Process for increasing the filling power of tobacco

摘要

A process is disclosed for increasing the filling power of tobacco by contacting the tobacco, preferably by dry blending, with at least one basic calcium compound in an amount such that the treated tobacco has a pH of at least about 8, and heating the tobacco in the presence of sufficient moisture to establish and maintain its OV value within the range of from about 14% to about 40% and at a temperature and for a time sufficient to increase the filling power of the tobacco. As an additional first step, the tobacco may be contacted with an acid to achieve a tobacco product of lighter color.