Fermentation
Production & CuringEnglish
Definition
The controlled bulk process in which cured leaf, moistened and stacked, heats from within through microbial activity and oxidation. Ammonia, nicotine, and harsh nitrogenous compounds are driven off while starches and proteins break down into gentler compounds.
Why it matters
Fermentation is what makes tobacco smokable rather than merely dry; an under-fermented cigar tastes ammoniacal and bites, no matter how good the seed was.
In context
"You can smell fermentation working in the warehouse, sharp ammonia coming off the pilon."