A fermentation medium to improve the color uniformity of tobacco wrappers

Abstract

This invention belongs to the field of cigar tobacco fermentation technology and provides a fermentation medium for improving the color uniformity of cigar wrapper tobacco leaves, including a medium formulation, usage method, and formulation instructions. This medium promotes the enzymatic browning reaction during the fermentation process of cigar wrapper tobacco leaves, resulting in a more uniform and deeper color, significantly improving the color uniformity and effectively enhancing the appearance quality of the cigar wrapper tobacco leaves. Furthermore, sensory evaluation shows that the aroma and flavor of the cigar wrapper tobacco leaves are improved to varying degrees after using this invention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of cigar tobacco fermentation technology, specifically relating to a fermentation medium that improves the color uniformity of cigar wrapper tobacco leaves. Background Technology

[0002] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance understanding of the overall background of the invention and is not necessarily to be construed as an admission or in any way implying that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0003] The wrapper tobacco is the outermost layer of tobacco leaves in a cigar. It requires extremely high appearance quality, especially in terms of color uniformity, integrity, veins (branches), and combustibility. Color uniformity is one of the important criteria for determining whether a wrapper can be used industrially.

[0004] In YC / T 588-2021, the "Standard for Grading of Cigar Tobacco Leaves for Industrial and Commercial Transfer," the "uniformity" of cigar tobacco leaves is described as "the harmonious consistency of the color of the tobacco leaves after fermentation." Here, color uniformity describes the degree to which the color of the entire wrapper tobacco leaf is uniform and consistent.

[0005] The color of cigar wrappers ranges from light to dark: bluish-brown, yellowish-brown, brownish-red, reddish-brown, brown, dark brown, and blackish-brown. Based on consumer habits and market positioning, high-end cigars often use darker wrappers. Therefore, achieving a uniform blackening of the wrapper tobacco is one method to improve the evenness of the wrapper tobacco's color.

[0006] Currently, there are two methods for producing dark brown wrappers for citrus fruits. ① The rubbing method. This method works by mechanically breaking down cell structures, causing polyphenols (chlorogenic acid, rutin, hyoscyamine, etc.) to seep out in large quantities from the vacuoles. Under the action of polyphenol oxidase, these substances are oxidized to produce light red to dark brown quinones. This method has three drawbacks: First, it requires high-quality tobacco leaves with sufficient internal substances to withstand thorough rubbing without damage; second, it is difficult to operate, requiring rubbing every part of the entire tobacco leaf, otherwise black patches and marks will appear; third, it is costly because the integrity of the tobacco leaves required for the wrapper is extremely high, and using machinery to replace manual labor is difficult, resulting in higher production costs. ② The dyeing method. This method uses dark-colored natural substances such as invert sugar and tobacco extracts to dye the surface of the tobacco leaves. This method suffers from poor colorfastness and easy fading.

[0007] Patent CN111728260A discloses a method and fermentation medium for improving the color uniformity of tobacco wrappers, which uses raw materials including tobacco leaves, citrus or lemon peels, white sugar, white wine, honey, and water to make the fermentation medium. However, this method uses dyeing and color-fixing processes and adds a lot of sugar, so the coloring effect and smoking quality still need to be improved. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention provides a fermentation medium formula for improving the color uniformity of citrus leaf wrappers. By applying this formula during the fermentation stage, adjusting the reaction pH, adding activators, enzymes, and reaction substrates, the enzymatic browning reaction of the tobacco leaves is accelerated, resulting in a darker overall color and achieving a uniform color for the citrus leaf wrappers. This solves the requirements for tobacco leaf quality in existing technologies, reduces operational difficulty, and lowers costs.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0010] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a fermentation medium for improving the color uniformity of tobacco wrappers, comprising the following raw materials in parts by weight: 100-120 parts of olive extract, 20-24 parts of pepper extract, and 1-1.2 parts of a compound containing anions and ferrous and ferrous ions.

[0011] In some embodiments, the raw materials for the olive extract include: olive fruit and olive leaves.

[0012] In some embodiments, the raw materials for the pepper extract include black pepper and white pepper.

[0013] In some embodiments, the compound containing anions and divalent and trivalent ferric ions includes: ferrous gluconate, ferric gluconate, ferric citrate, and ferric malate.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for using a fermentation medium to improve the color uniformity of basil tobacco leaves, comprising:

[0015] The above-mentioned fermentation medium is dissolved in water to obtain a fermentation medium solution;

[0016] Once the fermented eggplant-coated tobacco leaves have been evenly rehydrated to a moisture content of 15%, the fermentation medium solution is sprayed onto both sides of the tobacco leaves to initiate fermentation.

[0017] In some embodiments, the concentration of the fermentation medium solution is 0.3–0.4 g / mL.

[0018] In some embodiments, the water is purified water, deionized water, or distilled water.

[0019] In some embodiments, the fermentation temperature is 45°C to 46°C.

[0020] In some embodiments, the fermentation time is 1-3 days.

[0021] More specifically, the fermentation medium formula consists of olive extract, pepper extract, and ferrous gluconate in a ratio of 100:20:1.

[0022] Instructions for use: After the tobacco leaves have been fermented, allow them to rehydrate to 15% moisture content. Use 60g of fermentation medium per 1kg of cigar tobacco leaves, dissolved in 200g of purified water. Spray the medium evenly onto both sides of the tobacco leaves and place them in a fermentation room at 45℃. Use the tobacco leaves after 1-3 days of fermentation.

[0023] A third aspect of the present invention provides the application of the above-described fermentation medium in improving the color uniformity of tobacco wrappers.

[0024] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0025] (1) The functions of each component in the fermentation medium of the present invention are as follows:

[0026] ① Ferrous gluconate. Ferrous ions are a polyphenol oxidase activator, capable of reacting with phenolic compounds to form brown substances and catalyzing the oxidation of ketones. The optimal pH for polyphenol oxidase is between 6 and 7. However, during tobacco fermentation, a large amount of protein decomposes into volatile amines, creating an alkaline environment that affects the reaction process. Ferrous gluconate aqueous solution has a pH between 4.0 and 5.5, which can lower the environmental pH and promote the reaction.

[0027] ② Olive extract. Polyphenol oxidase is widely found in plants, with the highest content in olives among fruits and vegetables. Olive extract can provide some of the enzymes and reaction substrates for the enzymatic browning reaction, and can also enhance the green sweetness and fruity flavor of tobacco leaves.

[0028] ③ Pepper extract. Pepper extract contains tetrahydropiperine, also known as piperine, a natural broad-spectrum penetrant that increases cell membrane fluidity and enhances the diffusion coefficient of active substances in tobacco leaves. At the same time, pepper aroma is a unique aroma in cigar tobacco leaves, usually present in high-quality cigar tobacco leaves, and pepper extract can significantly enhance the spicy flavor of cigars.

[0029] (2) This invention has conducted long-term research on the effects of different polyphenol oxidase activators, plant extracts and penetrants on the color uniformity and fermentation of citrus peel tobacco leaves. Through experimentation, it was found that the combination of ferrous gluconate with olive extract and pepper extract can significantly promote the enzymatic browning reaction during the fermentation of citrus peel tobacco leaves, making the tobacco leaf color more uniform and darker, and significantly improving the color uniformity of the tobacco leaf, which can effectively promote the improvement of the appearance quality of citrus peel tobacco leaves. At the same time, sensory evaluation showed that the aroma and taste of citrus peel tobacco leaves were improved to varying degrees after using this invention.

[0030] (3) The preparation method of the present invention is simple, practical and easy to promote. Detailed Implementation

[0031] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further illustration of the invention. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used in this invention have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

[0032] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that the specific embodiments are explanations of the present invention and not limitations thereof.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] Fermentation medium formula: olive extract, pepper extract, ferrous gluconate. The ratio is 100:20:1.

[0035] Instructions for use: After the tobacco leaves have been fermented, allow them to rehydrate to 15% moisture content. Use 60g of fermentation medium per 1kg of cigar tobacco leaves, dissolved in 200g of purified water. Spray the medium evenly onto both sides of the tobacco leaves and place them in a fermentation room at 45℃. Use after 2 days of fermentation.

[0036] Four samples of tobacco leaves were collected, with grades of Hainan WR-2-D, Yunnan WR-2-D-L, Dominican 3LW17-18, and Indonesian GSⅡMM1. The media described in this invention was added to the samples for fermentation (T1), while a blank control (CK) was used with water. After fermentation, relevant technical personnel evaluated key indicators of appearance and sensory quality.

[0037] Table 1 Evaluation Table of Appearance Quality of Sample Tobacco Leaves

[0038]

[0039] As shown in Table 1, the indicators that have the greatest impact on the appearance of tobacco leaves after adding fermentation medium are color and color uniformity, and it also affects the oil content of some grades, while integrity and identity are not affected. Regarding color, all grades of tobacco leaves showed varying degrees of color deepening after fermentation with the addition of the medium. In particular, the bluish tint in the base color of the Indonesian GSⅡMM1 sample almost disappeared. Regarding color uniformity, all grades of tobacco leaves showed some improvement after fermentation with the medium, especially for cigar tobacco leaves with slightly poorer color uniformity, where the improvement was more pronounced. Regarding oil content, the Indonesian GSⅡMM1 sample showed improved oil content compared to the blank control after fermentation with the medium. The appearance quality of tobacco leaves treated with this invention, especially the color uniformity indicator, is significantly improved, specifically manifested as an overall deepening of the tobacco leaf color.

[0040] Table 2 Sensory Quality Evaluation Table of Sample Tobacco Leaves (Unit: points)

[0041]

[0042]

[0043] As shown in Table 2, the indicators that have the greatest impact on the sensory quality of tobacco leaves after adding fermentation media are aroma and taste, while they have no effect on smoke, off-flavors, or combustion. In terms of aroma, the main cigar aroma of the samples remained unchanged, while the added media mainly increased the aroma of pepper, green notes, and spiciness; in terms of taste, the main effects were an increase in comfort and sweetness.

[0044] It should be noted that, because tobacco leaves are agricultural products, their quality varies considerably depending on variety, region, and climate; therefore, the method of use and effects of this invention will also vary accordingly. Since this invention involves a mixture, interactions may occur, but these are not analyzed in detail in this patent.

[0045] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fermentation medium for improving the color uniformity of tobacco wrapper leaves, characterized in that, It is composed of the following raw materials in parts by weight: 100-120 parts olive extract, 20-24 parts pepper extract, and 1-1.2 parts compounds containing acid radicals and divalent and trivalent iron ions; The compound containing an acid radical and divalent and trivalent ferric ions is ferrous gluconate; The olive extract contains polyphenol oxidase, which provides some of the enzymes and reaction substrates for the enzymatic browning reaction during the fermentation of the tobacco leaves, thereby increasing the green sweet aroma and fruity flavor of the tobacco leaves. The pepper extract contains tetrahydropiperine, which can enhance the spicy flavor of tobacco.

2. The fermentation medium for improving the color uniformity of tobacco wrappers as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The raw materials for the olive extract include: olive fruit and olive leaves.

3. The fermentation medium for improving the color uniformity of tobacco wrappers as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The raw materials for the pepper extract include: black pepper and white pepper.

4. A method for using a fermentation medium to improve the color uniformity of eggplant wrapper tobacco leaves, characterized in that, include: Dissolve the fermentation medium according to any one of claims 1-3 in water to obtain a fermentation medium solution; Once the fermented tobacco leaves have been evenly rehydrated to 15% moisture content, the fermentation medium solution is sprayed onto both sides of the tobacco leaves to initiate fermentation.

5. The method of using the fermentation medium for improving the color uniformity of eggplant wrapper tobacco leaves as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The concentration of the fermentation medium solution is 0.3~0.4 g / mL.

6. The method of using the fermentation medium for improving the color uniformity of tobacco wrappers as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The water is purified water.

7. The method of using the fermentation medium for improving the color uniformity of eggplant wrapper tobacco leaves as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The water is deionized water or distilled water.

8. The method of using the fermentation medium for improving the color uniformity of tobacco wrappers as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The fermentation temperature is 45℃~46℃.

9. The method of using the fermentation medium for improving the color uniformity of eggplant wrapper tobacco leaves as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The fermentation time is 1-3 days.

10. The use of the fermentation medium according to any one of claims 1-3 in improving the color uniformity of tobacco wrappers.

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