Study on the Humidity Tolerance of Flue-curing Barn during Yellowing Stage on Tobacco Leaves

Purpose To discuss the suitable tolerance range of humidity during yellowing stage.

Method We studied the effects of different parts under different humidity gradient treatment during yellowing stage on the economic characters, chemical composition and sensory quality. The electrothermal temperature humidity control dense flue-curing barn was used for this experiment, and flue-cured tobacco variety K326 was took as the test material.

Result (1) With relative humidity of 60%-80% and curing for 72 hours, the filtration rate of different parts of flue-cured tobacco achieved 40% to 60%, the chlorophyll degradation rate achieved over 80%, which was good for tobacco leaves turn yellow and set the color. (2) During yellowing stage under relative humidity of 70%-80%, different parts of flue-cured tobacco had a better economic characters, among them, the proportion of superior tobacco could be as high as 78.01%, and the average price could be up to 29.28 CNY/kg. (3) During yellowing stage between relative humidity of 60%-80%, the internal chemical composition of different parts of flue-cured tobacco was more harmonious, and the sensory evaluation of absorption was better, what’s more, the middle leaves and the lower leaves yellow treated at relative humidity of 70%-80% and upper leaves at relative humidity of 65%-70%, the sensory smoking quality reached maximum value.

Conclusion The roasted tobacco baked for relative humidity of 60%-80% during the yellowing stage can met on industrial demands.