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Peterburg snuff (19th-century Warsaw)
From volunge on the Snuffhouse forum, 2019
This was the best-selling snuff of the Union factory in Warsaw in the second half of the 19th century. The recipe comes from a Russian blog, translated for the forum. It's made from rustica (mahorka) and uses a lot of alkali.
Rustica carries several times the nicotine of ordinary tobacco, so take very small pinches and stop if you feel sick or dizzy. Use bergapten-free (FCF) bergamot oil.
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Equipment
Digital scalesFor weighing tobacco, alkalis and salt accurately, which matters most when you're working in small batches.Mortar and pestleFor grinding small amounts by hand, crushing salt and alkalis to a fine dust, and working scent or moisture evenly into snuff.SievesFor separating fine snuff from the coarse bits after grinding.Mixing bowlFor stirring liquids into ground tobacco and letting it sit while it takes up moisture.DropperFor adding essential oils or water a drop at a time.Airtight jarsFor resting snuff while it develops, and for storing it afterwards.GlovesFor handling alkalis such as sodium carbonate (soda ash), potash and slaked lime.
Method
Notes
Sweet clover gets its scent from coumarin, so tonka beans make a substitute, added to taste to the finished snuff. This is a strongly alkaline mix: wear gloves and keep it out of your eyes, and try not to breathe the dust while you work.