Tobacco processing

[ashauler]

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

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.

Valid concerns fellas, and one that I share, however, since I have been reading and studying this process, I have become less concerned with mold forming during this part of the process than I am during the color-curing/drying phase. There is much more moisture in the leaf during this stage than during the fermenting stage.

Remember, the leaf has been completely dried out, including the mid-rib, before this process begins, and will only be barely "in case" when placed in the bag. When I remove the leaves each evening they will be allowed to hang for several hours, perhaps even overnight, before being replaced in the bag for the next day's sun. The action of going into, and out of case actually works to prevent the formation of mold........or at least that's what I'm told.

This is the reason I've kept some "junk" leaves and have them drying and am going to simply store some of the harvested leaf over the winter and ferment in the spring. If during the first attempt mold becomes a problem, back to the drawing board I go. There are products that can be applied to prevent mold/fungus growth.

[nhcigarfan]

Fermentation shouldn't need sunlight. I would try it in a small cooler with a stone on top of the leaves pushing them down. If your set on doing the bag, grab a packet or two of silica gel out of a package or two of beef jerky. It will help keep the moisture down when the leaves heat up. Plus you get to eat a couple of packs of beef jerky.


Edit: and by small cooler I mean just big enough to close with the tobacco and stone in it.

[ashauler]

Fermentation shouldn't need sunlight. I would try it in a small cooler with a stone on top of the leaves pushing them down. If your set on doing the bag, grab a packet or two of silica gel out of a package or two of beef jerky. It will help keep the moisture down when the leaves heat up. Plus you get to eat a couple of packs of beef jerky.


Edit: and by small cooler I mean just big enough to close with the tobacco and stone in it.

I'm after the heat, not necessarily the sunlight. I could accomplish the same thing on top of the water heater, it would just take longer. I like the idea of the bag simply because the contents will be visible at all times. That way I can see the build up of moisture in the bag and take appropriate action quickly.

[nhcigarfan]

Makes sense to me.

I expect barber-pole baseball bats and chili peppers rolled to rival the flavors of Pepin and with the rolling skills of Fuente.

[TravPSU]

By your estimation, or guess, how many cigars do you think you can get out of the leaves you have?

This is a really cool project and I am glad you are sharing it with us. Keep up the good work!

[ashauler]

By your estimation, or guess, how many cigars do you think you can get out of the leaves you have?

This is a really cool project and I am glad you are sharing it with us. Keep up the good work!

Let's see:
4 plants of wrapper tobacco (florida sumatra)
8 plants of filler/binder tobacco

Really, I have no idea, but I would suspect around a dozen if everything works out just right.....1 cigar per plant, maybe, though some experienced growers and rollers say 3-6 cigars per plant.

It takes somewhere around 6 to 8 half-leaves, 18" in length, of filler/binder tobacco and one half leaf of quality wrapper to produce one 6.5 x 50 ish cigar....or so I'm told.

[Roger]

It simply amazes me just how much work and effort goes into producing these cigars. It is no wonder that they are not even more expensive than they are. I am looking forward to hearing how they finally turn out. It would be interesting to see your review your own cigar along with a few others. Good luck with the process. Roger.