Ohio Burley tobacco has a rich history and a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other varieties. From its humble beginnings in Ohio to its modern-day production, this beloved variety has captured the hearts of farmers, smokers, and enthusiasts alike.

– Introduction

Ohio Burley tobacco is a type of tobacco that is grown primarily in the state of Ohio, as well as in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Indiana. It is known for its unique flavor profile, which is characterized by a dry, nutty taste with hints of cocoa and coffee.

2. The History of Ohio Burley Tobacco

Ohio Burley tobacco has a rich history that dates back to the second half of the 19th century when its seeds were brought to the state of Ohio. It quickly became a popular variety among farmers due to its resistance to disease and pests, as well as its high yields. Today, Ohio Burley tobacco is grown primarily in the southern and central parts of the state.

3. The Characteristics of Ohio Burley Tobacco

Ohio Burley tobacco is characterized by its large, broad leaves that are light green in color. It is an air-cured tobacco, which means that it is hung in barns to dry for several weeks after being harvested. The curing process gives Ohio Burley tobacco its unique flavor profile, which is dry, nutty, and slightly sweet.

4. Growing Ohio Burley Tobacco

Growing Ohio Burley tobacco requires careful attention to soil preparation, planting, irrigation, fertilization, and pest and disease control.

Soil Preparation

Ohio Burley tobacco grows best in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be tilled to a depth of at least 8 inches and should be free of rocks and debris.

Planting

Ohio Burley tobacco is typically planted in the spring after the last frost. The seeds should be sown in rows that are spaced 3 to 4 feet apart, with 8 to 10 seeds per foot.

Irrigation

Ohio Burley tobacco requires regular irrigation to ensure that the soil remains moist. The plants should be watered deeply once a week, or more often during periods of drought.

Fertilization

Ohio Burley tobacco requires regular fertilization to ensure that it grows strong and healthy. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be applied every 4 to 6 weeks.

Pest and Disease Control

Ohio Burley tobacco is susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, including tobacco hornworms, aphids, and black shank. Regular monitoring and treatment with pesticides and fungicides can help prevent these problems.

5. Harvesting Ohio Burley Tobacco

Harvesting Ohio Burley tobacco requires careful attention to timing and harvesting techniques.

Timing

Ohio Burley tobacco is typically harvested in late summer or early fall, when the leaves have turned yellow and are starting to dry out.

Harvesting Techniques

Ohio Burley tobacco is typically harvested by cutting the leaves off the stalks in 4 to 5 harvests at 2-week intervals. The leaves should be removed from the bottom of the plant first and should be hung in a curing barn to dry.

6. Curing Ohio Burley Tobacco

Curing Ohio Burley tobacco is a critical step in the process of producing high-quality tobacco.

Air Curing

Ohio Burley tobacco is typically air-cured, which means that it is hung in a curing barn to dry for several weeks. The curing barn should be well-ventilated and should maintain a temperature of 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level of 60 to 70 percent.

Fire Curing

Fire curing is another method of curing tobacco that is sometimes used for Ohio Burley tobacco. This method involves exposing the tobacco to smoke and heat from a wood fire, which gives it a smoky flavor.

7. Processing Ohio Burley Tobacco

Processing Ohio Burley tobacco involves cutting, threshing, and fermenting the leaves.

Cutting

Ohio Burley tobacco leaves are typically cut into strips using a machine called a cutter.

Threshing

Threshing is the process of separating the tobacco leaves from the stems. This is typically done using a machine called a thresher.

Fermentation

Fermentation is the process of allowing the tobacco leaves to ferment in a controlled environment. This process helps to develop the flavor and aroma of the tobacco.

8. The Flavor Profile of Ohio Burley Tobacco

Ohio Burley tobacco is known for its unique flavor profile, which is characterized by a dry, nutty taste with hints of cocoa and coffee. This flavor profile is the result of the curing process, which gives the tobacco its distinctive aroma and taste.

9. The Role of Ohio Burley Tobacco in the Tobacco Industry

Ohio Burley tobacco plays an important role in the tobacco industry, particularly in the production of cigarettes and cigars. Its unique flavor profile makes it a popular choice among smokers and tobacco manufacturers alike.

10. The Future of Ohio Burley Tobacco

The future of Ohio Burley tobacco is uncertain, as the tobacco industry continues to face challenges from changing consumer preferences, health concerns, and regulatory pressures. However, many farmers and enthusiasts remain optimistic about the future of this beloved variety.

What is the difference between air-cured and sun-cured tobacco

Air-cured and sun-cured tobacco are two different methods of curing tobacco leaves. Here are the differences between the two methods: Air-cured tobacco:

• Typically hung up in ventilated barns or shaded areas with the humidity closely monitored.
• Hung for anywhere from three to twelve weeks.
• Complete when the leaf’s central rib is free of moisture, resulting in leaves that are light tan to reddish-brown to deep brown in color.
• Low in sugar, which gives the tobacco smoke a light, sweet flavor, and a high nicotine content.
• Cigar and burley tobaccos are air cured.

Sun-cured tobacco:

• Spread out on racks and exposed to direct sunlight for a few days.
• This rapid drying method secures a bit of the natural sugar in the leaves, offering a slightly sweet taste when added to a blend.
• Exposed to direct sunlight for 12-30 days.
• Leaves often undergo a secondary curing to complete the process.
• Leaves are often much lighter than other types and are excellent for blending.
• Predominantly used in the production of Oriental tobaccos grown in Asian and Mediterranean countries.
• Low in both sugar and nicotine but fragrant, herbal, and spicy.
• Sun-cured tobacco leaves tend to be a yellow to orange color and have a high sugar content.

The Different Varieties of Ohio Burley Tobacco

Ohio Burley tobacco is grown primarily in southern Ohio . Burley tobacco is grown in Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, Virginia, and West Virginia . While discovered in Ohio, 70% of burley tobacco is grown in Kentucky today .

11 Conclusion

Ohio Burley tobacco is a unique and beloved variety that has captured the hearts of farmers, smokers, and enthusiasts alike. Its rich history, unique flavor profile, and important role in the tobacco industry make it a fascinating subject for study and exploration. Whether you’re a farmer, a smoker, or simply a curious enthusiast, we hope that this guide has provided you with a comprehensive and informative introduction to the world of Ohio Burley tobacco.

FAQs:

• What is Ohio Burley tobacco?
• Where is Ohio Burley tobacco grown?
• What is the flavor profile of Ohio Burley tobacco?
• How is Ohio Burley tobacco cured?
• What is the history of Ohio Burley tobacco?
• How is Ohio Burley tobacco processed?
• What are the characteristics of Ohio Burley tobacco?
• What is the role of Ohio Burley tobacco in the tobacco industry?
• Can Ohio Burley tobacco be mixed with other flavors?
• Does Ohio Burley tobacco have natural sugars?
• Why is Ohio Burley tobacco unique?
• Who discovered white burley tobacco?
• When is Ohio Burley tobacco harvested?
• How is Ohio Burley tobacco harvested?
• What is fire curing?

Answers: – Ohio Burley tobacco is a type of tobacco that is grown primarily in the state of Ohio, as well as in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Indiana.

• Ohio Burley tobacco is grown primarily in the southern and central parts of the state. While discovered in Ohio, 70% of burley tobacco is grown in Kentucky today. The remaining 30% is produced in Tennessee, North Carolina, Indiana, and Ohio.
• The flavor profile of Ohio Burley tobacco is characterized by a dry, nutty taste with hints of cocoa and coffee.
• Ohio Burley tobacco is air-cured, which means that it is hung in barns to dry for several weeks after being harvested.
• Ohio Burley tobacco has a rich history that dates back to the second half of the 19th century when its seeds were brought to the state of Ohio.
• Ohio Burley tobacco is typically processed by cutting the leaves into strips, threshing the leaves to separate them from the stems, and fermenting the leaves in a controlled environment.
• Ohio Burley tobacco is characterized by its large, broad leaves that are light green in color. It is an air-cured tobacco, which means that it is hung in barns to dry for several weeks after being harvested.
• Ohio Burley tobacco plays an important role in the tobacco industry, particularly in the production of cigarettes and cigars. Its unique flavor profile makes it a popular choice among smokers and tobacco manufacturers alike.
• Yes, Ohio Burley tobacco can be mixed with other flavors.
• Yes, Ohio Burley tobacco contains natural sugars.
• Ohio Burley tobacco is unique due to its flavor profile, which is characterized by a dry, nutty taste with hints of cocoa and coffee.
• White burley tobacco was discovered by George Webb and Joseph Fore in 1864 on the farm of Captain Frederick Kautz near Higginsport, Ohio.
• Ohio Burley tobacco is typically harvested in late summer or early fall, when the leaves have turned yellow and are starting to dry out.
• Ohio Burley tobacco is typically harvested by cutting the leaves off the stalks in 4 to 5 harvests at 2-week intervals. The leaves should be removed from the bottom of the plant first and should be hung in a curing barn to dry.
• Fire curing is a method of curing tobacco that involves exposing the tobacco to smoke and heat from a wood fire, which gives it a smoky flavor.

Books:

• Tobacco Culture: Farming Kentucky’s Burley Belt by John van Willigen
• Ohio’s Burley Tobacco Agriculture: A Primary Regional Cash Crop by Robert L. Smith