Tobacco
Tobacco plant is not edible but it is cultivated on a large scale. It contains nicotine. The tobacco plant has a characteristic pyramid form, whereby the largest leaves are found at the base of the plant, their size getting continually smaller as they move higher on the stem. The color of the blossoms varies between white and pink
Climate
Tobacco seeds require warm temperatures for germination of about 75-80 degrees.
Sowing
The seeds of tobacco are extremely small, not much larger than a pin prick and care should be taken when sowing seeds as to not sow to thickly. Seeds should be prepared indoor 4-6 weeks in advance from last frost date. Firstly, the tobacco seed should be sprinkled onto the surface of a sterile seed. And then start mixing them and lightly water in. Do not cover the seed with any soil as they need light for germination and covering can slow down the germination time. If covered too deeply, then the seed won’t germinate at all. Watering in lightly is all what is needed. Finally, the seed will begin to germinate in about 7-14 days depending upon tobacco varieties. The soil should be kept moist and never completely dry. Watering should be done carefully as the force of the water can uproot the tiny seedlings causing them to die. The best way to water seedlings is from the bottom (if using a pot with holes in the bottom) so that leaves won’t get wet. |
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Cultivation
Tobacco is a heavy feeder and if grown continuously in the same spot will deplete the nutrients in the soil. So to counteract this it is wise to employ a 2 year rotation in your growing space by planting 2 years in a specific location and waiting a year or more before you plant your tobacco back into that location again. Tobacco also requires good amounts of nitrogen and potash both of which can be achieved with a good compost but we recommend a good garden fertilizer if you do not have or use compost. |
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Pest
There are many insects and diseases that can attack tobacco. Some of the prominent insect pests are the hornworm and aphid. |
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Harvest
Tobacco can be harvested in several ways. In old times, the entire plant used to be harvested by cutting off the stalk at the ground with a sickle. In modern times, large fields are harvested by a single piece of farm equipment, though topping the flower and in some cases the plucking of immature leaves is still done by hand. |
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Air-drying
The bundled leaves are brought into the drying sheds to dry. These are aligned in an east/ west direction so that the sun warms one end of the shed in the morning and the other in the afternoon. During the drying process which takes about 50 days, they are gradually hung higher and higher in the shed. The leaves first turn yellow and then through the oxidation process, take on their famed golden brown color. |
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The First Fermentation
The tobacco leaves are packed together into bundles and then moved into the fermentation house. Here they are stacked in piles, reaching over three feet high. If the temperature of the tobacco rises above 35°C, the piles are dismantled and allowed to cool until they can again be heaped up. The first fermentation lasts about 30 days, within which the leaves take on an even color, resins are reduced, and ammonia and other unwanted components are dissipated. |
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De-ribbing and Sorting
The tobacco leaves are moistened with water in order to avoid discoloration. Subsequently the main ribs are removed. The leaves are then sorted, depending upon intended purpose, color, size and quality. The complete de-ribbing and final sorting in up to 50 different categories takes place much later in the factory. |
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The second Fermentation
The leaves are again bundled together and stacked into meter-high piles. The tobacco goes through a chemical change which positively influences its taste and flavor, and allows any remaining foreign components to diminish. The second fermentation is stronger than the first and lasts up to 60 days. The wrappers undergo the shortest fermentation. |
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Storage
After resting for some days on ventilation racks, the tobacco is pressed into bundles called "Tercios", which are wrapped in palm bark or banana leaves. These bundles are delivered to local collection points, which are under the control of the state until they are needed by the registered factories. The taste and flavor of the tobacco continues to improve during this storage period. |
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