Retouch on vacuum curing

[GonzoAcres]

Questions about the idea behind vacuum curing, not interested in the physics of the vacuum itself but the chemistry of the components of the leaf and reaction which happens between them in order to create the ammonia, releasing it from the leaves. Is that a reaction which requires oxygen? is it a reaction that is sped up in the presence of oxygen? is it a reaction sped up in the absence of oxygen? is a vacuum created by something like a home vacuum sealer enough to pull all of the oxygen out of a vacuum bag such that this reaction, if it requires oxygen could not continue?

 

[deluxestogie]

Are you asking about color-curing, or about fermentation/aging?

Bob

 

[ChinaVoodoo]

Questions about the idea behind vacuum curing, not interested in the physics of the vacuum itself but the chemistry of the components of the leaf and reaction which happens between them in order to create the ammonia, releasing it from the leaves. Is that a reaction which requires oxygen? is it a reaction that is sped up in the presence of oxygen? is it a reaction sped up in the absence of oxygen? is a vacuum created by something like a home vacuum sealer enough to pull all of the oxygen out of a vacuum bag such that this reaction, if it requires oxygen could not continue?

I think the short answer, based on experience is "no, vacuum sealing does not remove ammonia."

Longer answer - Allowing metabolic processes to slowly release ammonia to occur over time is one way, and toasting at 375°F is another way.

I don't know if anyone has tried that. I think it would possibly burn.
Source: http://www.leffingwell.com/download/Leffingwell - Tobacco production chemistry and technology.pdf