WAYS TO FERMENT TOBACCO AT HOME

When preparing tobacco at home, special attention is paid to the process of its fermentation, as a result of which the tobacco raw material is disposed of from many undesirable substances. In this article we will talk about the different ways and important points of this biochemical process for obtaining high-quality and pleasant tobacco taste.

Tobacco processing

True tobacco connoisseurs prefer to make it themselves. After ripening, the plant undergoes a process of processing, which consists of harvesting, languishing, drying and fermentation.

Did you know? The mass spread of tobacco in Europe was facilitated by the Spanish traveler Christopher Columbus after the expedition in 1492 to San Salvador.

Tobacco leaves are harvested after they stop growing, become more dense and lighten their color.

During languishing, or pre-drying, tobacco leaves are placed in a cool room with low air circulation, previously covered them with a damp cloth. The duration of this procedure takes from three days to several weeks, depending on the type of plant.

The leaves should lose chlorophyll and turn yellow, but not dry. In the process of soiling, it is necessary to shift tobacco leaves several times a day, otherwise they may rot or rot.

In the process of drying the plant loses all moisture. There are several common ways to dry tobacco leaves at home:

Drying in the sun. Leaves strung on cords are fixed in special frames and exposed to direct sunlight.
Drying in a dry and warm room. The leaves are strung on a thin wire at a distance of 4 millimeters from each other. Temperature during the day should be within + 18 ... +25 degrees. In the evening they need a little moisturize.

Did you know? In the XYI century in Italy, tobacco was considered an ornamental plant. At the court of the king of Spain Philip the second he grew as an exotic flower.

In the question of how to dry tobacco, the time spent on this, which depends on temperature, wind, air humidity and much more, is of great importance. On average, the duration is 20-45 days. As a result, the central vein should be completely dry.

One of the important factors for proper drying is the absence of strong wind, which can damage the sheet plate and make the further processing impossible. Fermentation - the final stage, after which the tobacco taste improves, the strength and the amount of harmful tar and nicotine are reduced.

Waste from the production of tobacco, such as tobacco dust, is used to control plant pests.

For the correct conduct of this biochemical process, a constant temperature of 50 degrees and the humidity of the sheet plate at the level of 50% are needed. The time spent on this is 7-14 days. Many consider this stage difficult and requiring special equipment. However, we will talk about how to properly ferment tobacco at home, so that with a minimum of effort to achieve maximum results.

Fermentation of tobacco in the oven

Fermentation of tobacco in the oven is easy to implement and is perfect for those who want to try cooking it at home. From the inventory, besides the oven, you will need 3-liter jars with hermetically sealed lids.

Important! Too dry or wet leaves are not suitable for fermentation. The ideal option is a dry sheet plate that is elastic and does not break.

The procedure is as follows:

Spray leaves too dry on both sides with a spray. We put in piles, cover with foil and leave for a day.
We remove each leaf from the midrib and cut into strips of a width not exceeding 2 millimeters.
We fill them two thirds of the banks. This is necessary for easy mixing during processing. Tightly tighten the lids on the banks.
For proper fermentation of tobacco, the temperature should be 50 degrees. For 5-7 days we place the jars in the oven, putting it on the temperature we need.
We take out tobacco strips from the cans and dry a little before reaching the humidity that is familiar to smoking.
For storage we place in an airtight container.

Fermentation of tobacco in the microwave

Fermentation of tobacco in the microwave in recent years is gaining great popularity due to the fact that it simple enough and easy to implement at home:

Cut the leaves into small strips of 1-2 millimeters.
We put them in glass jars, cover with glass lids and put in a microwave.
At the beginning of this method of fermentation of tobacco, we put the minimum power in the microwave and keep for half an hour.
We take the banks and let cool to room temperature.
This procedure should be repeated 3-4 times, after which the tobacco leaves are ready to smoke.

This method is perfect for leaves with a high level of humidity and to reduce the strength of tobacco taste.

Fermentation of tobacco in a slow cooker

At home, this method is easy to implement, the main thing is to have a slow cooker available. This method is close to the process of natural fermentation of tobacco in bales on tobacco plantations:

Leaves tightly folded and put them in a fabric bag.
If there is a temperature setting function in the multicooker, then we put it on the mark of 50 degrees (or in the temperature maintenance mode).
Putting the bags in the slow cooker. Several times a day, we change the upper and lower layers in places, because as a result of this biochemical process in this way, the lower layers become drier and the upper layers become more moist.
After 2-3 hours, a pleasant honey smell will appear, and after 3-4 days these tobacco leaves can be used for smoking.

Important! During the fermentation of tobacco leaves in a multicooker, the steam release valve must be closed with foil to prevent evaporation of moisture.

Fermentation in the sun

Another method of fermentation is carried out using solar heat:

It is necessary to prepare the leaves (they must be dry, but not break).
Next, you need to put them in jars and cover with iron lids.
Banks are brought to the sun by placing them on a metal surface, which in the process will heat up, giving an additional temperature to the banks.
After 10 days, the contents should be pulled out of the cans and dried well.
After that, the tobacco leaves are ready to eat.

It needs to be produced in summer, since this season it is possible to get the maximum temperature from the sun. Fermentation in the sun further contributes to disinfection. This is due to the fact that ultraviolet rays kill mold spores.

Important Points to Consider

And a few more important facts about the fermentation of tobacco at home, which in no case should not be ignored:

After fermentation, the leaves should have a golden brown color. Green color is recognized as a marriage.
After a few days, the tobacco leaves begin to emit a pronounced smell of honey, which means that the fermentation process takes place correctly.
No condensation should form on the cans. If this happens, the leaves should be immediately pulled out and dried.
Tobacco after fermentation is ready for use. However, it is better to let it stand for one day so that it is stronger and more fragrant.

Growing and fermenting tobacco at home is a very exciting experience. Using simple rules and methods, it is possible to achieve its high-quality taste and aroma so that the process of smoking brings pleasure.