The Fire Curing Method
The curing process of the tobacco leaves took place in specific places, namely tobacco barns usually of log or masonry construction. Inside these barns, a structure of horizontal and vertical tier poles supported by posts and cross beams served for hanging tobacco. Dark leaved tobacco (Maryland and Kentucky) was fire cured. Fires were kept inside the barns so that a constant temperature of 30′C to 35′C went on for 24 hours. After this, temperature rose to 54′C, and remained unaltered until the leaves got completely dry. Initially, the several types of tobacco were compressed in a manual tobacco press placed inside the barns.
1.Manual driven screw press.
2.Manual driven box press.
