Cigar DirectoryThe production process of cigars is a complex and intricate art, with origins tracing back to regions such as the Vuelta Abajo and Pinar del Río in Cuba. The cigar production process is mainly divided into the following six stages:
1. Planting and Growing
The tobacco growing season typically begins in mid-October and ends around the end of December. However, before planting, the land must be managed throughout the summer from June to August, and seedlings begin to grow in September until early November.
2. Harvesting
Tobacco leaf harvesting starts sometime in December and ends in March of the following year. From planting to complete harvest, tobacco grown in the open takes 16 weeks, while shaded tobacco takes 17 weeks. The plants are not harvested in one day; instead, harvesting begins from the bottom of the plant, with leaves picked every few days, taking 2 to 3 leaves each time.
3. Curing
The harvested leaves are transported to curing warehouses, where they are hung in pairs on poles. The poles are then placed at the bottom of the racks, and as the tobacco leaves begin to change from green to golden brown, they are moved up to the top of the racks.
4. Processing
The cured tobacco leaves are sent to factories for processing, where they are used as wrappers, binders, or fillers based on their location and characteristics.
5. Rolling
The processed tobacco leaves are rolled into cigars, a step that is usually done by hand to ensure the quality and flavor of the cigars.
6. Storage and Aging
The rolled cigars need to be stored in a specific environment for a period to allow their flavors to become more rounded and rich.
