摘要 |
The invention provides a method of producing flavorful and aromatic compounds from tobacco by (1) adjusting the pH of an aqueous composition comprising water and a tobacco material to at least about 6 using a nitrogen-free base, such as an alkali metal hydroxide; and (2) heating the pH-adjusted aqueous composition for a time and under conditions sufficient to produce flavorful and aromatic compounds, such as pyrazines. A reducing sugar can be added to the aqueous tobacco composition to further increase the amount of flavorful and aromatic compounds produced. The tobacco material in the aqueous tobacco composition may comprise solid tobacco particles or an aqueous tobacco extract in either liquid form or in the form of spray-dried particles. The treated aqueous composition can be applied to a smokable material during the manufacture of a smoking article, such as a cigarette.
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