Fermentation is the breakdown of sugars and starchy elements into substances with a simpler structure. This leads to a radical change in the taste and smell of the raw material, and also makes it less strong. At the same time, there are a number of tobacco varieties that do not require fermentation. They contain a minimal amount of resins, esters and sugars. Therefore, it is enough to simply dry them in the sun.
Why is tobacco fermentation needed?
During this operation, a number of chemical reactions are observed. After fermentation, partial destruction of amino acids and pectin components occurs. This also applies to nicotine.As a result, melanoidins are formed, which give the fermented raw materials a red-brown color. Qualitative transformations of esters and resins are also observed.
As a result of fermentation, the following changes are observed in tobacco leaves:
- the green tint disappears after drying;
- the fresh smell of grass is replaced by a more characteristic tobacco smell;
- strength decreases;
- flammability increases;
- bitterness partially disappears;
- the smell of smoke improves;
- There is an improvement in technological characteristics - there is a decrease in moisture capacity and an increase in resistance to mold formation, and the storage period increases.
Which tobacco does not require fermentation?
There are a number of plant varieties that contain minimal amounts of sugars, esters and resins. Therefore, for use, they can not be fermented, but simply dried in the sun.
Burley
The homeland of the plant is considered to be North and South America. The crop is grown in countries with arid climates, in particular in Brazil and Mexico. Tobacco is characterized by the absence of sugar. Therefore, the product does not need to be fermented.
Even without this process, tobacco acquires an unusual aftertaste and pleasant smell. It may contain nutty, chocolate, and caramel notes. The plant is characterized by yellow-golden leaves. Sometimes they take on a reddish color.
Burley has a distinct taste and high strength. That’s why it is often added to mixtures for hookahs and cigarettes. This tobacco is also suitable for pipe compositions.
Trapezond 92
This variety grows well in the south. It requires hot and long summers. The plant is actively grown on the Black Sea coast. It is also cultivated in the Krasnodar region.The plant is considered early ripening. It contains a minimum of nicotine and has a moderate strength.
Tobacco has a pleasant aroma and excellent smoking properties. It is used in mixtures for cigarettes and cigars. The composition is also used as the basis for mixtures for pipes.
Samsun 85
This variety belongs to the oriental varieties. The best plants are cultivated in Turkey. Oriental is characterized by good strength. Therefore, it can be grown in mixtures or independently. A large number of esters gives the substance a pleasant aroma and aftertaste. Samsun is characterized by slow smoldering. This is why it is popular among cigar lovers. The raw material is also suitable for hookahs.
Dubek
This variety cannot be fermented. He belongs to the Orientals. The composition can be used as a monoproduct or included in various mixtures with other varieties. After natural drying in the sun, the leaves turn yellow or reddish.
To obtain high quality raw materials, the leaves must be aged for 1 year. Tobacco does not contain a large amount of nicotine. It has a distinct floral-honey aroma and a pleasant aftertaste. The composition is suitable for hookah mixtures. It is often used for pipes and cigars. The raw material is also used for the production of cigarettes.
Features of storing such tobacco
Unprocessed tobacco can be stored in different ways. To do this you can do the following:
- form bundles of leaves and keep in the cold;
- fold the leaves into tight piles, tie them with thread and put them in vacuum bags;
- Place stacks of leaves in cardboard boxes and keep in a warm room.
The cultivation and procurement of tobacco raw materials has a number of features. However, there are many varieties that do not require fermentation. To prepare for use, simply dry them in the sun. After this, tobacco can be used for the production of cigarettes, cigars, and hookah mixtures.
