There are various reasons to dry or aerate tobacco, for example to smoke, perform special ceremonies, or use it as an insect repellent. Drying the tobacco is a process that takes about 3 to 8 weeks for the tobacco to be ready for use. Unlike other methods, this method can produce tobacco leaves that are low in sugar, high in nicotine, and sweet!
Step
Method 1 of 2: Hanging Tobacco Leaves to Dry
Step 1. Dry the tobacco in windy seasons for best results
Warm, dry late summer afternoons and cool, damp night air work best for drying tobacco leaves.
Step 2. Choose pale yellow leaves to dry
Tobacco leaves that are too green will remain green as they dry and you should avoid this. Usually, the lower leaves will turn yellow more quickly. So, use the leaves to dry.
Step 3. Find a well-ventilated container for drying tobacco, such as a barn or shed
Leaves must be protected from direct sunlight, rain, and wind to dry. Barns, sheds, or garages work great for this. You can even dry the leaves at home, as long as there's space – just make sure the air isn't too dry.
- Look for a shelter that will allow you to adjust the humidity level by opening or closing doors, windows, or ventilation holes. You should keep the humidity level in the room high to prevent the leaves from drying out too quickly.
- Be sure to protect the tobacco leaves from direct sunlight, which can burn them.
Step 4. Hang each tobacco in a bundle of 3 to 5 leaves
Tie the leaves with a clothesline or regular rope, make a knot at the stem and tie it with a strong rubber band that stretches as the leaf shrinks. If you're only drying a few leaves, you can tie each petiole separately and hang it up.
Method 2 of 2: Supervise the Drying Process to Complete
Step 1. Control the humidity level as the leaves dry
When the weather is cold, open the door of the barn or barn during the day to let the relatively warmer air in. When the weather is hot and the tobacco leaves dry too quickly, close the door during the day and open it at night to let moisture out of the night air.
- You may need to use a humidifier if the leaves dry out too quickly.
- If you're drying tobacco at home, be sure to monitor the temperature and humidity so the leaves don't dry out too quickly. Air-conditioned homes are usually too dry to aerate tobacco.
- Leaves that dry out too quickly will remain green.
Step 2. Watch the leaves to see when the tobacco is dry enough
As it dries, the leaves will turn yellow, then slightly orange before turning brown (the color varies greatly depending on the type of tobacco leaf used). Depending on environmental conditions, this process may take about 3 to 8 weeks.
- When the leaves turn brown and the edges curl slightly, the process is complete.
- The dried leaves will be slightly sticky, and feel like thin skin. The leaves should still be able to be picked, not easily crushed.
- Dried leaves usually have a slightly sweet aroma as a result of the drying process.
Step 3. Remove the stalks from the leaves
When the tobacco is ready to use, gently peel the leaves from the stems. You can use it straight away or store it for later use or let it continue to ferment.
- The petiole retains the liquid, increasing the risk of mold developing in the storage area.
- Tobacco leaves are ready to be smoked or stored when they are brown and easy to pick, but not easily crushed. If the leaves crumble too easily, you can moisten them with water from a spray bottle. Miraculously, the leaves will strengthen again after being given a little liquid.
- You can store tobacco leaves in a humidor or even a plastic bag. If you moisten leaves that are too dry to store, be sure to pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent any excess water from adhering to them. This will keep the leaves moist, but will reduce the risk of mold growing during storage.
