Dry them before freezing them?

[chenvt]

Disclaimer: Either this question hasn't been raised or I'm a noob at the search function, but I did search for freezing and didn't see a similar discussion.

Ok so I was watching "good eats" yesterday and it was a rerun on steaks and how to freeze them.. One thing I noticed was that they put the steaks in the fridge first in the open to minimize the ice crystallization and shredding of the meat. So my question is, in order to minimize the ice crystallization, wouldn't it be better to let them dry up to a lower RH (I'm guessing 50-55 RH) before putting them in the fridge and then freezer?

Or, is drying them a little bit before freezing not necessary due to the surface area of the cigars versus the amount of tobacco?

[sanfrantreat]

well people follow a bunch a things. But put it in the fridge for 24 hours freezer for 48 back out in to the fridge for 24

if you ask do i do this, no I just toss them in to the freezer then into a cooler then in to my humi..

[mugen910]

I think some people don't dry them before freezing but rather triple bag them and make sure there is no extra added moisture inside the bag.

[dunng]

Double bag and push out as much air as possible... then it goes fridge (24HR) - freezer (72HR) - fridge (24HR).

[SeanGAR]

The moisture in steaks is much higher than cigars so I doubt you need to do anything for smokes more than what is recommended. I have wondered the same thing though, if the humidity of the cigars (and their water of course) affects the killing effects on eggs and larva. I haven't seen this discussed anyplace,

[dantzig]

Originally Posted by dunng

Double bag and push out as much air as possible... then it goes fridge (24HR) - freezer (72HR) - fridge (24HR).

I also make sure that my freezer is on its coldest setting since I usually have it on a moderate setting to save energy.

[Cozy]

Originally Posted by dunng

Double bag and push out as much air as possible... then it goes fridge (24HR) - freezer (72HR) - fridge (24HR).

Exactly what I do

[jm0307]

Originally Posted by SeanGAR

I have wondered the same thing though, if the humidity of the cigars (and their water of course) affects the killing effects on eggs and larva. I haven't seen this discussed anyplace,

The humidity plays no part in the killing of the larvae and eggs. The larvae and eggs can easily survive a dry spell and the level to which you would have to lower the humidity in order to kill them would most certainly ruin your cigars long before it had even the slightest impact on the weevil's evil spawn. The demise of larvae and eggs is caused purely by their inability to sustain very cold temperatures for a prolonged period of time.

Also, personally, I would not dry out your cigars before freezing, as the cigars will lose moisture during the freezing process due to condensation. This is why sealing the bags several times is so important - it traps the moisture and allows the cigars to reabsorb it slowly as they thaw gently.

[DonnieW]

Originally Posted by dantzig

I also make sure that my freezer is on its coldest setting since I usually have it on a moderate setting to save energy.

Good reminder.