Fermentation time

[saman_ghaderian]

Hello friends. How many days do you suggest the fermentation period for fermenting tobacco leaves grown in full and intense sun? Can bacteria in bovine intestines be used to improve fermentation and reduce the percentage of tobacco leaf lignin? What is the best solution for spraying tobacco leaves during fermentation?

 

[deluxestogie]

I usually kiln all of my tobacco for two months at between 123°F and 128°F (~50°C to ~53°) in high humidity. I do not measure the humidity, which is kept high enough to keep the leaf easily pliable, since above 122°F, mold cannot grow. I do not spray my leaf for fermentation, but use a temperature-controlled slow cooker (Crockpot), kept filled with water, as my heat source.

I know nothing about adding bacteria.

If you plan to ferment the leaf using the pile method, then you will likely need a minimum of ~500 pounds (over 200 kg) in a cubic stack, monitoring the interior temperature. Leaf is just sprayed with water prior to building the pile. When the center of the pile approaches 128°F (~50°C), then the pile is broken down, and rebuilt with the interior leaf now on the outside. Watch the temperature, and repeatedly rebuild until the temperature no longer seems to rise much. Most home growers do not produce enough leaf to use this method. So a minimum of ¼ to ½ acre (0.1 to 0.2 hectare) of tobacco would be required.

Bob

 

[saman_ghaderian]

I usually kiln all of my tobacco for two months at between 123°F and 128°F (~50°C to ~53°) in high humidity. I do not measure the humidity, which is kept high enough to keep the leaf easily pliable, since above 122°F, mold cannot grow. I do not spray my leaf for fermentation, but use a temperature-controlled slow cooker (Crockpot), kept filled with water, as my heat source.

I know nothing about adding bacteria.

If you plan to ferment the leaf using the pile method, then you will likely need a minimum of ~500 pounds (over 200 kg) in a cubic stack, monitoring the interior temperature. Leaf is just sprayed with water prior to building the pile. When the center of the pile approaches 128°F (~50°C), then the pile is broken down, and rebuilt with the interior leaf now on the outside. Watch the temperature, and repeatedly rebuild until the temperature no longer seems to rise much. Most home growers do not produce enough leaf to use this method. So a minimum of ¼ to ½ acre (0.1 to 0.2 hectare) of tobacco would be required.

Bob

Bob. Have you ever compared the cigars you made in the kiln with the best cigars on the market? What percentage is similar to it in terms of flavor?

 

[deluxestogie]

Most (not all) of my cigars are better than most (not all) commercial cigars. My own cigars are artisanal creations, rather than mass-produced factory product. I have smoked most of the best cigars from all over the world, for the past 50 years. The greatest advantage of commercial cigars, like commercial cigarettes and commercial pipe tobacco, is that they require less effort.

Bob

 

[saman_ghaderian]

excellent. Your action is encouraging. This year, I plan to dedicate half a hectare to tobacco cultivation to produce cigars. I want to gain experience in this field. Of course, I have some stress to be able to produce good cigars because the weather is hot and dry in summer. I have done a lot of research through scientific sites. I would be grateful if you could share your valuable experiences with me, especially about the fermentation process.

 

[deluxestogie]

share your valuable experiences with me, especially about the fermentation process.

What additional details are unclear to you?

Bob

 

[saman_ghaderian]

Bob. Due to the weather conditions I have. I feel like my tobacco leaf will be thicker with a higher lignin content. However, such cigars can have their own scent and can be as much as Madro or Oscar cigars.!! But I feel it has a low burning power due to the high concentration of lignin. I feel that cigar companies use certain compounds when fermenting leaves. Based on the experience of other friends who work in the field of cigar production, I want to access at least some of these secrets. I want to learn the specific tricks that companies use.

 

[deluxestogie]

I am afraid I can be of no further help with your approach. The "secrets" are indeed well kept.

Bob

 

[Dib chamoun]

Most (not all) of my cigars are better than most (not all) commercial cigars. My own cigars are artisanal creations, rather than mass-produced factory product. I have smoked most of the best cigars from all over the world, for the past 50 years. The greatest advantage of commercial cigars, like commercial cigarettes and commercial pipe tobacco, is that they require less effort.

Bob

Hello bob
I live in lebanon.I am a retired airforce general .now i am retired since 3 years.i am 60 now.I started rolling my cigars since 5 years.i buy from wlt.last week i bought and waiting to recieve it.
I.planted some seeds and i will plant it in bekaa valley where is my town.and i will try my luck.i am afraid of the diseases and fermentation.
If you have any ideas please help.thxs bob

 

[deluxestogie]

Follow the New Growers' FAQ (linked above). If you start your own grow log, forum members can assist you along the way.

Bob