How can I tell what the moisture content is?

There are destructive methods to measure it accurately, but it isn‘t really necessary to know the precise moisture content unless you‘re just the curious sort. At about 10% tobacco will be quite dry feeling, and the strands will tend to break when handled. At about 12-13%, the strands will be pliable, and will endure more vigorous handling without damage. If you press the tobacco into a ball, and it stays compressed, it‘s over 18-20% - too moist for proper smoking. In the 15-18% range, the ball will be springy. Once you find your preferred moisture, you‘ll be able to tell by feel whether it‘s there or not.

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