Cured tobacco and method therefor

摘要

A method is provided for curing tobacco. The method includes steps of wilting, bruising, aerating, and drying tobacco, where each of the steps is measured in hours or days rather than months. In some aspects, aeration may take two to twelve hours or less. In some aspects, the entire curing method may be completed in 24 hours or less.

主权项

1. A method for curing tobacco, said method comprising steps of:
receiving green leaf tobacco; wilting the tobacco to reduce its moisture content; next bruising the tobacco, including chopping, cutting, tearing, or shredding the tobacco, or any combination thereof; next aerating the tobacco in a manner configured to promote oxidation; and thereafter drying the tobacco to a moisture content below about 20%; wherein the step of aerating comprises spreading the tobacco out substantially in a single layer upon a surface configured to provide air flow around the tobacco and is conducted for twelve hours or less.