So, I have done a bit of digging, hither, thither, and yon, and have run across references to a very active snuff culture of some antiquity among the Kaszuby folk of Poland. Lovely snuffhorns these people have, and, evidently, their snuffs are something special. Anyway, aside from some references to the home manufacture of the stuff using juniper wood as a pestle in a ceramic mortar, and the odd mention of secret recipes and liquor, I haven’t been able to learn much about it. I know it was once made here in the states (Goyke’s Kashubian Snuff, I think it was called), but much more than that (e.g., processes, materials, that sort of thing) I haven’t come across yet. Anyone got any ideas or leads on where someone could find out more about it, or, dare one hope, obtain a specimen?
I’m going to do some digging and will share my findings with you, if you would be so kind as to do likewise.
You may find this previous discussion of interest: Goike’s Kashub Snuff
Thank you Xander!
“I must say that I admire the self sufficiency & economy of this tradition. Using the leftover “gruff” to alkalize the snuff makes perfect sense. Tobacco stems contain a good deal of potassium. The ashes could also induce a mild fermentation in the tobacco as well.” Pure genius, the ingenuity of these folk. That’s pretty slick, I tell you what. I wonder, just hypothetically, whether one could use ashes from a pipe full of twist or other natural, uncased tobacco, to alkalize other snuffs made from the same materials. Hmmm… Where’s my corncob?
You need a pure white ash for this, otherwise your snuff will smell like a an old cigar butt. Not to mention the increased carcinogens.