Burley tobacco, a light, air-cured variety, has long been a cornerstone of the tobacco industry. Its unique properties, versatility, and rich history make it a fascinating subject. From its cultivation to its various uses, the world of Burley tobacco is full of intrigue. Join us as we delve into this captivating topic, exploring the journey of Burley tobacco from seed to smoke, its impact on the global tobacco industry, and its enduring legacy.
Origin and Early Cultivation
The story of Burley tobacco begins in the 19th century, in the fertile soils of Kentucky. It was here that the first Burley tobacco was grown, a result of a happy accident when a batch of tobacco seeds underwent a natural mutation. The result was a tobacco plant with a lighter leaf and a distinct flavor, which quickly gained popularity among tobacco growers and users alike.
Burley Tobacco in the 20th Century
As the 20th century rolled in, Burley tobacco had established itself as a staple in the tobacco industry. Its cultivation spread beyond Kentucky, reaching other parts of the United States and eventually, the world.
Planting and Growing
The cultivation of Burley tobacco begins with the planting of seeds in a controlled environment. Once the seedlings are strong enough, they are transplanted to fields where they grow under the watchful eyes of farmers.
Harvesting and Curing
Harvesting Burley tobacco is a labor-intensive process that involves picking the leaves by hand. After harvesting, the leaves undergo a curing process, where they are air-dried in specially designed barns. This process gives Burley tobacco its characteristic light color and distinct flavor.
Physical Properties
Burley tobacco is known for its light, almost white color, a result of the air-curing process. The leaves are large and robust, capable of withstanding the rigors of cultivation and processing.
Flavor Profile
In terms of flavor, Burley tobacco is known for its mild, slightly nutty taste. It has a low sugar content, which gives it a dry, almost bitter flavor that is highly prized in the tobacco industry.
In Tobacco Blends
Burley tobacco is often used in tobacco blends, where it adds body and complexity to the mix. Its distinct flavor profile makes it a versatile component in a variety of tobacco products.
In Tobacco Products
From cigarettes to pipe tobacco, Burley tobacco finds its way into a wide range of tobacco products. Its unique characteristics make it a favorite among tobacco connoisseurs.
Economic Influence
The cultivation and processing of Burley tobacco have significant economic implications. It provides livelihoods for thousands of farmers and contributes to the economies of tobacco-growing regions.
Cultural Significance
Beyond its economic impact, Burley tobacco also has cultural significance. It is deeply intertwined with the history and traditions of the regions where it is grown.
The Future of Burley Tobacco
As we look to the future, Burley tobacco continues to hold a prominent place in the tobacco industry. Its unique properties, versatility, and rich history ensure that it will remain a fascinating subject for years to come.
what is the history of burley tobacco
The history of Burley tobacco dates back to 1864 when George Webb and Joseph Fore grew it on the farm of Captain Frederick Kautz near Higginsport, Ohio. They had brought seeds from Kentucky and noticed that the resulting plant yielded a different type of light leaf shaded from white to yellow, which cured differently. By 1866, they had harvested 20,000 pounds of Burley tobacco and sold it in 1867 at the St. Louis Fair for $58 per hundred pounds.
By 1883, Cincinnati had become the principal market for this tobacco, and it was grown throughout central Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. In 1880, Kentucky accounted for 36 percent of the total national tobacco production, making it the leading state in tobacco production.
Burley tobacco revolutionized the industry in east Tennessee and western North Carolina, transforming the tobacco industry with new cultivation techniques and a shift from dark and flue-cured tobacco.
By the early 1900s, Greene County was producing more than 1 million pounds of Burley tobacco a year, contributing to economic growth. The county became the epicenter of Burley tobacco production in the Mountain South.
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what are the different grades of burley tobacco
Burley tobacco is typically graded based on the position of the leaves on the stalk of the plant. Each position, or priming, has different properties and uses. The leaves from different primings are not equally good for the manufacture of cigarettes, hence the need for final grading according to plant position. The five grades of Burley tobacco are:
- WBF – Flyings: These are the first priming leaves.
- WBB – Bottom leaves: These are the leaves located at the bottom of the plant.
- WBM – Middle leaves: These are the leaves located in the middle of the plant.
- WBT – Top leaves: These are the leaves located at the top of the plant.
- ND – Non-descriptive: This grade includes leaves that do not fit into the other categories.
In addition to these grades, some tobacco companies suggest four grades but still get a high percentage of three-grade tobacco. The four grades are tips, leaf, lugs, and flyings. The three-grade system includes leaf, lugs, and flyings.
how has the production of burley tobacco changed over time
The production of Burley tobacco has undergone significant changes over time, influenced by various factors including cultivation techniques, market demands, and government policies.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Burley tobacco production was revolutionized with new cultivation techniques and a shift from dark and flue-cured tobacco. This led to a boom in Burley tobacco production, particularly in regions like East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. By the early 1900s, Greene County was producing more than 1 million pounds of Burley tobacco a year, contributing to economic growth.
However, by the 1990s, Burley tobacco production in the region had drastically declined. This decline was partly due to changes in the tobacco industry that likely altered the cost structure of tobacco producers. The decrease in the use of Burley tobacco in chewing tobacco products and a change in the relative desirability of various types of leaf also contributed to this decline.
In the early 2000s, the U.S. government ended federal support of tobacco farming through a buyout program, which significantly impacted Burley tobacco production. This led to a further decline in tobacco cultivation, prompting farmers to seek other revenue sources.
Despite these challenges, Burley tobacco production has continued, albeit with changes in cultivation practices and market dynamics. For instance, Burley production has become more concentrated in the hands of larger producers. Additionally, the selection of Burley tobacco varieties and management of tobacco float systems have evolved to adapt to changing market conditions.
Statistics
Production Statistics
In 1880, Kentucky accounted for 36 percent of the total national tobacco production, making it the leading state in tobacco production. Today, burley tobacco is produced in an eight-state belt with approximately 70% produced in Kentucky. Tennessee produces approximately 20%, with smaller amounts produced in Indiana, North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
Economic Impact
Burley tobacco has a significant economic impact, especially in the states where it is primarily grown. For example, in 2000, 142,775,526 pounds of burley tobacco sold for an average price of $19.
FAQs
What is Burley Tobacco?
Burley tobacco is a light air-cured tobacco used primarily for cigarette production. It is known for its strong, almost cigar-like taste.
Where is Burley Tobacco Grown?
Burley tobacco is primarily grown in an eight-state belt in the United States, with the majority produced in Kentucky and Tennessee. It is also grown in other countries, including Brazil, Malawi, and Argentina.
How is Burley Tobacco Processed?
Burley tobacco is air-cured in barns for up to two months, during which it loses most of its natural sugars and develops a strong taste.
Why is Burley Tobacco Popular?
Burley tobacco is popular due to its unique characteristics, including its strong taste and the fact that it can be used in various tobacco products, including cigarettes and pipe tobacco.
Can Burley Tobacco be Used in Cigars?
Yes, burley tobacco can be used in cigars. It is often blended with other types of tobacco to create a unique flavor profile.
Books
Recommended Books on Burley Tobacco
- “Burley: Kentucky Tobacco in a New Century” by Ann K. Ferrell https://www.hfsbooks.com/books/burley-ferrell/
- “History of Tobacco in Tennessee and Western Carolina” by Billy Yeargin and Christopher Bickers https://www.amazon.com/History-Tobacco-Tennessee-Western-Carolina/dp/1626199604
Sources of Information
Reliable Sources for Further Reading
- “Burley Tobacco Variety Information” from North Carolina State University https://tobacco.ces.ncsu.edu/burley-tobacco-variety-information/
- “Burley and Dark Tobacco Production Guide” from the University of Kentucky https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf
- “Burley Tobacco, the Environment and Economic Growth in Malawi” from JSTOR https://www.jstor.org/stable/2637533
Citations
Authoritative Sources on Burley Tobacco
- ScienceDirect https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/burley-tobacco
- Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco)
- Fair Trade Tobacco https://fairtradetobacco.com/threads/burley-tobacco-questions.11263/
- Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Burley-Kentucky-Tobacco-Century-Remembered/dp/0813167582
- North Carolina State University https://tobacco.ces.ncsu.edu/burley-tobacco-variety-information/
- University of Kentucky https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf
- ASCO Publications https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/GO.22.00180
- European Commission https://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/tobacco/es/l-3/2.htm
- Google Patents https://patents.google.com/patent/CN102894474A/en
- JSTOR https://www.jstor.org/stable/2637533
- HFS Books https://www.hfsbooks.com/books/burley-ferrell/
- PMI https://www.pmi.com/tobacco-economics/tobacco-farming-and-curing
- Kentucky Legislature https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/lrc/publications/ResearchReports/RR301.pdf