When is kilning complete

[NWgrower]

Hello all,

First post here. I’ve been reading as much as I can on the topic and I’m grateful for such a forum.

Started fermenting for the first time a few weeks ago. Homegrown glesnor. Wondering when it’s done. I just pulled out 3 very dark leaves and used them as binder on a few cigars. They are currently in a mold and I look forward to trying them when they are ready.

The rest of the hands (6 plants) are still kilning but I’m wondering what signs to look for to know when the batch is finished.

Greatly appreciate any input.

 

[deluxestogie]

Welcome to the forum. Read the New Growers' FAQ, linked in the menu bar. You may wish to scan through the topics in our Index of Key Forum Threads, also linked in the menu bar. Feel free to introduce yourself in the Introduce Yourself forum.

Kiln leaf for 6 to 8 weeks (123°F to 128°F with 70+ RH). Most of the work will be done by then, though the process of aging (fermentation) will gradually continue for years. I do not look for signs that a batch is finished. I simply use a calendar. If I kiln leaf beyond 6 to 8 weeks, I can seldom tell the difference. I usually allow kilned leaf that I remove from the kiln to rest for at least a week or three, before sampling it.

But experimentation is always fun.

Bob