What is Stemming?

Stemming is the process of removing the central vein or stem from tobacco leaves before they are used in cigar production. This step is essential because the stems are thick and burn differently than the rest of the leaf, which could result in an uneven burn or harsh flavors. In premium cigar production, workers carefully remove the stems by hand to ensure the filler, binder, and wrapper tobacco burn smoothly and evenly. Proper stemming contributes to the overall quality of the cigar, ensuring a consistent smoking experience.