Battery-powered tobacco fermentation is popular among people growing this plant at home. In the article you will read about the importance of this process, the optimal conditions for its implementation, as well as how to independently ferment tobacco leaves using a heating battery.
What is fermentation and why carry it out
Fermentation is one of the important steps in the processing of tobacco leaves after harvesting, languishing and drying. In fermented raw materials, the chemical composition and water-physical properties change, due to which its appearance, smoking advantages and technological qualities are noticeably improved. This process has a positive effect on the color and flavor of tobacco.
Did you know? In Spain in the 16th century, tobacco was grown as a decorative exotic flower.
Light fermentation disappears in the fermented raw material, which remained after drying was carried out. The raw materials intensify orange, red and brown tones, olive and brownish-brown tones appear. The aroma of the plant from grassy changes to a specific tobacco.
After fermentation, the plant loses about 10-12% of its mass due to a decrease in the amount of dry matter and water. Dry matter is reduced by 1.5-3.5%
- The positive effect of fermentation on the plant is:
- improvement of taste and aroma;
- increased flammability;
- decrease in fortress;
- loss of bitterness;
- reduction in nicotine and tar;
- resistance to mold;
- suitability for long storage;
- good transportability.
Did you know? During World War II, tobacco (shag) was an indispensable component of soldier rations.
Collection and preparation of tobacco for fermentation
The collection of plants should be carried out, guided by the following instructions:
- It is necessary to collect raw materials from the lower tiers at the first yellowing.
- It must be ensured that the leaves are dry and intact.
- The collected material must be placed in a shaded place and spread out in a layer of about 30 cm.
- Leave it for 12 hours to wither.
After collecting the material, it is necessary to languish tobacco, for which it is necessary
- Fold the collected material into one pile and place in a dark, damp place.
- Leave on for 3–7 days depending on the variety.
- After that, you need to look at the color of the sheets. If they acquired a yellow or tan color, the process of languishing was successful.
Video: languishing tobacco
After languishing, it is necessary to dry the raw material so that it loses all moisture. To implement this procedure, you should:
- Take a tourniquet or wire and string tobacco sheets on it.
- Hang the raw materials in a dry and warm room. You can use the barn or the attic.
- Ensure that the temperature in the drying room is +18 ... + 25 ° C.
- Toward evening time, the raw material needs a little humidification with a spray gun.
- The drying process takes 30–45 days and is considered successful if the central vein has dried. If the central vein is not completely dry, the raw material may become moldy.
Video: Tobacco Drying
After drying, the tobacco should be stored. For proper storage it is necessary:
- Put dried tobacco in a bag or bag.
- Moisten it with a spray gun and leave it for a period of 12 to 24 hours.
- To remove the central veins on the sheets, since they will subsequently adversely affect the taste and aroma of tobacco.
- Dry the tobacco leaves until they become dry but do not break.
Video: how to store tobacco after drying
Optimal conditions for high-quality fermentation
The main conditions for proper fermentation are:
- Temperature. It should be kept at +50 ... + 55 ° C.
- Humidity. Thanks to water, there is a rapid movement of microorganisms, which positively affects fermentation. The moisture level of the raw materials in this process should be about 50-60%.
Important! To check the raw material, you need to take a pinch of it and make a self-roll. Fermentation can be stopped if the taste of tobacco is pleasant.
Fermented tobacco at home on battery
Fermenting raw materials for smoking independently is possible by various methods:
- use the oven;
- put the raw materials into the double boiler, having previously closed the steam outlet valve with foil;
- apply a microwave;
- in summer leave in the sun.
However, at home, this plant is easiest to ferment on a heating battery, although this method is lengthy.
To do this, follow the simple instructions:
- Cut the tobacco sheets into strips and place in glass jars, with a volume of not more than 0.5 l.
- Raw materials in banks do not need to be rammed, it is better to take more cans. This contributes to its better warming.
- Cans need to be laid on the battery and covered to preserve heat.
- Three times a day, the container must be turned over.
- Noticing the presence of condensation on the walls of the dishes, you need to ventilate its contents. To do this, open the lid and wait 10 minutes.
- The duration of this process takes about 30 days.
Video: battery-powered tobacco fermentation
So, the method of home fermentation of tobacco leaves on the battery is popular because of the ease of implementation. Guided by all the recommendations for implementing this method, you can get high-quality, ready-to-use tobacco.
