Storing Air Cured Tobacco

[Daledgen]

Hi guys, first post here. Wasn’t exactly sure where best to post my question, but thought here was the most likely place. I’ve grown and cured my first crop successfully. In my garage I have my leaves stored in a cardboard box with paper bag covering them. As winter approaches I’d assume I’ll have to find a better storage method so the leaves don’t dry out. Any advice for storage? I’m in southeast Louisiana so theres no rush to beat the cold, but I’d like to be prepared for when the time comes to store my leaves long term. Thanks in advance.

 

[deluxestogie]

Welcome to the forum. Feel free to introduce yourself in the Introduce Yourself forum.

There are a number of considerations with regard to storing color-cured leaf.

• Aging: Leaf that is completely dry will not age naturally. Aging requires a minimal moisture of "low case", which is leaf that is just barely flexible, without being crumbly. Naturally aged burley is often smokable after a few months to a year. Other varieties may require quite a bit more time. Kilning the leaf for a month at ~125°F and at least 60% relative humidity will complete the equivalent of about a year of natural aging--sort of.
• Mold: Leaf that is in "medium to high case" [fully pliable and somewhat moist] is at risk of growing mold. The spores are already everywhere, so it's just a matter of moisture availability. Leaf in low case will not mold.
• Physical damage: Leaf that is completely dry is easily shattered by compression or handling. If stored in a rigid container, like a box or plastic tub, then the container will protect it from damage. To then handle the leaf, you will need to lightly mist it with water, and wait for it to come into low case.

A lot of members successfully store their finished tobacco in boxes. I use vapor-proof, poly-Nylon bags, and either keep those within a box, or make sure that they are kept in low case.

You might want to explore some of the articles listed in our Index of Key Forum Threads: http://fairtradetobacco.com/threads/key-threads-in-the-ftt-forum.3868/
Good luck with your first crop.

Bob

 

[Daledgen]

Thanks Bob