Effect of Super Heated Steam Treatment on Physical Property and Smoke Component of Burley Cut Tobacco

과열증기처리에 의한 Burley종 각초의 물리성 및 연기성분 변화에 관한 연구

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of super heated steam on the physical and chemical changes of burley cut tobacco. Total sugar, total alkaloid, ether extracts, crude ash, total nitrogen and pH for leaf chemical constituents were analyzed. Filling power and fineness index for physical properties, and carbonyl compounds, phenol compounds, amonia, pH, hydrogen cyanide nicotine, carbon monoxide, total volatile base and tar for smoke components were also analyzed. The cut tobacco treated with super heated steam showed significant decrease in total sugar and total alkaloid. The filling power of the sample treated with the super heated steam system was increased abruptly when heated at over 250℃. The fineness index showed similar tendency to that of common toast method. Super heated steam treatment slightly decreased carbonyl compounds, phenol compounds, hydrogen cyanide, nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar in the tobacco. Especially the decrease of ammonia was the most remarkable. The pH of smoke was a little different compared with that in the common toast. The sensory test results showed that, compared to the common conveyer moving system, the tobacco treated with super heated steam system brought out more roasted flavor, lowered impact, irritation, and sting, further improved aftertaste, and lowered bitterness. The super heated steam treatment method used in the studies is expected to give better filling power, mild taste and toasted odor of tobacco than that of the common method for toast treatment. Key words : burley tobacco, super heated steam, expansion, toast.