Bulk Curing Optimization to Reduce Tobacco Slick Leaves

This study aimed to reduce the proportion of slick leaves during bulk tobacco curing.The conventional, intensive baking process was used for comparison.The leaf color at wilting and various band periods was determined.The results showed that the slow roasting produced an improved color at wilting and tobacco quality of the lower leaves, and that the slow roasting at different band periods helped on the baking quality of the upper leaves.By extending the band period, the proportion of roasted tobacco leaf veins of upper leaves and the leaf density were significantly reduced.In addition, the leaf structure was loose, the surface was wrinkled, and the proportion of slick leaf was significantly reduced.