Addition of apricot powder and its extracts on the physicochemical properties and sensory attributes of Reconstituted Tobacco

Reconstituted tobacco (RT), is a product for reducing tar and harm in cigarettes. It is also the main means of resource utilization of tobacco waste. However, RT products are often limited in their wide application due to the traditional monotonic flavor from the poor stability of added flavor agents during processing. It is of considerable interest to investigate flavor diversification of RT. In this study, the effects of ultra-fine apricot powder with different particle sizes and addition rates on the characteristics of RT were investigated. The result shows to optimize the performance of physical and chemical indexes of RT, an 800 mesh is the most appropriate particle size and the powder addition rate should be below 15 %. The uniformity of dry weight improved 26.0 %, color difference (L*, a*, b*) 29.1 %, 23.5, 33.8 % respectively. The color difference (ΔE) between it and the standard sample of natural tobacco leaves optimized by 38.7 %. 14 % apricot powder added in forming pulp and 0.15 % apricot extracts added in coating liquid is the best combination in obtaining RT finished products with apricot characteristic aroma and natural fruity taste. These results reveal a potential method for developing high-quality natural plant flavored RT.