Tobacco processing

[ashauler]

Here are the steps that I will use in the tobacco plant project to process the tobacco:

1. pick the leaves
2. hang the leaves up to color-cure (dry) takes about 3-5 weeks on average.
3. ferment the leaves
4. age the leaves
5. roll the leaves
6. age the rolled leaves
7. smoke the rolled up leaves

I will accomplish 1-2-4-5-6-7 the traditional way, using methods that have been used for hundreds of years. Nothing modern except a few coat hangers to replace the thread.

Step 3....ah, the fermenting process.
Fraught with danger and very, very, particular in it's conditions, depending on the desired result. The traditional way is to use pilones, or very large stacks of leaves piled up with a thermometer buried in the middle. The internal temperature is monitored very closely, with certain temperature ranges and time durations producing different characteristics in the tobacco, i.e., higher heat for longer times = darker, sweeter tobacco...bingo, the maduro.

Pilones are very labor intensive. This process can take another 3-5 weeks.....and sometimes the tobacco is allowed to "dry" again and age for awhile, then brought back into case (re-hydrated) and fermented again!! Think of the triple fermented wrapper on the Diamond Crown.....three cycles of this entire process with very precisely controlled conditions.

Now, let's talk my reality. I ain't gonna be making any pilones. I ain't gonna be stacking and restacking. Here's what I'm gonna do, it's called sweating:
Once the leaves are color-cured, I'm gonna get me a big ass ziplock baggie. I'm going to bring the leaves back into case, stuff some in a ziplock and put it in the direct sun. I'll take them out every evening, shake them off, let them dry out a bit and then put them back in.....wash/rinse/repeat untill the ammonia smell stops and the sweet tobacco smell takes over. This process should take me about 2-3 weeks per ziplock to ferment to a dark shade....less dark = less time.

I will most likely process 1/3 of my harvest using this manner yet this year. The rest will be aged until next spring and then fermented.

So, whaddya think? Does this constitute "cooking" the tobacco? Would you consider this an adulteration of the tobacco?

[mrtr33]

Are you accepting contracts for futures? Put me down for a fiver!

Or just one, whatever.

[ashauler]

Are you accepting contracts for futures? Put me down for a fiver!

Or just one, whatever.

IF, and yes, that's a big IF, I get something that is even 1/2 way decent to smoke, I'm sure I'll be inclined to share. At the very least, the bastid that roped my ass into this thing will have to smoke one. Just think of it, the first on your block to have a Kansas, U.S.A. puro!!

Right now I'll just settle for it not killing me!!

[mrtr33]

An excellent candidate for the PPP IV, if you ask me!

And I think it would qualify:

Let's say you say you work for minimum wage. Let's just say that minimum wage in the great state of Kansas is $7 an hour. Considering the time it took you to plant and raise those plants, then pick the leaves, dry them, cure them, etc. I think you'd have a rather expensive cigar.

[cigarsarge]

I'm afraid you might have mold problems with the zip-lock bag.

[Cigarbear]

I definitely agree with Sarge. I'd go with a paper bag. When drying wood, plastic is a guaranteed mold factory, even for just a few hours. Otherwise it sounds like a good plan.

[ndv21]

An excellent candidate for the PPP IV, if you ask me!

And I think it would qualify:

Let's say you say you work for minimum wage. Let's just say that minimum wage in the great state of Kansas is $7 an hour. Considering the time it took you to plant and raise those plants, then pick the leaves, dry them, cure them, etc. I think you'd have a rather expensive cigar.

Dont forget any additional materials needed (i.e. insecticide, pods, etc). I wonder if it would qualify since it probably won't be listed in Cigarclopedia..lol

Disclamer:
*just being a smart ass*