Freezing vs refrigeration

[reshumate]

Looking for tips on how best to store snus long-term. I know some people freeze if it will be more than a month or so before use. Any loss of flavor/moisture? Would simple refrigeration be good enough for rolls kept for 3-4 months?

I was thinking that I could put the cans in baggies. Not sure if this would help anything. Short of buying one of those vacuum bag machines.

[bmwgsa]

I keep unopened can's in the freezer, opened can's in the frig

I've noticed that freezer can's have some ice crystals, but I haven't really noticed any change in the taste - I just open them and put them in the frig for a day and all's well.

[KarlvB]

I've used to pack cans individually in zip lock bags and throw them in the freezer when I got them.

That is probably overkill and I wouldn't be surprised if you could just throw a can/roll in without vacuum packing etc.

Personally I don't freeze anymore and just make regular orders every couple of months. My last order had expiry dates of January / February 2009.

Keeping it for 3 months in the fridge is fine. If you are worried about not using it by the best before date I'd suggest throwing it in the fridge a couple of weeks before.

Caveat

I've never had a problem with freezing Original portions or Lös but I have found that white portions don't handle freezing very well.

IMO the taste goes "flat" or takes forever to develop once you put them in.

[MN_Snuser]

Many cans say to store at 8C, so that would be 46F. I think your fridge should be plently cold enough. I have never stored in the freezer, and even 2-3 month old snus tastes just fine. Just my .02

[Shrewd]

I just store everything in the freezer. Then when it's time, I throw the can into my pocket and it warms quickly (and gives me this freakish feeling in my leg which I associate now with new snus ).

I've had los go south in the fridge over a relatively short time (they were already opened cans which I'm sure had an effect). I've not had any trouble with portions in the fridge, but since the freezer always seems to work I just keep them all there. The fridge has another negative effect with the wife - she doesn't like to see snus everywhere she goes . I'd also imagine that you might have to worry some about the humidity with an already open can - but that might just be me making stuff up again.

I saw the comment earlier about white portions going flat in the freezer - personally I've never experienced that.

Los is actually kinda fun when right from the freezer - it basically comes out as frozen bits that warm up in my hand when I bake it. I'm not sure why its fun, but it is . I think it's probably the fact that's it's cleaner on my hands - but again I might just be making stuff up in my head.

[Jason]

I have yet to freeze any snus; my orders are usually small, and I go through them rather quickly. The largest number of tins I've had on hand at once was probably around 40, and they were all stored in the fridge.

Keep in mind that these were mostly portions; los in plastic tins usually holds up pretty well.....Swedish Match los tins? Well, those just plain suck no matter where you store them. Any moisture at all and they are done. :x

[bearcat87]

Some of you have mentioned that moisture/humidity is bad for the snus (after it has been opened). I would have thought that it would be better to have high humidity to store it once open because snus is made with water.

Can anyone comment further on this?

[blksqrrl]

I like putting my cans in glass jars before they go in the fridge or freezer. I like to think this way reduces moisture/flavor loss.

[Zero]

Some of you have mentioned that moisture/humidity is bad for the snus (after it has been opened). I would have thought that it would be better to have high humidity to store it once open because snus is made with water.

Can anyone comment further on this?

Heat is bad for snus. As you say, it's already about 50% moisture, so a moist environment isn't really bad for it unless it's a warm and moist environment - as with anything, this can promote the growth of bacteria, etc, and will begin the fermentation of the tobacco.


At any rate - the solution is simple. The expiration date on the tin is the same as for any food. Assuming you store it in the refrigerator, as indicated, then the expiration date is exactly what it appears to be. Your snus should be best before that date if it stays in the fridge. If you can't use it by that date, put it in the freezer. If you will use it by that date, then it's fine to leave it in the fridge. Personally, I just throw all my rolls in the freezer and thaw them as I need them.

If you go through a tin quickly - say in a couple days, then it's fine to have your "out" tin out of the fridge and carrying about with you, etc. If it takes you a week or longer to finish a tin, it's probably best to leave it in the fridge and take your day's supply with you in an old tin. I find I generally don't notice snus drying out or going off too much unless it's 3+ days of being out of the fridge.

[Balls]

First post !

In sweden the taxes on snus was raised about a year ago, and the week before the rais was made all big "snusers" piled up their freezers with sometimes over 100 cans.

Of course the expireing date was overrun and some of the cans ended up a lil' dry, but there is an easy solution to that little problem. Just add a small amount of whiskey (or just plain water) into the can and shake it, maby an hour later the moist has spread into every piece of snus and everybody is happy.

Remember that you can't add much fluid (cant say precisely, use your common sense :wink: )



(sorry if there is some grammar errors, I'm swedish and maby not that good at english :wink: )

[Premium Parrots]

Welcome Balls. Hell of a name you have there bud. Yea, if your snus dries out just put about 6 drops of any kind of moisture in the tin.

[sean90]

how important is it to keep snus chilled? are there any health risks or is it just down to maintaning the taste?

[snusjus]

When I keep my snus frozen, I seal them in a freezer bag by sucking most of the air out. When I keep my current snus refrigerated, I just leave it out.

I would recommend refrigerating the current can you're using during the night, since it will retain its flavor for a longer period of time.