] [Example 18] A tobacco composition before storage was produced, stored, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 16, except that it was stored in an environment of 30°C. The results are shown in Figure 7.

[0103] [Example 19] A tobacco composition before storage was produced, stored, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 16, except that it was stored in an environment of 40°C. The results are shown in Figure 7.

[0104] As shown in FIG. 7, the lower the storage temperature, the ＊ The change in value (Δa ＊ ) was found to be smaller.

[0105] [Example 20] (Production of tobacco composition before storage)＊ a ＊ b ＊ a measured according to the method ＊ A first cured leaf tobacco was produced by drying the tobacco leaf so that it was green, with a moisture content of 3% by weight and a viscosity index of -10. Specifically, the harvested leaf tobacco was immersed in a boiling water bath for 90 seconds, removed, and then quickly cooled in cold water. After cooling, moisture was thoroughly removed in a reduced pressure environment of 10 Pa. After moisture removal, the leaf tobacco was pulverized to produce a first cured leaf tobacco. 30% by weight of low-moisture-content grade glycerin was added to the first cured leaf tobacco, and this was used as a tobacco composition before storage.

[0106] (Storage and discoloration evaluation of tobacco composition before storage) The tobacco composition before storage was placed in a vial and stored at 40°C under environmental light-shielding conditions. ＊ The value of a is measured. ＊ The changes in values ​​were confirmed, and the results are shown in Figure 8.

[0107] [Example 21] A pre-storage tobacco composition was prepared by adding 30% by weight of a low-moisture-content grade of 1,2-propanediol to the first dried leaf tobacco instead of glycerin. Except for this, the pre-storage tobacco composition was produced, stored, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 20. The results are shown in Figure 8.

[0108] [Example 22] 30 wt % of water was added to the first dried leaf tobacco instead of glycerin to prepare a pre-storage tobacco composition. Except for this, the pre-storage tobacco composition was produced, stored, and evaluated in the same manner as in Example 20. The results are shown in Figure 8.

[0109] As shown in FIG. 8, the addition of glycerin or 1,2-propanediol increased the ＊ It was found that the change in value was small.

[0110] The present invention preferably includes the following embodiments.

[0111] [1] A tobacco composition obtained by storing a pre-storage tobacco composition containing first cured leaf tobacco obtained by drying to present a green color for 50 days or more under one or more of the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) storing the pre-storage tobacco composition at a moisture content of 10% by weight or less; (2) storing the pre-storage tobacco composition in a light-shielding environment; (3) storing the pre-storage tobacco composition at 40°C or less.

[0112] [2] The first dried leaf tobacco is L according to the CIE 1976 standard. ＊ a ＊ b ＊ a measured according to the method ＊ The tobacco composition according to [1], wherein the value is −2 or less.

[0113] [3] The tobacco composition according to [1] or [2], wherein the drying step comprises placing the harvested fresh leaves in an environment of 45°C or less until the moisture content of the mesophyll is 25% by weight or less.

[0114] [4] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the drying step comprises a step of placing the harvested fresh leaves in an environment of 30 to 40°C and a relative humidity of 60 to 70% for 6 to 12 hours, and then placing the leaves in an environment of 45°C or less until the moisture content of the mesophyll is reduced to 25% by weight or less.

[0115] [5] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the first dried leaf tobacco is produced by extracting only the mesophyll portion when the moisture content of the mesophyll portion reaches 12% by weight or less during the drying.

[0116] [6] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the condition (1) is a condition in which the tobacco composition before storage is stored at a moisture content of 7% by weight or less.

[0117] [7] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the tobacco composition before storage further contains at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-propylene glycol.

[0118] [8] The tobacco composition described in [7], wherein the tobacco composition before storage further contains glycerin.

[0119] [9] The tobacco composition according to [7] or [8], wherein the content of at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-propylene glycol contained in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is 5 to 30% by weight.

[0120]

[10] A tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to [9], wherein the content of the first dried leaf tobacco contained in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is 30 to 95% by weight.

[0121]

[11] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to

[10] , wherein the tobacco composition before storage further contains an aerosol source other than glycerin, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-propylene glycol.

[0122]

[12] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to

[11] , wherein the tobacco composition before storage further contains reconstituted tobacco.

[0123]

[13] The tobacco composition according to

[12] , wherein the content of the reconstituted tobacco contained in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is 5 to 85% by weight.

[0124]

[14] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to

[13] , wherein the tobacco composition before storage further contains a second dry leaf tobacco other than the first dry leaf tobacco.

[0125]

[15] The tobacco composition according to

[14] , wherein the content of the second dried leaf tobacco contained in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is 5 to 85% by weight.

[0126]

[16] The tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to

[15] , wherein the tobacco composition before storage further contains a non-tobacco flavoring material.

[0127]

[17] The tobacco composition described in

[16] , wherein the non-tobacco flavoring material is selected from the group consisting of flavors, cooling agents, and combinations thereof.

[0128]

[18] The tobacco composition according to

[17] , wherein the flavoring is menthol.

[0129]

[19] A non-combustion heating smoking article comprising the tobacco composition according to any one of [1] to

[18] .

[0130]

[20] A method for preserving a tobacco composition, comprising the steps of preserving a pre-storage tobacco composition containing first cured leaf tobacco obtained by drying to present a green color, for 50 days or more under one or more of the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) preserving the pre-storage tobacco composition at a moisture content of 10% by weight or less; (2) preserving the pre-storage tobacco composition in a light-shielding environment; (3) preserving the pre-storage tobacco composition at 40°C or less.

[0131] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Heating device 11 Body 12 Heater 13 Metal tube 14 Battery unit 15 Control unit 16 Recess 17 Ventilation hole 20 Non-combustion heating smoking article 20A Tobacco segment 20B Cooling section 20C Filter section 21 Tobacco filler 22 Cigarette paper 23 Paper tube 24 Perforation 25 First segment 25a First filling layer 25b Inner plug wrapper 26 Second segment 26a Second filling layer 26b Inner plug wrapper 27 Outer plug wrapper 28 Lining paper

Claims

1. A tobacco composition obtained by storing a pre-storage tobacco composition containing first cured leaf tobacco obtained by drying to present a green color for 50 days or more under one or more of the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) storing the pre-storage tobacco composition at a moisture content of 10% by weight or less; (2) storing the pre-storage tobacco composition in a light-shielding environment; or (3) storing the pre-storage tobacco composition at 40°C or less.

2. The first dried tobacco leaf is L according to the CIE 1976 standard. ＊ a ＊ b ＊ a measured according to the method ＊ The tobacco composition of claim 1, wherein the value is −2 or less.

3. The tobacco composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drying step comprises placing the harvested fresh leaves in an environment of 45°C or less until the moisture content of the mesophyll is 25% by weight or less.

4. The tobacco composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the drying step comprises a step of storing fresh leaves after harvesting in an environment of 30-40°C and a relative humidity of 60-70% for 6-12 hours, and then storing them in an environment of 45°C or less until the moisture content of the mesophyll is reduced to 25% by weight or less.

5. A tobacco composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first dried leaf tobacco is produced by extracting only the mesophyll portion when the moisture content of the mesophyll portion during the drying process reaches 12% by weight or less.

6. A tobacco composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the condition (1) is a condition in which the tobacco composition before storage is stored at a moisture content of 7% by weight or less.

7. A tobacco composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tobacco composition before storage further comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-propylene glycol.

8. The tobacco composition of claim 7, wherein the pre-storage tobacco composition further comprises glycerin.

9. The tobacco composition according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the content of at least one selected from the group consisting of glycerin, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-propylene glycol in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is 5 to 30% by weight.

10. A tobacco composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the content of the first dried leaf tobacco contained in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is 30 to 95% by weight.

11. The tobacco composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the pre-storage tobacco composition further comprises an aerosol source other than glycerin, 1,2-propylene glycol, and 1,3-propylene glycol.

12. The tobacco composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the pre-storage tobacco composition further comprises reconstituted tobacco.

13. The tobacco composition according to claim 12, wherein the content of the reconstituted tobacco in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is 5 to 85% by weight.

14. A tobacco composition according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the pre-storage tobacco composition further comprises a second cured leaf tobacco other than the first cured leaf tobacco.

15. The tobacco composition according to claim 14, wherein the content of the second dried leaf tobacco contained in 100% by weight of the tobacco composition before storage is 5 to 85% by weight.

16. The tobacco composition of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the pre-storage tobacco composition further comprises a non-tobacco flavoring material.

17. The tobacco composition of claim 16, wherein said non-tobacco flavoring material is selected from the group consisting of flavorants, cooling agents, and combinations thereof.

18. The tobacco composition of claim 17, wherein the flavoring agent is menthol.

19. A non-combustion heating type smoking article comprising the tobacco composition according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

20. A method for preserving a tobacco composition, comprising a step of preserving a pre-storage tobacco composition containing first cured leaf tobacco obtained by drying to present a green color, for 50 days or more under one or more of the following conditions (1) to (3): (1) The tobacco composition before storage is stored at a moisture content of 10% by weight or less, (2) The tobacco composition before storage is stored in a light-shielding environment, and (3) The tobacco composition before storage is stored at 40°C or less.

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