A method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves, a fermentation preparation and applications

Abstract

The present application provides a method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves, a fermentation preparation and its application. A method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves includes: preparing a compound fermentation preparation: using a mixed solution of single-flower honey and white vinegar as a base, adding pectinase, β-glucanase and protease to prepare the compound fermentation preparation; spraying or soaking the tobacco leaves with the compound fermentation preparation, and carrying out fermentation under constant temperature and humidity, and performing drying treatment after completion. The mass ratio of the single-flower honey, the white vinegar to water is 1:1.25:(40-50). The single-flower honey includes one or more of linden honey, pagoda tree flower honey or jujube flower honey. The method of the present application can quickly remove ammonia in the filler tobacco leaves, improve the harshness of the strength, and significantly increase the fineness and richness of the smoke, achieving the purpose of quickly improving the sensory quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the technical field of tobacco leaf processing, and particularly relates to a method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves, a fermentation preparation and its application. Background Art

[0002] Cigar tobacco is a type of tobacco leaf that uses whole tobacco leaves. It is distinguished from other types of tobacco leaves by its unique aroma. After harvesting and air-curing, cigar tobacco leaves generally have problems such as strong harshness, large irritation, and poor aroma quality and aroma quantity, and are not yet suitable for factory processing. This is especially true for filler tobacco leaves, which are the main source of the aroma and taste of cigar tobacco. They must undergo fermentation and aging for a certain period of time to significantly improve their processing characteristics and smoking quality before they can be put into subsequent use. At present, the sensory quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves is mainly improved by natural stacking fermentation. There are also technologies for treating cigar tobacco leaves by applying exogenous bactericides, biological enzyme preparations, exogenous plant extracts (such as tea soaking juice, rice soaking juice, etc.) on the surface of the tobacco leaves and combining with stacking fermentation. But generally, the principle is to improve the quality of the tobacco leaves through the slow changes of bacteria and enzymes during the stacking process. However, the changes in the internal substances of the tobacco leaves in the natural stacking state are slow, resulting in a relatively long overall fermentation cycle (generally 30 - 90 days), and the fermented tobacco leaves still have problems such as strong harshness, unprominent aroma, and insufficient aroma richness. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to provide a method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves, a fermentation preparation and its application, which reduces the irritation of the filler tobacco leaves and quickly improves the sensory quality of the tobacco leaves.

[0004] This application provides a method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves, including:

[0005] Preparing a compound fermentation preparation: Using a mixed solution of single-flower honey and white vinegar as the base, adding pectinase, β-glucanase and protease to prepare the compound fermentation preparation;

[0006] Spraying or soaking the tobacco leaves with the compound fermentation preparation, fermenting at a constant temperature and humidity, and performing drying treatment after completion.

[0007] Further, the mass ratio of the single-flower honey, the white vinegar and water is 1:1.25:(40 - 50).

[0008] Further, the single-flower honey includes one or more of linden honey, pagoda tree honey or jujube honey. The aforementioned honeys are preferably mature honeys.

[0009] Further, the pectinase is Pectinex, the β-glucanase is Viscozyme, the protease is Flavourzyme, and the mass ratio of the pectinase, the β-glucanase, the protease to the mixed solution is 1:(0.5 - 1):(1 - 1.5):(25 - 50).

[0010] Further, the mass ratio of the compound fermentation preparation to the tobacco leaves is 1:(5 - 10).

[0011] Further, every 20 - 25 pieces of the tobacco leaves are tied into a bunch and fermented by hanging vertically.

[0012] Further, the fermentation temperature is 48 - 52 °C, the fermentation humidity is 75% - 85%, and the fermentation time is 2 - 3 days.

[0013] Further, the moisture content of the tobacco leaves after drying treatment drops to 28% - 32%.

[0014] The present application provides a fermentation preparation for cigar filler tobacco leaves, which is the compound fermentation preparation in any of the above methods for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves.

[0015] The present application provides any of the above methods for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves, or the application of the above fermentation preparation for cigar filler tobacco leaves in the production of cigars and tobacco products.

[0016] The present application uses a mixed solution of single-flower honey and white vinegar as a quality-improving base regulator, adds bioenzymes to form a compound fermentation preparation, and uses the compound fermentation preparation to treat tobacco leaves, quickly removing ammonia in the filler tobacco leaves and improving the harshness of the body; while the bioenzymes degrade the internal macromolecular substances in the tobacco leaves, promoting the Maillard reaction to occur, generating small molecular substances and aroma components, significantly increasing the fineness and richness of the smoke, and achieving the purpose of quickly improving the sensory quality. The method of the present application can shorten the fermentation and quality improvement time of the filler tobacco leaves to 3 - 4 days.

[0017] The fermentation preparation of the present application can significantly improve the sensory quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves through a specific ratio.

[0018] The present application can be widely applied to the production of cigars and tobacco products, significantly improving the quality of cigars and tobacco products, and having high practicability. Detailed Embodiments

[0019] To further illustrate the present application, the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments, and it should not be construed as a limitation to the present application. For those conditions not specified in the embodiments, they are carried out according to the conventional conditions or the conditions recommended by the manufacturer. For the reagents or instruments whose manufacturers are not specified, they are all conventional products that can be obtained through commercial purchase.

[0020] A method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves, comprising:

[0021] (1) Preparing a composite fermentation preparation: Using a mixed solution of single-flower honey and white vinegar as the base. In this application, the single-flower honey should meet the requirements of GB 14963-2011 "National Food Safety Standard Honey". The single-flower honey includes one or more of linden honey, pagoda tree honey or jujube honey, wild single-flower mature honey. The honey flavor of a single honey source is more pure. The single-flower mature honey has a low water content, a high enzyme value, richer nutritional components, is not easy to deteriorate, and has good quality. In this application, the white vinegar should meet the requirements of GB 2719-2018 "National Food Safety Standard Vinegar". The mass ratio of single-flower honey, white vinegar and water is 1:1.25:(40-50). The cigar filler tobacco leaves are relatively alkaline with a higher pH value compared to flue-cured tobacco leaves. Adding white vinegar helps to neutralize the alkalinity on the one hand, providing a more suitable environment for subsequent enzymatic reactions and Maillard reactions. On the other hand, acetic acid in the white vinegar can combine with ammonia in the tobacco leaves to reduce the irritation. Add pectinase, β-glucanase and protease to prepare a composite fermentation preparation. The pectinase is Pectinex, the β-glucanase is Viscozyme, and the protease is Flavourzyme. The mass ratio of pectinase, β-glucanase, protease and the mixed solution is 1:(0.5-1):(1-1.5):(25-50). The mass ratio of the composite fermentation preparation to the tobacco leaves is 1︰(5-10).

[0022] (2) Uniformly spray or fully soak the tobacco leaves with the composite fermentation preparation, and carry out fermentation under constant temperature and humidity. Tie 20-25 tobacco leaves into a bunch, vertically hang them on a crossbar and drain the flowing water on the surface of the tobacco leaves for fermentation. Multiple bunches of tobacco leaves on the same horizontal plane are placed in parallel with a spacing of 10 cm, and the number of rack bars and layers are reasonably set according to the space in the fermentation room and the length of the tobacco bunches, and densely loaded into the kiln. The fermentation temperature is 48-52 °C, the fermentation humidity is 75%-85%, and the fermentation time can reach 2-3 days, with a short fermentation time. After completion, the exhaust facility can be opened for drying treatment. Preferably, the moisture content of the tobacco leaves after drying treatment is reduced to 28%-32% of the original.

[0023] Example 1

[0024] In this example, the variety of cigar filler tobacco leaves is Qingxue 107. The method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves includes:

[0025] (1) Preparation of compound fermentation preparation: Using the mixed solution of linden honey and white vinegar as the base, the masses of linden honey, white vinegar and water are 20 g, 25 g and 800 g respectively. Take a certain amount of the mixed solution, add pectinase (Pectinex® Smash XXL), β-glucanase (Viscozyme® L) and protease (Flavourzyme) to mix and prepare the compound fermentation preparation. The masses of pectinase, β-glucanase, protease and the mixed solution are 16 g, 8 g, 16 g and 800 g respectively. Take 800 g of the compound fermentation preparation to treat 8000 g of tobacco leaves.

[0026] (2) Evenly spray the surface of the tobacco leaves with the compound fermentation preparation, and carry out fermentation under constant temperature and humidity. Tie every 20 tobacco leaves into a bunch, vertically hang them on the crossbar and drain the flowing water on the surface of the tobacco leaves for fermentation. The tobacco leaves on multiple rods on the same horizontal plane are placed in parallel at an interval of 10 cm and densely loaded into the baking chamber. The fermentation temperature is 50 °C, the fermentation humidity is 80%, and the fermentation time is 48 hours. After completion, cut off the humidity supply in the fermentation chamber, maintain the original fermentation temperature supply, and turn on the exhaust facility for drying treatment for 24 hours to reduce the moisture content of the tobacco leaves to 30%.

[0027] Example 2

[0028] The variety of the cigar filler tobacco leaves in this example is the same as that in Example 1. The method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves includes:

[0029] (1) Preparation of compound fermentation preparation: On the premise that other conditions remain unchanged, the difference from Example 1 is that the masses of pectinase, β-glucanase, protease and the mixed solution are 32 g, 32 g, 32 g and 800 g respectively.

[0030] (2) The same as Example 1.

[0031] Example 3

[0032] The variety of the cigar filler tobacco leaves in this example is the same as that in Example 1. The method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves includes:

[0033] (1) Preparation of compound fermentation preparation: On the premise that other conditions remain unchanged, the difference from Example 1 is that the masses of pectinase, β-glucanase, protease and the mixed solution are 32 g, 32 g, 48 g and 800 g respectively.

[0034] (2) The same as Example 1.

[0035] Example 4

[0036] The variety of the cigar filler tobacco leaves in this example is the same as that in Example 1. The method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves includes:

[0037] (1) Preparation of compound fermentation preparation: On the premise that other conditions remain unchanged, the difference from Example 1 is that the masses of pectinase, β-glucanase, protease and the mixed solution are 16 g, 8 g, 16 g and 800 g respectively. Take 800 g of the compound fermentation preparation to treat 4000 g of tobacco leaves.

[0038] (2) Fully soak the tobacco leaves with the compound fermentation preparation, specifically soak the loose tobacco leaves in the compound fermentation preparation and rinse for 3 - 5 seconds, and other processes are the same as in Example 1.

[0039] Example 5

[0040] The variety of the cigar filler tobacco leaves in this example is the same as that in Example 1. The method for improving the quality of the cigar filler tobacco leaves includes:

[0041] (1) Preparation of compound fermentation preparation: On the premise that other conditions remain unchanged, the difference from Example 1 is that the masses of pectinase, β-glucanase, protease and the mixed solution are 32 g, 32 g, 32 g and 800 g respectively. Take 800 g of the compound fermentation preparation to treat 4000 g of tobacco leaves.

[0042] (2) Fully soak the tobacco leaves with the compound fermentation preparation, specifically soak the loose tobacco leaves in the compound fermentation preparation and rinse for 3 - 5 seconds, and other processes are the same as in Example 1.

[0043] Example 6

[0044] The variety of the cigar filler tobacco leaves in this example is the same as that in Example 1. The method for improving the quality of the cigar filler tobacco leaves includes:

[0045] (1) Preparation of compound fermentation preparation: On the premise that other conditions remain unchanged, the difference from Example 1 is that the masses of pectinase, β-glucanase, protease and the mixed solution are 32 g, 32 g, 48 g and 800 g respectively. Take 800 g of the compound fermentation preparation to treat 4000 g of tobacco leaves.

[0046] (2) Fully soak the tobacco leaves with the compound fermentation preparation, specifically soak the loose tobacco leaves in the compound fermentation preparation and rinse for 3 - 5 seconds, and other processes are the same as in Example 1.

[0047] Example 7

[0048] The variety of the cigar filler tobacco leaves in this example is the same as that in Example 1. The method for improving the quality of the cigar filler tobacco leaves includes:

[0049] (1) Preparation of compound fermentation preparation: Using the mixed solution of linden honey and white vinegar as the base, the masses of linden honey, white vinegar and water are 16 g, 20 g and 800 g respectively. Other processes are the same as in Example 1.

[0050] (2) The same as Example 1.

[0051] Example 8

[0052] In this example, the variety of the cigar filler tobacco leaves is the same as that in Example 1. The method for improving the quality of the cigar filler tobacco leaves includes:

[0053] (1) Prepare a compound fermentation preparation: Use a mixed solution of linden honey and white vinegar as the base. The masses of linden honey, white vinegar, and water are 16 g, 20 g, and 800 g respectively. Other processes are the same as those in Example 2.

[0054] (2) The same as in Example 2.

[0055] Example 9

[0056] In this example, the variety of the cigar filler tobacco leaves is the same as that in Example 1. The method for improving the quality of the cigar filler tobacco leaves includes:

[0057] (1) Prepare a compound fermentation preparation: Use a mixed solution of linden honey and white vinegar as the base. The masses of linden honey, white vinegar, and water are 16 g, 20 g, and 800 g respectively. Other processes are the same as those in Example 3.

[0058] (2) The same as in Example 3.

[0059] Example 10

[0060] In this example, the variety of the cigar filler tobacco leaves is the same as that in Example 1. The method for improving the quality of the cigar filler tobacco leaves includes:

[0061] (1) Prepare a compound fermentation preparation: Use a mixed solution of linden honey and white vinegar as the base. The masses of linden honey, white vinegar, and water are 16 g, 20 g, and 800 g respectively. Other processes are the same as those in Example 4.

[0062] (2) The same as in Example 4.

[0063] Example 11

[0064] In this example, the variety of the cigar filler tobacco leaves is the same as that in Example 1. The method for improving the quality of the cigar filler tobacco leaves includes:

[0065] (1) Prepare a compound fermentation preparation: Use a mixed solution of linden honey and white vinegar as the base. The masses of linden honey, white vinegar, and water are 16 g, 20 g, and 800 g respectively. Other processes are the same as those in Example 5.

[0066] (2) The same as in Example 5.

[0067] Example 12

[0068] In this example, the variety of the cigar filler tobacco leaves is the same as that in Example 1. The method for improving the quality of the cigar filler tobacco leaves includes:

[0069] (1)Prepare the compound fermentation preparation: Use the mixed solution of linden honey and white vinegar as the base, and the masses of linden honey, white vinegar and water are 16 g, 20 g and 800 g respectively. Other processes are the same as in Example 6.

[0070] (2)Same as Example 6.

[0071] Divide the tobacco leaves obtained in each example into two equal parts along the main vein (discard the main vein), uniformly select the tobacco leaves on the left side of the main vein for sensory quality evaluation, and the tobacco leaves on the right side of the main vein for the fractional separation study of the mainstream smoke gas particulate phase extract.

[0072] 1. Sensory quality evaluation:

[0073] Cigar agricultural fermentation experts conduct sensory quality evaluation and scoring on 8 indicators of the fermented core tobacco leaves, such as body, aroma quality, aroma quantity, sweetness, irritation, off-flavors, aftertaste, and combustibility (each single indicator has a weight, and the total score is full marks of 100 points). The statistical results are reserved to one decimal place. The higher the total score, the better the sensory quality. The specific evaluation results are shown in Table 1.

[0074] Table 1

[0075]

[0076] It can be seen from Table 1 that: the method of this application effectively improves the sensory quality of tobacco leaves. The sensory quality of the core tobacco leaves after treatment is significantly improved, mainly reflected in the significant improvement of the harshness of the smoke body, the improvement of the smoothness of the smoke, the increase in aroma richness and aroma quantity, the improvement of sweetness, the reduction of irritation and off-flavors, and the improvement of oral comfort.

[0077] 2. Fractional separation study of the mainstream smoke gas particulate phase extract:

[0078] Use the silica gel column chromatography step-by-step separation technology to conduct a fractional separation study on the mainstream smoke particulate matter extract of cigar. Set the experimental group: use the tobacco leaves obtained in Example 12, and the control group: the same kind of tobacco leaves without treatment with the fermentation preparation. Use the GC-MS analysis method to analyze the silica gel column chromatography fractions. The results show that there are 151 substances in the silica gel fractions. Among them, substances such as aldehydes, esters, and ketones can produce pleasant aromas and have the effect of improving the smoke and enhancing the sensory quality. The specific analysis results are shown in Table 2-1, Table 2-2 and Table 2-3.

[0079] Table 2-1

[0080]

[0081] Table 2-2

[0082]

[0083] Table 2-3

[0084]

[0085] It can be seen from Table 2-1, Table 2-2 and Table 2-3 that: compared with the tobacco leaves of the control group, the total amounts of aldehydes, esters and ketones in the tobacco leaves of the experimental group all increased to varying degrees.

[0086] Comparative Example 1

[0087] The variety of the filler tobacco leaves of this comparative example is the same as that of Example 1, and the filler tobacco leaves of the cigar are processed, including:

[0088] (1) Using a 5% distilled aqueous solution of linden honey as a fermentation preparation, evenly spraying the surface of the tobacco leaves to make them regain moisture, placing the moistened tobacco leaves in a constant temperature and humidity box, and under the conditions of a temperature of 23°C and a humidity of 80%, balancing the moisture for at least 24 hours until the moisture content of the tobacco leaves reaches 30%.

[0089] (2) Take 2 kg of tobacco leaves with balanced moisture, stack them crosswise on a stainless-steel tray at a 45° angle with the leaf surface, and invert another stainless-steel tray on it to prevent the tobacco leaves from scattering and toppling. Place the tobacco leaves in the above trays in a constant temperature and humidity box at a temperature of 42°C and a humidity of 80% to simulate bulk fermentation. The fermentation time is 30 days. During this period, loosen the tobacco leaves once every 10 days, and at the same time, take a small amount of tobacco leaves for sensory quality comparative evaluation with the retained tobacco leaves processed in Example 12. The specific evaluation results are shown in Table 3.

[0090] Table 3

[0091]

[0092] It can be seen from Table 3 that: the fermentation process of Comparative Example 1 is slow and takes a long time, and the fermentation effect is still insufficient.

[0093] Comparative Example 2

[0094] The variety of the filler tobacco leaves of this comparative example is the same as that of Example 1. The filler tobacco leaves of the cigar are processed. Based on the processing conditions of Example 12, on the premise that other conditions remain unchanged, the difference is that β-glucanase is not added to the compound fermentation preparation, and the masses of pectinase, protease and the mixed solution are 32 g, 48 g and 800 g respectively. After fermentation, a sensory quality comparative evaluation is carried out with the retained tobacco leaves processed in Example 12. The specific evaluation results are shown in Table 4.

[0095] Table 4

[0096]

[0097] As can be seen from Table 4, after fermentation in Comparative Example 2, the improvement in irritation and comfort is slightly lacking. After the treatment in Comparative Example 2, the off-odors and irritation scores of the tobacco leaves are both low. The existence of off-odor irritation offsets the improvement effect of sensory quality to a certain extent. Although the total score is slightly higher, considering the superimposed effect of the leaf group formula, the scheme of Comparative Example 2 cannot be selected.

[0098] One of the beneficial effects of the method of the present application is to quickly improve the quality defects of heavy off-odors and high irritation of the cigar filler tobacco leaves after curing. The main material basis for the generation of off-odors and irritation is the cell wall substances in the tobacco leaves. When the content of cell wall substances is relatively high, their incomplete combustion will not only lead to the generation of off-odors and irritation, but also affect the release of aroma substances, resulting in dull and non-permeating aroma and lack of fluffiness. One of the functions of β-glucanase is to degrade the cell wall substances of tobacco leaves from different structural sites, fundamentally reducing the material sources of off-odors and irritation in the smoke.

[0099] Comparative Example 3

[0100] The variety of the cigar filler tobacco leaves in this comparative example is the same as that in Example 1. The cigar filler tobacco leaves are treated. Based on the treatment conditions in Example 12, on the premise that other conditions remain unchanged, the difference is that β-glucanase and pectinase are not added to the compound fermentation preparation, and the masses of protease and the mixed solution are 48 g and 800 g respectively. After fermentation, a sensory quality comparative evaluation is carried out with the retained sample tobacco leaves treated in Example 12. The specific evaluation results are shown in Table 5.

[0101] Table 5

[0102]

[0103] As can be seen from Table 5, in Comparative Example 3, due to the lack of two key enzymes for dissociating the cell wall structure of tobacco leaves in the single protease fermentation preparation, the exposure degree of macromolecular substances in the tobacco leaves during fermentation is reduced and the conversion cannot proceed smoothly, resulting in an obvious difference in the sensory quality of the fermented and treated tobacco leaves compared with that in Example 12.

[0104] Comparative Example 4

[0105] The variety of the cigar filler tobacco leaves in this comparative example is the same as that in Example 1. The cigar filler tobacco leaves are treated. Based on the treatment conditions in Example 12, on the premise that other conditions remain unchanged, the difference is that β-glucanase and protease are not added to the compound fermentation preparation, and the masses of pectinase and the mixed solution are 32 g and 800 g respectively. After fermentation, a sensory quality comparative evaluation is carried out with the retained sample tobacco leaves treated in Example 12. The specific evaluation results are shown in Table 6.

[0106] Table 6

[0107]

[0108] As can be seen from Table 6, there are obvious differences in the sensory quality of the tobacco leaves fermented with the single pectinase fermentation preparation in Comparative Example 4 compared with Example 12. In Comparative Example 4, due to the insufficient ability of the single pectinase fermentation preparation to dissociate the tobacco leaf cell wall and the lack of basic enzymes for protein decomposition, the fermentation is insufficient, and the difference in the transformation of tobacco leaf quality compared with Example 12 is relatively obvious, mainly reflected in the lack of tobacco fragrance in the senses, and obvious miscellaneous odors and irritation. Therefore, the solution of Comparative Example 4 is not selected.

[0109] The above are only the preferred embodiments of the present application. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the principle of the present application, several improvements and refinements can still be made, and these improvements and refinements should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves, characterized in that, Comprising: Preparing a compound fermentation preparation: Using a mixed solution of single-flower honey and white vinegar as the base, the mass ratio of the single-flower honey, the white vinegar to water is 1:1.25:(40 - 50), adding pectinase, β-glucanase and protease to mix and obtain the compound fermentation preparation, the mass ratio of the pectinase, the β-glucanase, the protease to the mixed solution is 1:(0.5 - 1):(1 - 1.5):(25 - 50); Spraying or soaking tobacco leaves with the compound fermentation preparation, and fermenting under constant temperature and humidity, and performing drying treatment after completion.

2. The method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves according to claim 1, wherein The single-flower honey includes one or more of linden honey, pagoda tree honey or jujube honey.

3. The method for improving the quality of the filler tobacco leaves of cigars according to claim 1, wherein, The mass ratio of the compound fermentation preparation to the tobacco leaves is 1︰(5 - 10).

4. The method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, Every 20 - 25 pieces of the tobacco leaves are tied into a bunch and vertically hung for fermentation.

5. The method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fermentation temperature is 48 - 52 °C, the fermentation humidity is 75% - 85%, and the fermentation time is 2 - 3 days.

6. The method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco according to claim 1, wherein After the drying treatment, the moisture content of the tobacco leaves drops to 28% - 32%.

7. A fermentation preparation for cigar filler tobacco leaves, characterized in that, It is the compound fermentation preparation in the method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves according to any one of claims 1 - 6.

8. The application of the method for improving the quality of cigar filler tobacco leaves according to any one of claims 1 - 6 or the fermentation preparation for cigar filler tobacco leaves according to claim 7 in cigar production.

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