Bringing leaves back to case properly

[mr1992]

Hi there,

I hope I've got the right forum for this, because I've been struggling with this for years and maybe you guys have an answer as to what I'm doing wrong.

I'm mainly producing cigarette tobacco, but when I try to bring my tobacco to case, I tend to get it too wet when transitioning it from bone-dry to shreddable. I haven't really been using an exact science because much of it arrives as a 2kg block of bone-dry Orient leaves (which give me the most trouble). I place them in a big plastic barrel and using plain water carefully moisten them from the outside with a spray bottle first before pushing the block apart and spraying away so the leaves become pliable again at least. Most of the time, they become wet more than anything, and even playing around with the lid doesn't really lead to the desired result. Despite everything, having to manipulate that block usually gives me a significant amount of useless tobacco dust.

There must be some way I'm sure to avoid adding too much water and handling the block too much. Trying to shred them when they're too wet leads to the shredder clogging up and/or the leaves not being shredded (simply leaving superficial imprints).

Any input would be greatly appreciated

 

[Wombat_smokes]

I'd say you're doing things right - spray with water, wait for the water to be absorbed, and pull apart. Getting the whole block evenly moist is hard. I'd peel off leaves until you get to the still dry leaves, then Spray more water, wait and repeat until the block is pulled apart. After seperating, let the leaves dry out until a good moisture for processing. If they get too dry, simply repeat the hydrating process.

 

[deluxestogie]

It will always be a trial and error process. When I've confronted a large, pressed block of leaves, I place the entire block into an oversized plastic bag. Initially, I lightly mist the surfaces of the tobacco block, close the bag, and check it the following day. If some leaf can be safely pulled away, I do that. Otherwise I mist the surfaces again, and wait another day. But I have never needed to separate all of it for use on the same day.

Bob

 

[GreenDragon]

Bringing dry tobacco into proper case for handling is usually a several day process and, in my experience, cannot be rushed. I usually start casing my leaves two days prior to when I want to roll a batch of cigars.

 

[mr1992]

Thanks for your replies; I feared hearing as much. I'd hoped I was missing something to get a block into case more quickly, e.g. some moisture and temperature-controlled environment, playing around with either, but always ground my teeth on the moisture not extending too far in. Or getting the outer layer/bottom part too wet, as I said. Oh well, guess I'll have to exercise patience, then