What is Wilting?

Wilting is the process that occurs after tobacco leaves are harvested and before they are placed in curing barns. During this phase, the leaves lose some of their moisture and begin to soften, making them more pliable for the curing and fermentation processes. Wilting is an important step in preparing the tobacco for the next stages of production, as it allows the leaves to be handled more easily without breaking. Proper wilting ensures that the tobacco leaves retain their integrity throughout the curing and fermentation processes, contributing to the quality of the final cigar.