Curing and Fermentation

DESCRIPTION: This video will explain and illustrate the complex processes of curing and fermentation of tobacco. Curing and fermentation are critical aspects of readying the tobacco for use in the production of premium cigars. TERMS: Casa de Tabaco = Curing Barn Guano = Palm leaves; used for constructing some curing barns Ensartadores = Stringer, sewer of leaves Drying bars = wooden poles used for hanging leaves in the curing barn Vegueros = tobacco farmers Manos = hands; groups of leaves tied together in bunches Pilón (pilones) = pile or stack of tobacco leaves used in fermenting Temperatures: In curing barns: 72-75 degrees F In fermentation pilón: 80-95 degrees F Time span: For curing: approx. 6-weeks For fermentation: approx. 6-weeks