Recently, I've been conducting a literature review into research on aspects of cigars. My first target has been the curing and fermentation of cigar tobaccos. Some of the work that has been done extends as far back as the 1920's with a fair portion funded by US Tobacco companies such as Lorillard and Liggett and Meyers during the 1950's. I even turned up a fascinating account of tobacco cultivation from early in the 18th century.
There is a fair amount of information about the chemical changes that occur during the various phases of curing and fermentation.
In addtion to the subjects central to cigar makers, I've also turned up fascinating work on related aspects. For example, there is a 2001 study that demonstrates that Cuban and non-Cuban cigars can be differentiated by a relatively simple analytical method that I've used, albeit for other purposes. Also, there is a 2006 study that identified the chemical components of "cigar smoker's breath."
Although the original papers are sometimes highly technical, I would distill their central ideas and findings into language that the layperson could easily understand.
So, let me know if you guys think it might be useful, entertaining, or other.
Wilkey
There is a fair amount of information about the chemical changes that occur during the various phases of curing and fermentation.
In addtion to the subjects central to cigar makers, I've also turned up fascinating work on related aspects. For example, there is a 2001 study that demonstrates that Cuban and non-Cuban cigars can be differentiated by a relatively simple analytical method that I've used, albeit for other purposes. Also, there is a 2006 study that identified the chemical components of "cigar smoker's breath."
Although the original papers are sometimes highly technical, I would distill their central ideas and findings into language that the layperson could easily understand.
So, let me know if you guys think it might be useful, entertaining, or other.
Wilkey
