Asking for a guide on kiln fermenting

[defender101]

Hey I'm new to tobacco farming and fermenting and I've heard for kiln fermenting higher the temperature better it gets (under 120°F) .
But my question is what about thinner leaves like secos then?
Will thinner leaves be fine under high temperature like 120°F for four weeks with all the thicker leaves ?

And I've hear things like big cigar manufacturers usually ferment tobacco on different temperature ranges, Like for wrappers they go for lower temprature and for filler like ligeros/visos they go higher temprature.

so I would like to hear your opinion or experience on this. And also like to hear your experience on kiln fermenting like what temp/humidity you were on, how often you took them out and misted and shuffled or any special tip you feel like sharing.
Highly appreciate you help..!!

 

[deluxestogie]

Welcome to the forum. Feel free to introduce yourself in the Introduce Yourself forum. Be sure to read the New Growers' FAQ, and scan through the topics in our Index of Key Forum Threads (and see Curing: other). Both are linked in the menu bar.

I maintain leaf in my kiln at temperatures between 123°F and 128°F for six to eight weeks. Below 122°F, there is a high risk of mold growth. I kiln all my leaf primings for the same duration and in the same conditions. My kiln is heated with a Crockpot, which is regularly refilled with water, to maintain the humidity.

Bob

 

[defender101]

Welcome to the forum. Feel free to introduce yourself in the Introduce Yourself forum. Be sure to read the New Growers' FAQ, and scan through the topics in our Index of Key Forum Threads (and see Curing: other). Both are linked in the menu bar.

I maintain leaf in my kiln at temperatures between 123°F and 128°F for six to eight weeks. Below 122°F, there is a high risk of mold growth. I kiln all my leaf primings for the same duration and in the same conditions. My kiln is heated with a Crockpot, which is regularly refilled with water, to maintain the humidity.

Bob

Thankyou I'll note these. And I'm glad to join this forum too.

Ohh I see. Thankyou for sharing your information, really appreciate it.

And can I know what were the humidity levels you kept ?
And how often did you take the leaves out and mist them again and put them back in ?
Is it possible to get these numbers and conditions with a heating light or something instead of a crockpot ?

And were you able to get like some kind of an even uniform color change on your leaves?
(I'm trynna get some cigar wrapper quality leaves too btw, I'm a total rookie for this).

Thankyou and looking forward for your answers.

 

[deluxestogie]

My kiln is heated with a Crockpot, which is regularly refilled with water, to maintain the humidity.

I heat my kiln with a Crockpot, filled with water, lid removed. This provides heat (controlled by an external controller) and the moisture for my kiln. The leaf is either hung freely from the kiln structure, or held within large, open bags. The Crockpot provides the moisture. I never mist the leaf.

Because I keep the temperature above 122°F, there is no risk of mold growth, so I never measure the humidity inside the kiln. I just keep the Crockpot filled with water.

I have gotten lovely, consistent coloring of the leaf during most kiln runs.

Others have used other methods.

Bob

 

[defender101]

I heat my kiln with a Crockpot, filled with water, lid removed. This provides heat (controlled by an external controller) and the moisture for my kiln. The leaf is either hung freely from the kiln structure, or held within large, open bags. The Crockpot provides the moisture. I never mist the leaf.

Because I keep the temperature above 122°F, there is no risk of mold growth, so I never measure the humidity inside the kiln. I just keep the Crockpot filled with water.

I have gotten lovely, consistent coloring of the leaf during most kiln runs.

Others have used other methods.

Bob

Oh I see, I'm looking forward to kiln ferment my small crop this time as a first timer. Thankyou for answering and sharing your experience Bob, appreciate it.