Final Product
After releasing pressure from the clamp, most of the residual liquid vanished into the leaf.
Using a large serving fork, I gently pried along the circumference of the press cake, until I could take it from the Lexan jar as a single slab. I dumped it onto a Styrofoam dinner plate.
Several layers of leaves were removed, then the remaining slab was sealed in a gallon Ziplock bag, and stored in the refrigerator (where it will keep for
years).
Despite being under pressure for months, the leaf comes apart and unfolds into mostly intact strips. These are carefully spread onto sheets of foil to dry for several hours.
In the photo below, sunlight is reflecting from the foil behind the leaf. As you can see, it's fairly translucent while still damp. It becomes more opaque as it dries.
Once the leaf is down to low case, I stack the strips.
Using slightly re-moistened Perique strip as binder and wrapper, I roll it into a roll cake (cigar). [Don't smoke one of these.]
I slice it into coins with my kulu blade.
In order to limit shred length, I then slice the coins down the middle.
By taking a handful at a time, all the coins are rubbed out to a loose shred.
I wish you could smell it. It really does not smell like tobacco, but rather like a fermentation mash for a berry or fruit wine. I'll report on how it smokes, once I've made up a blend and given it a try.
Bob
