292 The Fermentation of Cacao 



For the manufacture of cigarettes light yellow- 

 coloured very thin leaves are wanted. 



The process of fermentation for producing 

 cigar tobacco is more difficult. Much care and 

 skill is necessary to bring this work to a 

 successful close. The desirable colour and 

 aroma of the leaves depend entirely on this 

 operation. After the leaves are dried in the 

 shed they are put into bulk. The leaves 

 should contain about 20 per cent, of moisture, 

 so should be artificially moistened with a fine 

 spray -if too dry. On the other hand, 26 per- 

 cent, of moisture in the leaf is considered 

 excessive. The temperature of the piles rises 

 to about 126 F. within two days. Leaves 

 should be rebulked in three or four days. The 

 bulk should be watched closely during the 

 fermentation. In the case of filler leaves the 

 temperature must not be allowed to rise above 

 1 80 F, This maximum temperature is never 

 desired. A temperature of 160 F. for the 

 filler leaves and that of 1 20 F. for wrapper 

 leaves are recommended by the tobacco ex- 

 perts of the United States. When this tem- 

 perature is reached, the bulk should be broken 

 down and rebuilt. The bottom and top leaves 

 should now be placed in the middle. The 

 temperature now rises more slowly. The next 

 rebulking is necessary in seven or eight days. 

 Altogether the piles are repacked from five 

 to ten times until the temperature fails to rise. 

 The temperature of the fermentation room 



