How to Make Powder from Raw Tabaco

Turning raw Tabaco into fine powder is a traditional yet precise process. With the right approach, you can preserve the aroma, strength, and character of the Tabaco while preparing it for use in Rapè or other blends.

Choosing the Right Tabaco

Some of the most powerful and widely used Tabacos in Rapè production include Tabaco de Moi, Arapiraca corda, and Sabia corda.

- Tabaco de Moi is mild, sweet, and known for its chocolate-like undertones.
- Arapiraca offers a deep, earthy aroma with a distinct dark Tabaco character.
- Sabia corda is especially potent—rich in strength and fragrance.
- Peruvian Mapacho, not commonly used in Brazilian Rapè, is absolutely suitable. It brings its own unique flavor profile and rich aroma.

All four varieties are also traditionally used for chewing, making Tabaco juice, or even used like “snus,” placed in small amounts between the lip and gum.

Step 1: Cutting and Preparing

Start by slicing the desired amount of Tabaco very thinly, crosswise, from the roll. Use a sharp, large knife. The thinner the slices, the easier and faster they will dry. Once sliced, gently loosen the compressed leaves until they separate into thin, long fibers. Then, chop these fibers into smaller chips. These pieces should be small enough to dry evenly and grind efficiently later.

Step 2: Drying

Spread the chopped Tabaco chips on a sheet of paper and place them in the sun or a warm, dry spot. Make sure there’s no wind, or your Tabaco might blow away. You can also dry the chips in a wide pan over a stove—but be very careful with heat. Keep the temperature low. If the Tabaco begins to smoke or gives off a strong aroma, it’s too hot. Reduce the heat immediately. The released vapors can be pungent and even sedative when inhaled, so work in a ventilated area.

When the Tabaco feels completely dry and crisp to the touch, store it in an airtight container. For best results, add a desiccant (a small drying bag) to help remove any residual moisture from thicker fibers. Never store Tabaco that feels even slightly moist—this can lead to mold.

Step 3: Grinding

Once your Tabaco chips are fully dry, grind them into a fine powder using a mortar and pestle or a dry blender. A blender is faster and more efficient, especially for larger amounts or tougher material, while a mortar and pestle allow for more control in small batches.

Step 4: Sieving

The final step is sieving the powder to remove coarse particles and create a smooth, even consistency. Use a fine stainless steel sieve—ideally 100 mesh, or 150 micron aperture. Grinding and sieving work best when the Tabaco is absolutely crisp and dry. If much of the powder doesn’t pass through the sieve, let it dry more, regrind it, and sieve again.

The result will be a fine, soft powder—ready to use on its own, or blended with plant ashes. A common mixing ratio is 1:1 Tabaco and ashes, though this can be adjusted based on strength and personal preference. For detailed information on sieving methods and benefits, read our article How to Properly Sieve and Refine Rapè.

Storage Tips

Store your finished powder in airtight containers, ideally with a desiccant. Tabaco powder and Rapè absorb moisture quickly, especially in humid environments. Exposure to humidity can degrade texture, reduce potency, and lead to clumping or spoilage. Keep your powder dry and sealed to preserve its strength and freshness.

Tools

All the tools and materials you need are available in our shop, including Raw Tabaco and Powdered Tabaco, plant ashes, fine sieves, desiccants, and airtight storage containers and bottles.

Desiccants:

150 micron sieve:

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