Tobacco material, production method therefor, and non-combustion heating-type smoking article

Abstract

Provided is a tobacco material which satisfies 0 < L × 10 / H ≤ 0.7, where H represents the total peak area of a component having a retention index (RI) of 1800-3100 in gas chromatography and L represents the total peak area of a component having an RI of not less than 1365 but less than 1800 in the gas chromatography.

Description

Tobacco material, its manufacturing method, and non-combustion heated smoking article

[0001] The present invention relates to a tobacco material, a method for producing the same, and a non-combustion heating smoking article comprising the tobacco material.

[0002] Non-combustion heating smoking articles generally heat tobacco rods to 150-350°C to generate flavor components, which are then delivered along with the aerosol. Among these flavor components, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, higher fatty acids, and higher hydrocarbons are known to be unique compared to other plants. In particular, cembranoid and labdanoid diterpenes, which are resinous components of tobacco leaves and are secreted by trichomes present on the leaf surface, are expected to be utilized (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 102541

[0004] The amount of diterpenes such as α-cembratrienediol decreases during the drying process after harvesting mature tobacco leaves and as the cured tobacco leaves undergo various processes. For example, when flue-cured tobacco is dried in a short period of time using a heated fan, the amount of α-cembratrienediol decreases by approximately 20%. Furthermore, when burley tobacco is dried under aeration conditions at natural temperature and humidity using a forced air drying method, the amount of α-cembratrienediol decreases by approximately 80%. The inventors conceived the idea that if the decrease in α-cembratrienediol could be avoided, smoking articles with a better flavor could be provided. In view of these circumstances, an objective of the present invention is to provide a tobacco material that retains the soft flavor inherent to tobacco leaves.

[0005] The inventors have found that the above-mentioned problems can be solved by the following inventions. Aspect 1: A tobacco material that satisfies 0<L×10 / H≦0.7, where H is the sum of peak areas of components having a retention index (RI) of 1800 to 3100 in gas chromatography, and L is the sum of peak areas of components having an RI of 1365 or more but less than 1800. Aspect 2: The material according to Aspect 1, which satisfies 0<L×10 / H≦0.5. Aspect 3: The material according to Aspect 1 or 2, which satisfies 0<L / P≦1.2, where P is the peak area of ​​phytol having an RI of 2114. Aspect 4: Harvested tobacco leaves are subjected to one or more of the following drying steps: (1) a step of initially drying the tobacco leaves at a relative humidity of 15 to 70% and at 35 to 80°C for 40 to 100 hours, or (2) a step of drying the tobacco leaves using microwaves. A method for producing the material according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3. Aspect 5: A tobacco filling comprising: (A) the tobacco material according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4; (B) a tobacco material other than (A); and (C) an aerosol source. Aspect 6: The filling according to Aspect 5, wherein (A) is contained in the tobacco filling at 5 to 90% by weight, on a dry weight basis. Aspect 7: The filling according to Aspect 5 or 6, further comprising (D) a non-tobacco flavoring agent. Aspect 8: The filling according to any one of Aspects 5 to 7, wherein the non-tobacco flavoring agent is selected from the group consisting of a flavoring, a cooling agent, and a combination thereof. Aspect 9: The filling according to Aspect 8, wherein the flavoring is menthol. Aspect 10: The filling according to any one of Aspects 5 to 9, wherein (B) is contained in the tobacco filling at 5 to 85% by weight, on a dry weight basis. Aspect 11: The filling according to any one of Aspects 5 to 10, wherein (C) is contained in the tobacco filling at 3 to 30% by weight, on a dry weight basis. Aspect 12. A non-combustion heating type smoking article comprising the filler according to any one of Aspects 5 to 11.

[0006] The present invention can provide a tobacco material that exhibits a soft flavor.

[0007] FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a non-combustion heating type smoking article. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a non-combustion heating type smoking system. FIG. 3 explains the relationship between a gas chromatograph and RI.

[0008] In this disclosure, "X to Y" includes the end values ​​X and Y. 1. Tobacco Material In one embodiment, the tobacco material satisfies 0 < L × 10 / H ≦ 0.7, where H is the sum of the peak areas of components whose retention index (RI) in gas chromatography is 1800 to 3100, and L is the sum of the peak areas of components whose RI is 1365 or greater but less than 1800. "L × 10 / H" is hereinafter also referred to simply as the "L / H ratio."

[0009] Components with an RI of 1800 to 3100 (hereinafter also referred to as "Component H") express the original tobacco aroma. Component H is a component group including partial decomposition 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, components with an RI of 1365 or more but less than 1800 (hereinafter also referred to as "Component L") are a component group including cembratriene decomposition products and carotenoid decomposition products. Component L includes 3-oxo-α-ionone (RI=1648), solanone (RI=1368), norsolanadione (RI=1489), megastigmatrienone (RI=1581), and the like.

[0010] The tobacco material of this embodiment satisfies 0<L×10 / H≦0.7. That is, the content of component H relative to component L is high. This allows the tobacco material to express the complex aroma inherent to tobacco. The upper limit of L×10 / H is preferably 0.5 or less.

[0011] Furthermore, when the peak area of ​​phytol having an RI of 2114 is defined as P, the tobacco material satisfies 0<L× / P≦1.2.

[0012] Generally, tobacco materials are obtained by drying harvested tobacco leaves. Therefore, the moisture content of the tobacco material in this embodiment is preferably 50% by weight or less. As will be described later, the tobacco material in this embodiment is preferably obtained by drying harvested tobacco leaves under specific conditions. The form of the tobacco material in this embodiment is not limited, but may be, for example, shredded or stranded.

[0013] RI can be determined by a known method using a standard saturated alkane standard, but in this embodiment, it is preferable to determine it 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

[0014] 2. Method for Producing the Tobacco Material The tobacco material of this embodiment can be prepared by any method. For example, it can be produced by separately preparing component H and externally adding component H to dried tobacco leaves. However, the tobacco material of this embodiment is preferably produced by subjecting harvested tobacco leaves to one or more of the following drying steps: 1) a step of initially drying the tobacco leaves at a relative humidity of 15 to 70% and at 35 to 80°C for 40 to 100 hours; or 2) a step of drying the tobacco leaves using microwaves. Drying the harvested tobacco leaves in this manner can suppress the decomposition of component H, and as a result, L×10 / H can be set within the above-mentioned range.

[0015] Step 1) This step is carried out by harvesting common tobacco leaves, such as burley varieties, and drying the harvested leaves. For example, a hot air circulation device is preferably used for drying. This step is preferably carried out in multiple stages. For example, this step is carried out through a first stage of drying at a low temperature (35°C, relative humidity 60-70%), a second stage of drying at a medium temperature (40-50°C, relative humidity 35-50%), and a third stage of drying at a high temperature (60-75°C, relative humidity 15-30%). The duration of each stage can be adjusted as appropriate, but may be, for example, about 10-20 hours for the first stage, 20-30 hours for the second stage, and 20-50 hours for the third stage.

[0016] By carrying out drying in this manner, the mesophyll portion is dried first, and then the entire tobacco leaf, including the vein portion, is dried. This prevents cell destruction in the mesophyll portion, preventing the release of oxidase, and also reduces the moisture content of the mesophyll portion, thereby inhibiting the reaction between component H and oxidase. This has the advantage of preventing the reduction of leaf surface resin in tobacco containing component H. Furthermore, this drying method causes some curing (chlorophyll decomposition), although not at the level of general curing, thereby increasing the amount of component H.

[0017] Step 2) In this step, post-harvest tobacco leaves are dried using microwaves. There are no particular limitations on the environmental conditions for microwave drying. However, since the moisture released from the tobacco leaves may increase, resulting in an increase in environmental humidity, it is preferable to remove water vapor by appropriate ventilation. Microwaves are generated by a general magnetron and can be irradiated at a practical frequency of 915 MHz or 2450 MHz at an output level ranging from 0.6 to 100 kW. Microwave drying tends to destroy mesophyll cells, but the drying time can be shortened, thereby suppressing the reaction between component H and oxidase.

[0018] 3. Tobacco Filler A tobacco filler is a flavor source filled into a smoking article. The tobacco filler according to this embodiment preferably comprises (A) a tobacco material that satisfies the L / H ratio described above, (B) a tobacco material other than (A), and (C) an aerosol source. The tobacco material that satisfies the L / H ratio (also referred to as "component (A)") is as described above. In the filler, the amount of component (A) is preferably 5 to 90 wt%, more preferably 35 to 75 wt%. In this disclosure, the amount of a component is by dry weight unless otherwise specified.

[0019] (1) Component (B) The tobacco material other than component (A) (also referred to as "component (B)") is not limited as long as it is derived from a Nicotiana plant. Specific examples of component (B) include tobacco shreds, tobacco powder, tobacco sheets, and strands, which are commonly used in the field. These may be used alone or in combination. Among these, from the viewpoint of excellent miscibility with component (A), cuttings of tobacco shreds and tobacco sheets are preferred as component (B).

[0020] As the tobacco leaf used in component (B), species of the genus Nicotiana, such as Tabacum and Rustica, can be suitably used. There are no particular restrictions on the variety, and known varieties such as burley or flue-cured tobacco can be used. One or more of these tobacco leaf varieties can be mixed and used. The mixture can be a blend of the aforementioned varieties to achieve the desired flavor.

[0021] In the filler, the amount of component (B) is preferably 5 to 85% by weight, more preferably 25 to 65% by weight.

[0022] (2) Component (C) The aerosol source (also referred to as "component (C)") is a material that vaporizes when heated and cools to generate an aerosol, or that generates an aerosol by atomization. When the filler contains an aerosol source, a sufficient amount of smoke can be achieved. Known aerosol sources can be used, and examples include polyhydric alcohols such as glycerin, vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol (PG), triethyl citrate (TEC), triacetin, etc. The amount of the aerosol source in the filler is preferably 3 to 30 wt %, more preferably 10 to 15 wt %. If the amount of the aerosol source exceeds the upper limit, stains or the like may occur on the tobacco segments, and if it is below the lower limit, the perceived smoke intensity may be reduced.

[0023] (3) Component (D) The tobacco filler may further contain a non-tobacco flavoring agent (also referred to as "component (D)"). The non-tobacco flavoring agent is a flavoring agent that is not derived from tobacco. Examples thereof include flavoring agents, cooling agents, and combinations thereof. Known flavoring agents and cooling agents can be used.

[0024] 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).

[0025] Among these, it is preferable to use a flavoring with an RI of 1600 or less. Ordinary tobacco materials contain a relatively large amount of a component (component L) with an RI of 1600 or less. Therefore, with ordinary tobacco materials, the flavoring and component L interfere with each other, and the properties of the flavoring may not be fully exhibited. However, the tobacco filler of this embodiment is able to fully exhibit the properties of the flavoring. Menthol is particularly preferable as a flavoring with an RI of 1600 or less. The amount of component (D) in the filler is preferably 0.8 to 6.0 wt %, more preferably 2.0 to 5.5 wt %.

[0026] Tobacco fillers can be produced by known methods. For example, they can be produced by mixing the respective components. Alternatively, the respective components can be mixed to form a composition, and the composition can be spread on a surface to prepare a sheet, which can then be used as the filler as is, or the sheet can be shredded and used as the filler.

[0027] 4. Non-Combustion Heat-Activated Smoking Articles The tobacco filler is suitable for use in non-combustion heat-activating smoking articles. FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a non-combustion heat-activating smoking article. As shown in the figure, the non-combustion heat-activating 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-activating smoking article 20 may also comprise other components. The axial length of the non-combustion heat-activating 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. The circumferential length of the non-combustion heat-activating 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, the tobacco segment 20A may be 20 mm long, the cooling section 20B may be 20 mm long, and the filter section 20C may be 7 mm long. The lengths of these individual components can be appropriately changed depending on manufacturing suitability, required quality, and the like. Although FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which the first segment 25 is disposed, it is also possible to dispose the first segment 25 and to dispose only the second segment 26 downstream of the cooling section 20B.

[0028] 1) Tobacco Segment 20A The tobacco filler 21 in the tobacco segment 20A includes a tobacco material having the specific L / H ratio or a tobacco filler containing the same. The method for filling the tobacco filler 21 into the wrapper 22 is not particularly limited; 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 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 with the axial direction of the tobacco segment 20A or 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.

[0029] 2) 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.

[0030] 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 may be approximately 7 mm.

[0031] 3) 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).

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 having 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 filter portion 20C may include a second segment 26. The second segment 26 is composed of a second filling layer 26a and an inner plug wrapper (inner wrapping paper) 26b that covers the filling layer. The second filling layer 26a 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 wt.% of a plasticizer containing triacetin added to the cellulose acetate. Due to the high fiber packing density of the second filling layer, during inhalation, air and aerosol flow only through the hollow portions, with almost no flow within the second filling layer. Since the second filling layer inside the center hole portion is a fiber filling layer, the feel from the outside during use is less likely to cause discomfort to the user.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 the figure, 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.

[0036] 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 the figure shows a configuration 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 in 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.

[0037] Preferred embodiments are described below. Aspect 1: A tobacco material that satisfies 0<L×10 / H≦0.7, where H is the sum of peak areas of components having a retention index (RI) of 1800 to 3100 in gas chromatography, and L is the sum of peak areas of components having an RI of 1365 or more but less than 1800. Aspect 2: The material according to Aspect 1, which satisfies 0<L×10 / H≦0.5. Aspect 3: The material according to Aspect 1 or 2, which satisfies 0<L / P≦1.2, where P is the peak area of ​​phytol having an RI of 2114. Aspect 4: Harvested tobacco leaves are subjected to one or more of the following drying steps: (1) a step of initially drying the tobacco leaves at a relative humidity of 15 to 70% and at 35 to 80°C for 40 to 100 hours, or (2) a step of drying the tobacco leaves using microwaves. A method for producing the material according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3. Aspect 5: A tobacco filling comprising: (A) the tobacco material according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4; (B) a tobacco material other than (A); and (C) an aerosol source. Aspect 6: The filling according to Aspect 5, wherein (A) is contained in the tobacco filling at 5 to 90% by weight, on a dry weight basis. Aspect 7: The filling according to Aspect 5 or 6, further comprising (D) a non-tobacco flavoring agent. Aspect 8: The filling according to any one of Aspects 5 to 7, wherein the non-tobacco flavoring agent is selected from the group consisting of a flavoring, a cooling agent, and a combination thereof. Aspect 9: The filling according to Aspect 8, wherein the flavoring is menthol. Aspect 10: The filling according to any one of Aspects 5 to 9, wherein (B) is contained in the tobacco filling at 5 to 85% by weight, on a dry weight basis. Aspect 11: The filling according to any one of Aspects 5 to 10, wherein (C) is contained in the tobacco filling at 3 to 30% by weight, on a dry weight basis. Aspect 12. A non-combustion heating type smoking article comprising the filler according to any one of Aspects 5 to 11.

[0038] [Example 1, Comparative Example 1] 1. Sample Preparation Japanese burley (20, 21, and 22 years) and Brazilian burley (21 and 22 years) were prepared as component (A) and dried as follows to prepare dried leaves. The leaves obtained by this drying are also referred to as green dried leaves. 1) Harvested burley tobacco leaves were placed in a hot air circulator and maintained at a temperature of 35°C and a relative humidity of 64% RH for 12 hours. 2) The mesophyll portion was then dried at a temperature of 45°C and a relative humidity of 41% for 24 hours, and finally, the entire tobacco leaf, including the vein portion, was dried for 36 hours in an atmosphere at a temperature of 68°C and a relative humidity of 19% RH. 3) After drying, the leaves were removed from the hot air circulator without humidifying, and dried leaves (hereinafter referred to as green dried leaves) exhibiting a yellow-green to dark green color were obtained. The green dried leaves were separated into the mesophyll portion and the vein portion using a thresher, and the mesophyll portion was quickly sealed and packaged in vinyl. The package was kept sealed until it was subjected to sheet molding.

[0039] As component (B), Japanese burley cured leaves (20 years) and Brazilian cured leaves (19 years) manufactured by a conventional method were prepared. In addition, uncured Japanese burley tobacco leaves (22 years) were prepared as a control.

[0040] 2. Analysis 2-1. Measurement 5.0 g of the green dried leaves (produced in Japan) was weighed and placed in a 100 ml sealed glass container. Next, 45 ml of ethyl acetate (Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, high performance liquid chromatograph grade) was added to the container, and the container was sealed and left to stand at room temperature for approximately 12 hours for extraction. After extraction, the mixture was filtered using filter paper (Advantec 5A) to separate the ethyl acetate solution from the extraction residue, yielding approximately 40 ml of ethyl acetate solution.

[0041] Next, approximately 5 g of anhydrous sodium sulfate was added to the ethyl acetate extract, and the mixture was dehydrated by gentle shaking in a sealed container for approximately 1 hour. The solid and liquid were then separated by filtration, and the solid was repeatedly washed with fresh ethyl acetate. The collected wash solution and extract solution were pooled in a 200 ml eggplant flask. Ethyl acetate was removed from the liquid in the eggplant flask using a rotary evaporator, yielding approximately 300 mg of dry matter. Finally, ethyl acetate was added to obtain a dry matter concentration of 4.0%, yielding a sample for analysis. Analytical samples were obtained using the same method, except that dried green leaves (from Brazil), dried burley leaves (from Japan), and dried burley leaves (from Brazil) were used instead of the dried green leaves (from Japan). Analytical samples were thus obtained.

[0042] GC analysis was carried out under the following conditions. The GC chart is shown in Figure 3. Both the common dried burley leaf and the green dried burley leaf in this figure are produced in Japan. In the figure, 100 indicates the sample chart, and 102 indicates the alkane standard chart. GC column: HP-5MS (30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 μm) Oven: Hold at 40°C for 3 minutes → Heat at 4°C / min → Hold at 280°C for 20 minutes Detector: FID Inlet: Split (10:1), 270°C Injection volume: 1 μl Flow rate: 1 ml / min (constant flow mode)

[0043] 2-2. Retention Index (RI) Commercially available standard saturated alkane standards (Merck, C7-C40) were diluted with hexane, and the RI was determined using hexane (C6) to tetracontane (C40) as indicators. The linear retention index (RI) was calculated based on the following formula: RI = 100 × {[(tr(unknown) - tr(n)] / [tr(N) - tr(n)] + n} where 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. As an example, the relationship between the gas chromatograph of Japanese burley leaves (top) and the saturated alkane standard (bottom) is shown in Figure 4. The table below shows the retention times and retention indices (DB-5) of the analyzed saturated alkane standard.

[0044]

[0045] The total peak area H of component H having an RI of 1800 to 3100 and the total peak area L of component L having an RI of 1365 or more but less than 1800 were determined, and L × 10 / H (L / H ratio) was calculated. Furthermore, the peak area P of phytol having an RI of 2114 was determined, and L / P (also referred to as the "L / P ratio") was calculated. The data are summarized in the table below. The peak areas were determined after baseline correction (the same applies hereinafter).

[0046] [Example 2, Comparative Example 2] The materials shown in the table below were each shredded to a shred width of 0.8 mm. A non-combustion heating smoking article as shown in Figure 1 was prepared. The tobacco segment 20A had a length of 20 mm, the cooling section 20B had a length of 20 mm, and the filter section 20C had a length of 7 mm. 0.3 g of the shredded tobacco was filled into each tobacco segment 20A. Details of each example are summarized in the table below. Levels 1, 3, and 5 correspond to Examples, and the others correspond to Comparative Examples.

[0047]

[0048] The smoking articles were heated using a heating device and subjected to smoking evaluation by a panel of 10 well-trained experts. The softness / taste upon smoking was evaluated on a 5-point scale. The results are shown in the table below. 1 Not particularly soft 2 Not soft 3 Standard 4 Soft 5 Very soft

[0049]

[0050] The green dried leaves exhibited a significant amount of the desired flavor. Furthermore, green dried leaves with an L / H ratio of 0.5 or less tended to exhibit a milder flavor.

[0051] [Example 3, Comparative Example 3] Non-combustion heating smoking articles were prepared using the methods described in Example 2 and Comparative Example 2. Peppermint was then added to the filler of each non-combustion heating smoking article using a microsyringe. The amount of peppermint in each smoking article was the same. Details of each example are summarized in the table below.

[0052]

[0053] Smoking evaluation was carried out in the same manner as in Example 2 and Comparative Example 2. However, the following evaluation criteria were used. The results are shown in the table below. 1. Very poor mint aroma expression 2. Poor mint aroma expression 3. Standard 4. Good mint aroma expression 5. Very good mint aroma expression

[0054]

[0055] The green dried leaves exhibited a significant amount of the desired flavor. Furthermore, the green dried leaves with an L / H ratio of 0.5 or less and an L / P ratio of 1.2 or less were free of unpleasant flavors and exhibited a good mint aroma.

[0056] 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 heated 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 100 Sample chart 102 Alkane standard chart

Claims

1. A tobacco material that satisfies the following relationship: 0<L×10 / H≦0.7, where H is the sum of the peak areas of components whose retention index (RI) in gas chromatography is 1800 to 3100, and L is the sum of the peak areas of components whose RI is 1365 or greater but less than 1800.

2. The material according to claim 1, which satisfies 0<L×10 / H≦0.

5.

3. The material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the peak area of ​​phytol having an RI of 2114 is P, and the relationship 0<L / P≦1.2 is satisfied.

4. A method for producing a material according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising subjecting harvested tobacco leaves to one or more of the following drying steps: (1) a step of initially drying the tobacco leaves at a relative humidity of 15 to 70% and at 35 to 80°C for 40 to 100 hours; and (2) a step of drying the tobacco leaves using microwaves.

5. A tobacco filler comprising: (A) a tobacco material according to any one of claims 1 to 4; (B) a tobacco material other than (A); and (C) an aerosol source.

6. The filling material according to claim 5, wherein the tobacco filling material contains 5 to 90% by weight of (A) on a dry basis.

7. The filling of claim 5 or 6, further comprising (D) a non-tobacco flavoring agent.

8. The filling of any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the non-tobacco flavoring agent is selected from the group consisting of fragrances, cooling agents, and combinations thereof.

9. The filling of claim 8, wherein the flavoring agent is menthol.

10. A filling material according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the tobacco filling material contains 5 to 85% by weight of (B) on a dry basis.

11. A filler according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the tobacco filler contains 3 to 30% by weight of (C) on a dry basis.

12. A non-combustion heating type smoking article comprising the filler according to any one of claims 5 to 11.

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