Mold vs crystallization?

Comments

• Kmhartle Master

  March 2018

  I can't be certain, but I thought crystallization was more common with high sugar content? How long has it been jarred? 

  0 · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
• Charles Master

  March 2018

  Hard to tell but it might be crystallization. Usually, if the tobacco is moldy, it will smell like mold.  If that's the case, dump the tobacco, clean and sterilize the jar and check the rest of you supply.  If your tobacco is stored in a damp moldy area, chances are mold will form. 
  

  1 · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
• TaylorJDutton Master

  March 2018

  I got the tin a few months ago, but when it came the paper was already stained from aging. @Kmhartle
  
  @Charles  it still smelled like early morning pipe, and none of my other tobaccos have anything remotely similar

  0 · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
• thebadgerpiper Master

  March 2018

  I think it looks like crystallization, but I'd say maybe seal the jar and store it away for a month or so and see what it does. If it spreads and looks fuzzy, then it's mold. If it's not fuzzy, then it's most likely crystallization. I've only had one blend mold on me, and it was obvious from the mason jar.
  

  1 · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
• Charles Master

  March 2018

  @TaylorJDutton, here is some additional information:
  
  https://pipesmokersforum.com › Forums › Forums › Pipe Tobacco
  
  pipesmagazine.com › Pipes Magazine › Pipe Tobacco Discussion
  
  https://dutchpipesmoker.wordpress.com/tag/sugar-crystals/
  

  0 · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
• PappyJoe Master

  March 2018

  @TaylorJDutton  If it still smells like EMP then it's crystals. Mold will smell. I would only worry about other jars if they were packed and sealed at the same time. It's a little hard for mold to spread from one sealed jar to another without some other factor being involved.

  1 · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
• TaylorJDutton Master

  March 2018

  @PappyJoe it still smells like EMP, thanks!  and @thebadgerpiper i did just that, so im going to be safe and give it a month like you said.
  
  Thanks all!

  0 · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
• thebadgerpiper Master

  March 2018

  @TaylorJDutton It's better to be safe than sorry if you're not sure. On the plus side, if it isn't mold, then you've at least put a month of aging on the blend.
  

  1 · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
• Charles Master

  March 2018 edited March 2018

  Sometimes pipe tobaccos develop plume like some cigars do.    Plume is the sign of a well-aged tobacco.  If your smokes show a covering of crystalline powder, you can either leave it or just brush off the powdery residue before smoking. Cigars made from oily tobacco tend to produce plume when the tobacco has matured and developed in flavor.  Some oily pipe tobaccos also produce the same.  These offer the best flavor as the tobaccos are at their best and most developed.  So smoke some and enjoy the tobacco!
  

  0 · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
• TaylorJDutton Master

  March 2018

  @Charles if its plume i will be excited, i already love EMP, so if thats a possibility thatd be pretty cool

  1 · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
• ghostsofpompeii Master

  March 2018

  The first time I learned about mold vs crystallization was from a video by Muttnchops Piper.

  1 · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
• TaylorJDutton Master

  March 2018

  @ghostsofpompeii i follow him on YouTube, I’ll give it a look!

  1 · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter