color curing

[marksctm]

A week or so ago, the day of are first frost warning, I striped what leaf was left, and no more room to hang, I stacked on a screen.
Just went out to shuffle stack and they are an awesome deep dark chocolate brown.
What I hung to air cure is much lighter.
Why is this, and is one way better than the other for curing?
Thanks,

Chris...

 

[Steve2md]

when stacked, or "piled" the wet (read green)vegetable matter produces some heat, similar to composting. Although not enough to start truly breaking down the plant matter, it is enough to activate enzymes that aid in the curing process. piling is the method used for making Maduro style wrapper, though a large percent of the leaves during the Maduro process tend to fall apart (but are well used as filler material for Maduro puros!!)

This is my understanding of the effects, anyway. Someone with more knowledge is more than free to correct me.

 

[deluxestogie]

I see two possible factors. The higher the stalk position, the darker the final leaf will cure. Also, the higher the ambient moisture during the change from yellow to brown, the darker the final leaf. I have never noted that kilning upper leaf to a dark maduro or even oscuro leads to any leaf damage.

Bob

 

[marksctm]

Thanks Steve and Bob,

I'll tell you what, The reason I let them go as long as possible is, I think it was a post of from you Bob, that said top leafs from Burley can make a good binder and wrapper leaf.
I also cut some tops that were about 2 or 3 foot long that were left, and hung them with stalk.
Here's some pictures of that leaf and what's been hanging a few month's now.
Thanks,
Chris...