Tobacco Flue Curing
Tobacco Flue Curing
Tobacco Flue Curing
Overview
Tobacco curing is a crucial process that involves drying tobacco leaves post-harvest to define the final quality and character of the leaf. It plays a significant role in developing and preserving the quality, flavor, and aroma of tobacco, making it market-ready. Flue curing is a common method for drying tobacco leaves, primarily used for producing Virginia or Bright leaf tobacco for cigarettes. This process involves controlled exposure to heat, gradual moisture removal, temperature regulation, and manipulation of ventilators.
Curing Structure
In the Philippines, curing barns are essential post-harvest facilities for tobacco curing, although there is no specific standard design. Barns are constructed using various materials such as GI sheet, clay, nipa, concrete, and fiber cement board (hardiflex). Proper curing structure is vital for efficient tobacco curing operations.
Controlling the Wet Bulb Temperature
One of the key aspects of tobacco curing management is controlling the wet bulb temperature. This parameter is crucial for achieving the desired drying process and quality of the tobacco leaves. Proper monitoring and regulation of the wet bulb temperature are essential for successful tobacco curing.
