The process of Burley tobacco curing is a fascinating journey that transforms freshly harvested leaves into a product ready for manufacturing. This intricate procedure, blending both art and science, is crucial in determining the final quality and flavor of the tobacco. As we delve into the world of Burley tobacco curing, we’ll uncover its secrets, explore its intricacies, and shed light on the mastery behind this intriguing practice.
History of Burley Tobacco
The origin of Burley tobacco is credited to George Webb and Joseph Fore in 1864. It was grown on the farm of Captain Frederick Kautz near Higginsport, Ohio, from seed from Bracken County, Kentucky. By 1883, Cincinnati had become the principal market for this tobacco, and it was grown throughout central Kentucky and Middle Tennessee.
Importance of Burley Tobacco
Burley tobacco is produced in many countries, with major production in the United States, Brazil, Malawi, and Argentina. It is renowned for its distinct flavor, captivating aroma, and heightened nicotine content.
Harvesting Burley Tobacco
The harvesting of Burley tobacco is done in the same way as that of flue-cured tobacco, i.e., by the priming method.
Air-Curing: The Key to Burley Tobacco
Air-curing is the primary method used for curing Burley tobacco. The leaves are hung in well-ventilated barns, and the tobacco is allowed to dry over a period between four to eight weeks.
Ideal Conditions for Air-Curing
The ideal environment for curing Burley tobacco requires temperatures from 18.F to 32.F, and relative air humidity ranging from 65 to 70%.
Challenges in Air-Curing
Delays in planting and harvesting mean that much of the crop will be cured later than normal, resulting in additional curing challenges.
Chemical and Physical Transformations
Curing is the sum-total of the physical and biochemical processes that convert Burley tobacco from the yellowish-green high moisture leaf at harvest to the brown aromatic low moisture leaf packaged for the market.
The Role of Temperature and Humidity
Burley s quality is influenced by moisture and temperature conditions inside the curing facility during the curing period. Steady or average daily humidity in the 72-75% range is considered optimum.
Environmental Challenges
Average daily temperatures below 50?F during the first two weeks of curing may result in a greenish cast to the cured leaf color.
Technological Challenges
Much of the year s crop is large, wet, turgid tobacco such that it will need more space for curing.
Technological Advancements
Technological advancements and novel cultivation techniques empower farmers to enhance yields and improve the quality of the cured tobacco.
Improved Curing Techniques
The use of low-profile structures with good curing management seems to result in cured Burley that is darker and redder than Burley cured in conventional barns.
what is burley tobacco and how is it different from other types of tobacco
Burley tobacco is a type of light, air-cured tobacco primarily used for cigarette production. It is produced in an eight-state belt in the United States, with approximately 70% produced in Kentucky and Tennessee. Burley tobacco is also produced in other countries, including Brazil, Malawi, and Argentina.
The Burley tobacco plant is a mutation of the Virginia tobacco plant. The leaves of the Burley tobacco plant are brown, and the cultivation of the plants requires more care. The cultivation areas of Burley tobacco are more limited than those of Virginia tobacco.
One of the key differences between Burley and other types of tobacco, such as Virginia tobacco, is the curing process. While Virginia tobacco is usually hot-air dried using special equipment, Burley tobacco is typically air-dried. The air-curing process for Burley tobacco takes between three to twelve weeks and results in a light tan to reddish-brown leaf.
Another difference lies in the taste and nicotine content. Burley tobacco has a bolder character than Virginia tobacco and is a little dry with faint hints of cocoa. After processing, the taste of Burley tobacco is medium to full-bodied, relatively dry, and contains a clearer note of cocoa. Despite Burley and Virginia tobaccos often having the same amount of nicotine, more nicotine is obtained from a neutral or alkaline smoke, which is characteristic of Burley, than from acidic smoke, which is characteristic of Virginia.
Burley tobacco is also known for its ability to absorb flavorings, which makes it a popular choice for many aromatic blends. This characteristic, along with its slow-burning nature and cool smoke, makes it a nice addition to blends that tend to burn fast and strong.
In contrast, Virginia tobacco is the mildest of all blending tobaccos and has the highest level of natural dextrose (sugar), which gives it a light sweet taste. Virginia tobacco is used in virtually all blends, is a good burner, and aids in lighting.
what are the challenges faced by burley tobacco farmers during the curing process
Burley tobacco farmers face several challenges during the curing process.
One of the main challenges is maintaining the ideal environment for curing. The optimal conditions for curing Burley tobacco require temperatures from 18.F to 32.F, and relative air humidity ranging from 65 to 70%. Achieving and maintaining these conditions can be difficult, especially in regions with fluctuating weather patterns.
High humidity levels can cause significant problems during the curing process. For instance, an exceptionally moist year can lead to high humidity levels in the curing barns, potentially causing curing problems such as houseburn or barn rot. In some cases, heavy mold growth on the cured leaves has been reported, which can affect the quality of the tobacco.
The curing process is also influenced by the weather conditions during the curing season. The quality of the cured leaf is heavily influenced by moisture and temperature conditions inside the facility during the curing period. For example, average daily temperatures below 50?F during the first two weeks of curing may result in a greenish cast to the cured leaf color.
Another challenge is the cost associated with the curing process. The annual costs per pound of cured tobacco can be significant, especially when repaying short-term construction loans for curing facilities.
In some regions, such as Zimbabwe, small-holder burley tobacco producers face additional challenges related to the size of landholdings and crop rotations, barn construction and curing methods, and the support systems available to them.
how long does the curing process take for burley tobacco
The curing process for Burley tobacco typically takes between four to eight weeks. During this time, the tobacco is hung in well-ventilated barns and allowed to dry, undergoing a series of chemical and physical transformations that develop its characteristic flavor and color. The process is influenced by environmental conditions, particularly temperature and humidity, which can vary depending on the region and the specific practices of the tobacco farmer.
Conclusion
The process of curing Burley tobacco is a complex and critical step in its production. Despite the challenges faced, advancements in technology and improved techniques continue to enhance the quality of the cured product, ensuring that Burley tobacco remains a significant player in the global tobacco industry.
Statistics on Burley Tobacco Curing
Production Statistics
In 2012, a farm in N.C., near Danville, Va., raised 15 acres of burley along with 65 acres of flue-cured tobacco.
Curing Efficiency Statistics
The production of burley tobacco is very labor-intensive, with approximately one third of the total labor, estimated at 73 worker-hours/acre, required for stripping.
Frequently Asked Questions about Burley Tobacco Curing
- What is the process of burley tobacco curing?
- How does the curing process affect the quality of burley tobacco?
- What are the optimal conditions for curing burley tobacco?
- How does the temperature and humidity affect the curing process?
- How long does the curing process take?
- What are the different methods of tobacco curing?
- How does burley tobacco curing differ from other types of tobacco curing?
- What factors can influence the efficiency of burley tobacco curing?
- How labor-intensive is the process of burley tobacco curing?
- What innovations have been tried to improve the efficiency of burley tobacco curing?
- How does the curing process affect the flavor and aroma of burley tobacco?
- What are the challenges faced in the curing process of burley tobacco?
- How does the curing process affect the nicotine content in burley tobacco?
- What are the common problems encountered during the curing process of burley tobacco?
- How has the process of burley tobacco curing evolved over the years?
Recommended Books on Burley Tobacco Curing
- “Curing Burley Tobacco, 1991” – A comprehensive guide on the process of curing burley tobacco https://burleytobaccoextension.ca.uky.edu/curing-problems.
- “Harvesting and Curing Burley Tobacco, 1979” – A detailed book on the harvesting and curing process of burley tobacco https://burleytobaccoextension.ca.uky.edu/curing-problems.
Sources of Information on Burley Tobacco Curing
- University of Kentucky, College of Agriculture https://burleytobaccoextension.ca.uky.edu/files/aeu-93_burley_curing_technology.pdf
- Total Leaf Supply https://totalleafsupply.com/what-is-flue-cured-tobacco/
- Burley Tobacco Extension https://burleytobaccoextension.ca.uky.edu/curing-problems
- British American Tobacco https://www.bat.com/afforestation
- Japan Tobacco Inc., Leaf Tobacco Research Lab https://www.coresta.org/abstracts/change-chemical-composition-burley-tobacco-during-curing-using-bulk-curing-8622.html
- University of Georgia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curing_of_tobacco
Citations on Burley Tobacco Curing
- “Curing is the sum-total of the physical and biochemical processes that convert burley tobacco from the yellowish-green high moisture leaf at harvest to the brown aromatic low moisture leaf packaged for use” https://burleytobaccoextension.ca.uky.edu/files/aeu-93_burley_curing_technology.pdf.
- “Burley tobacco is air-cured by hanging the leaves in well-ventilated barns, and the tobacco is allowed to dry over a period between four to eight weeks” https://www.pmi.com/glossary-section/glossary/tobacco-curing.
- “The production of burley tobacco is very labor-intensive, with approximately one third of the total labor, estimated at 73 worker-hours/acre, required for stripping” https://meridian.allenpress.com/tobacco-science/article/doi/10.3381/12-023.1/131215/LABOR-PRODUCTIVITY-WITH-VARIOUS-INNOVATIONS-FOR.