Cold maceration is a process that is used to extract the flavours and aromas of tobacco leaves. It is a gentle method that involves soaking the tobacco leaves in a liquid, such as water or alcohol, at a low temperature for an extended period of time. This process allows the flavor and aroma compounds of the tobacco to be extracted without degrading the leaves or altering their structure.
There are several different methods of cold maceration that can be used to extract the flavors and aromas of tobacco. One method involves soaking the tobacco leaves in water or propylene glycol (PG) at a low temperature for several weeks or months. This allows the water or PG to extract the flavors and aromas from the leaves without degrading them. Another method involves soaking the tobacco leaves in alcohol, such as vodka or rum, at a low temperature for several weeks. This method is often used to extract the flavors and aromas of more delicate tobacco leaves, as alcohol is less likely to damage the leaves than water or PG.
Cold maceration is often used to create tobacco extracts, which are concentrated solutions that contain the flavors and aromas of tobacco. These extracts are often used in the production of tobacco products, such as cigarettes, cigars, and e-liquids. They can also be used in the production of food and beverage products, such as liqueurs and ice cream, to add a hint of tobacco flavour.
Benefits of Cold Maceration
One of the benefits of cold maceration is that it is a gentle process that does not degrade the tobacco leaves. This is in contrast to other methods of extracting flavors and aromas from tobacco, such as heat extraction, which can cause the leaves to break down and lose their structural integrity. Cold maceration also allows for the extraction of a wider range of flavour and aroma compounds from the tobacco, as it does not destroy any of the delicate compounds that are present in the leaves.
In addition to its use in the production of tobacco products and extracts, cold maceration is also used in the production of essential oils. Essential oils are concentrated solutions that contain the flavors and aromas of a variety of plants, including tobacco. These oils are often used in the production of perfumes, candles, and other fragranced products.
Summary
Overall, cold maceration is a gentle and effective method for extracting the flavours and aromas of tobacco leaves. It is widely used in the production of tobacco products and extracts, as well as in the production of essential oils and other fragranced products.
We extract all our standard tobacco ranges in food-grade Propylene Glycol over a period of 8 to 16 weeks but in some cases up to 6 months.
However, we do have ethanol and aqueous (water) ethanol extraction capabilities on-site at our research and manufacturing facility in Lincolnshire which we are using to develop new and exciting ways of extracting the purest tobacco flavouring,