I noticed one of my tins- flaked tobacco- had white mold specs on the flakes. Should this be tossed, or is it ok to smoke?
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I've had this happen at least twice, Hugh... At first it was only a little on one or two flakes, but I found it came back worse after wiping them off. I'd separate anything that isn't affected & try drying it out... Really hard to say what to suggest without seeing a picture. FYI, both times this happened to me it was with Samuel Gawith flakes & I eventually chucked most of the tins because it kept coming back. Pipe tobacco is relatively cheap & I didn't want to mess with it or worry if it might be bad for me.
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I'll try to get a pic. This stuff really smells very strong- Penzance. Don't know if this is normal or not.
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Assuming it has not been kept excessiviely damp and warm, flecks of white scattered in this black flake are not uncommon. I see it in SG flakes, too. Not sure anyone has ever said exactly what it is, but mold - probably not unless it is 3D and hairy like a dog. If you are afraid to smoke it send it to me, Mister Moo, for careful eyeballographic analysis and environmentally safe incineration disposal.

Stonehaven with white flecks:

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Not sequestering mold or not but are they possibly sugar Christals from this tobacco maturing?
I cant see the tobacco, all I can say Is look at it close! Sugar christals on tobacco is a good thing.
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This is my photo and not a pic of the OP situation. This KIND of thing happens with Pez, Stonehaven and many other flakes. The appearance of unknown white stuff may not be mold; I wrote to JF Germain this morning asking them to explain what it is, if they would.

The mystery of white stuff persists at this hour. :-)
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I had some growing in a S & G tin of Sam's Flake. I just smoked it anyways.
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Camera does not do macro, but one can easily see the white mold on it. Toss it or smoke it?

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If it is furry, chuck it. If it is white crystals, it is sugar crystals - smoke it.

You may need a magnifying glass to look at it. Your photo doesn't help.
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It's fuzzy was he, all right! Out it goes!
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I woulda smoked it anyway in hopes of getting some extra buzz...
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