Cigar core tobacco leaf loose leaf template stacking fermentation method and product and application thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a scattered cigar core tobacco leaf template stacking fermentation method as well as a product and application thereof. The method comprises the following steps: after different leaf positions of fed cigar core tobacco leaves are distinguished, respectively carrying out scattered leaf humidification, moisture balance and stacking fermentation treatment; a humidifying solution adopted for humidifying the loose leaves is a composite plant extract solution; the plant extract comprises a combination of a chrysanthemum extract, a sweet-scented osmanthus extract and a cinnamon extract; when the three plant extracts are applied to cigar core treatment, the three extract components have a potential synergistic effect relationship in the aspects of promoting fermentation, enhancing the original aroma of tobacco leaves, improving the foreign flavor of the tobacco leaves and the like, the fermentation efficiency can be further improved, the fermentation effect can be optimized, and the cigar core material with a better sensory experience effect is prepared.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of tobacco processing, and in particular relates to a cigar filler tobacco leaf template stacking fermentation method, and a product and application thereof. Background Art

[0002] Cigar filler plays a decisive role in the quality and style of cigar products. Its quality directly affects the style of the product. Fermentation can remove the harshness, pungency, and bitterness of the smoke, reduce impurities and irritation, improve the overall quality of the raw materials, give the tobacco leaves a better taste, and enhance their usability. At present, filler tobacco leaves are generally piled or artificially fermented. The existing pile fermentation method is to pile the tobacco leaves in an orderly manner. That is, the filler tobacco leaves are moistened by artificial spraying or spraying (filling bags), and then the tobacco leaves are piled up in an orderly manner with the leaf tips facing inward and the petioles facing outward. The leaves must be stacked in an orderly manner with no gaps between the leaves. During the process, pressure and adjustment are constantly applied to prevent the leaves from loosening and collapsing due to loose stacking. After the stack is completed, it is fermented under specific conditions. The temperature is monitored during the process and the stack is turned when it reaches the set temperature. During the turning process, the center, upper layer, lower layer, and surrounding tobacco leaves are interchanged to fully spread out and cool down. The stacking, fermentation, and turning steps are repeated several times. Fermentation is stopped when the tobacco leaves meet the quality requirements. Artificial fermentation is generally fermentation with human intervention, and the fermentation intensity is relatively high. Containers made of various woods or containers of other materials are used to hold tobacco leaves as cigar core, and are placed in a specific temperature and humidity environment (generally a high temperature and high humidity environment) for fermentation. The position of the container and the position of the tobacco leaves in the container are turned over regularly, and fermentation is stopped when the requirements are met.

[0003] However, current challenges with stacked cigar tobacco fermentation materials include difficulty adding moisture, uneven moisture content, slow temperature rise, poor fermentation homogeneity, low space utilization, and long production cycles, severely impacting cigar production, product quality, and stability. Therefore, developing a fermentation method that can rapidly improve the quality of filler tobacco leaves and ensure their uniformity and stability is crucial for improving fermentation efficiency, supporting cigar production, and ensuring product quality. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a cigar filler tobacco leaf template stacking fermentation method and its products and applications.

[0005] In order to achieve the purpose of the invention, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for fermenting cigar filler tobacco leaves in a loose leaf template stacking process, the method comprising the following steps: separating incoming cigar filler tobacco leaves into different leaf positions and subjecting them to separate leaf moistening, moisture balancing, and stacking fermentation processes;

[0007] The moistening solution used for moistening the loose leaves is a composite plant extract solution;

[0008] The plant extracts include a combination of chrysanthemum extract, osmanthus extract and cassia bark extract;

[0009] The different leaf positions include top leaves and middle and lower leaves.

[0010] The present invention adopts a specific processing process to treat cigar core, wherein the moisturizing treatment is performed by moisturizing loose leaves, which can to a certain extent solve the problems of poor moisturizing effect and uneven moisture content of traditional bundled tobacco leaves, thereby improving the fermentation uniformity of the raw materials; and the solution used during moisturizing adopts a mixed solution containing three plant extracts of chrysanthemum, osmanthus and cassia bark. The combined use of the three extract components can not only fully moisturize the tobacco leaves, but also enhance the original aroma of the tobacco leaves and neutralize impurities. Some natural plant ingredients contained in the extracts can further improve the fermentation efficiency and optimize the fermentation effect in the subsequent fermentation process, thereby preparing a cigar core material with a better sensory experience effect.

[0011] Preferably, the mass ratio of the chrysanthemum extract, the osmanthus extract and the cassia bark extract is (1-3):(2-5):(0.5-3);

[0012] The above “1-3” may be, for example, 1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 2, 2.2, 2.5, 2.8, 3, etc.;

[0013] The above-mentioned “2-5” can be, for example, 2, 2.2, 2.5, 2.8, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, etc.;

[0014] The above-mentioned “0.5-3” can be, for example, 0.5, 1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 2, 2.2, 2.5, 2.8, 3, etc.

[0015] In the present invention, based on the potential synergistic relationship between the three plant extract components of chrysanthemum, osmanthus and cassia bark in promoting fermentation, improving the off-flavor of tobacco leaves, etc., when their dosage is within the above-mentioned specific range, they have a further better processing effect.

[0016] The chrysanthemum extract and cinnamon bark extract involved in the present invention are not limited to their specific preparation process and source. Products prepared by conventional extraction and preparation processes and regular commercially available products can be used in the scheme of the present invention. For example, the chrysanthemum / cinnamon bark raw materials can be mixed with water and / or alcohol, heated and extracted at 50-98° C. for 0.5-5 hours, the extract is filtered, the filtrate is collected, and the extract is concentrated and dried.

[0017] The osmanthus extract involved in the present invention is not limited to its specific preparation process. When it is prepared using the following process, its synergistic effect with the chrysanthemum extract and the cinnamon extract in promoting fermentation, improving the off-flavor of tobacco leaves, etc. is more significant.

[0018] Preferably, the osmanthus extract is prepared by a method comprising the following steps:

[0019] The osmanthus raw material is mixed with a solution containing a low eutectic solvent and then subjected to negative pressure cavitation extraction. After the extract is centrifuged and filtered, the filtrate is collected to obtain the osmanthus extract.

[0020] The present invention creatively discovered that the use of a low eutectic solvent to treat the osmanthus raw material and combined with a negative pressure cavitation extraction process can efficiently extract and stimulate the aroma components and sugar and other related substances in the osmanthus, which helps to improve the efficiency of subsequent fermentation, neutralize impurities, and coordinate the product flavor.

[0021] Preferably, the deep eutectic solvent is obtained by reacting a hydrogen bond acceptor and a hydrogen bond donor.

[0022] Preferably, the hydrogen bond donor is selected from any one or a combination of at least two of propylene glycol, glycerol, glycerol, glucose, glycolic acid, citric acid, L-ascorbic acid, polyethylene glycol, fructose or L-proline, preferably any one or a combination of at least two of glycerol, glucose, citric acid, L-ascorbic acid, fructose and L-proline.

[0023] Preferably, the hydrogen bond acceptor is selected from any one or a combination of at least two of betaine, choline chloride or acetamide, preferably betaine and / or choline chloride.

[0024] Preferably, the hydrogen bond donors are citric acid and fructose, and the hydrogen bond acceptor is betaine.

[0025] In the present invention, when osmanthus is treated with a low eutectic solvent using citric acid and fructose as hydrogen bond donors and betaine as a hydrogen bond acceptor, the osmanthus extract prepared thereby is applied to the processing technology of cigar cores, and the resulting processed core product has a better effect.

[0026] Preferably, the molar ratio of the hydrogen bond acceptor to the hydrogen bond donor is (1-5):(3-8), for example, it can be 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 2:7, 1:8, 5:3, 5:6, 5:8, etc. Other specific point values within this numerical range can be selected and will not be repeated here.

[0027] Preferably, the solution containing the deep eutectic solvent also includes water, and the mass ratio of the deep eutectic solvent to water in the mixed solvent is 1:1-10:1, for example, it can be 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1, 10:1, etc. Other specific point values within this numerical range can be selected, and they will not be repeated here.

[0028] Preferably, the ratio of the osmanthus raw material to the solution containing the deep eutectic solvent is 1: (5-10) g / mL, for example, it can be 1: 5g / mL, 1: 6g / mL, 1: 7g / mL, 1: 8g / mL, 1: 9g / mL, 1: 10g / mL, etc. Other specific point values within this numerical range can be selected, and they will not be repeated here.

[0029] Preferably, the negative pressure cavitation refers to introducing a vacuum system into the reflux extraction reaction device.

[0030] Preferably, the vacuum degree of the vacuum system is 60-120 mbar, for example, 60 mbar, 65 mbar, 70 mbar, 75 mbar, 80 mbar, 85 mbar, 90 mbar, 95 mbar, 100 mbar, 105 mbar, 110 mbar, 115 mbar, 120 mbar, etc. Other specific point values within the above numerical range can be selected, and they will not be repeated here.

[0031] Preferably, the temperature of the negative pressure cavitation extraction is 50-65°C, and the time is 1-3h. The extraction temperature can be selected from 50°C, 52°C, 55°C, 58°C, 60°C, 62°C, 65°C, etc., and the extraction time can be selected from 1h, 1.2h, 1.5h, 1.8h, 2h, 2.2h, 2.5h, 3h, etc. Other specific point values within the above numerical range can be selected, and they will not be repeated here.

[0032] In the present invention, when the above-mentioned specific process parameters are used to process and extract the osmanthus raw material, it has a better processing effect on the osmanthus raw material.

[0033] Preferably, the total mass percentage of the plant extract in the composite plant extract solution is 0.5%-5%, for example, it can be 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 3.5%, 4%, 4.5%, 5%, etc. Other specific point values within the above numerical range can be selected, and they will not be repeated here.

[0034] Preferably, the total amount of the plant extract is 0.1%-1% of the tobacco leaf mass, for example, it can be 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.4%, 0.5%, 0.8%, 0.9%, 1%, etc. Other specific point values within the above numerical range can be selected and will not be repeated here.

[0035] Preferably, the method of moistening the loose leaves includes moistening by immersion or moistening by spraying.

[0036] Preferably, the loose leaves are moistened as follows: the top leaves are moistened to 28%-32%, for example, 28%, 29%, 29.5%, 30%, 30.5%, 31%, 31.5%, 32%, etc.; the middle and lower leaves are moistened to 25%-28%, for example, 25%, 25.5%, 26%, 26.5%, 27%, 27.2%, 27.5%, 28%, etc.

[0037] Preferably, the moisture equilibrium temperature is independently 32-38°C, for example, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, etc.; the humidity is 65%-80%, for example, 65%, 68%, 69%, 70%, 72%, 75%, 76%, 78%, 80%, etc.; the time is 2-4h, for example, 1h, 1.2h, 1.5h, 1.8h, 2h, 2.2h, 2.5h, 2.8h, 3h, etc.

[0038] Preferably, the stacking fermentation is to place tobacco leaves of different leaf positions in a bottomless and lidless mold for stacking, and after the stacking is completed, take out the tobacco stack for fermentation.

[0039] In the present invention, the stacking process adopts a mold made of a template for stacking, and there is no need to pressurize or adjust from time to time during the process, which improves efficiency. The stacking height is high and the space utilization rate is large. The internal temperature of the stack obtained by stacking rises quickly and ferments quickly, which can effectively shorten the fermentation cycle.

[0040] The mold made of the template can be, for example, a bottomless and coverless cube template made of four pieces of oak or fir wood, with rollers on the bottom edge, hinged, foldable, and a round hole in the center for placing a thermometer probe. When stacking, the template is unfolded and fixed into a mold.

[0041] Preferably, the density of the stacks at different leaf positions after stacking is independently 145-225 kg / m 3 , for example, it can be 145kg / m 3 、150kg / m 3 、160kg / m 3 、170kg / m 3 、180kg / m 3 , 200kg / m 3, 210kg / m 3 , 220kg / m 3 , 225kg / m 3 Other specific point values within the above numerical range can be selected and will not be described here one by one.

[0042] Preferably, the moisture content of the tobacco stack is maintained at 25%-30% during the fermentation process of tobacco leaves at different leaf positions. For example, it can be 25%, 25.5%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 29.5%, 30%, etc. Other specific point values within the above numerical range can be selected and will not be described here one by one.

[0043] Preferably, the stack is turned when the core temperature of the top leaf tobacco stack is 48-52°C, such as 48°C, 48.5°C, 49°C, 49.5°C, 50°C, 51°C, 51.5°C, 52°C, etc.; the stack is turned when the core temperature of the middle and lower leaf tobacco stack is 40-45°C. After turning, the template stacking process is repeated, and the tobacco stack is taken out for continued fermentation.

[0044] Preferably, the judgment standard for stopping fermentation during the stack fermentation is: testing the stack core temperature every 2 hours after the start of fermentation, calculating the average temperature of the stack core fermentation every day, and stopping the fermentation when the sum of the average temperatures exceeds 1300°C and the stack core temperature is not greater than 35°C, and processing for standby use.

[0045] The temperature test consists of 12 sets of temperature data per day. The average of these 12 sets of temperature data is calculated as the average temperature of the day. The average temperature of each day since the start of fermentation is added up. When it exceeds 1300°C and the core temperature is not greater than 35°C, fermentation is stopped and the product is processed for later use.

[0046] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a cigar filler prepared by the fermentation method according to the first aspect.

[0047] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a use of a cigar filler prepared by the fermentation method described in the first aspect in preparing a cigar product.

[0048] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0049] The present invention adopts a specific processing process to treat cigar core, wherein the moisturizing treatment is performed by moisturizing loose leaves, which can to a certain extent solve the problems of poor moisturizing effect and uneven moisture content of traditional bundled tobacco leaves, thereby improving the fermentation uniformity of the raw materials; and the solution used during moisturizing adopts a mixed solution containing three plant extracts of chrysanthemum, osmanthus and cassia bark. The combined use of the three extract components can not only fully moisturize the tobacco leaves, but also enhance the original aroma of the tobacco leaves and neutralize impurities. Some natural plant ingredients contained in the extracts can further improve the fermentation efficiency and optimize the fermentation effect in the subsequent fermentation process, thereby preparing a cigar core material with a better sensory experience effect. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] In order to further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention are further described below in conjunction with the preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments.

[0051] The following cigar filler tobacco leaves are: Sichuan Dexue No. 4 tobacco leaves (Example 1), Hubei Chuxue No. 80 tobacco leaves (Example 2), and Yunnan Yunxue No. 1 tobacco leaves (Example 3).

[0052] Preparation Example 1

[0053] This preparation example provides an osmanthus extract, which is prepared by the following method:

[0054] A vacuum system was introduced into a normal pressure reflux extraction apparatus with a system vacuum degree of 80 mbar. The washed osmanthus flowers were dried and crushed and then mixed with a solution containing a deep eutectic solvent [betaine: (citric acid + fructose) = 2:5, citric acid: fructose = 1:2, molar ratio] for reflux extraction. The mass ratio of the deep eutectic solvent to water in the solution was 6:1, and the ratio of the osmanthus raw material to the solution containing the deep eutectic solvent was 1:8 g / mL. The extraction conditions were 58° C. for 2 h. The extract was filtered through a 200-mesh sieve to remove insoluble solid impurities such as medicinal residues, and then concentrated under reduced pressure and freeze-dried to obtain an osmanthus flower extract.

[0055] This preparation example also provides a chrysanthemum extract and a cinnamon bark extract, which are prepared by the following methods:

[0056] The washed and dried chrysanthemum / cinnamon bark raw materials were mixed with pure water at a solid-liquid ratio of 1:20 g / mL, heated at 65°C for extraction for 3 hours, the extract was filtered, the filtrate was collected, concentrated and dried to obtain chrysanthemum extract and cinnamon bark extract, respectively.

[0057] Preparation Example 2

[0058] This preparation example provides an osmanthus extract, which is prepared by the following method:

[0059] A vacuum system was introduced into the atmospheric pressure reflux extraction apparatus with a system vacuum degree of 70 mbar. The washed osmanthus flowers were dried and crushed and then mixed with a solution containing a deep eutectic solvent [choline chloride: (L-ascorbic acid + glucose) = 1:4, L-ascorbic acid: glucose = 1:1, molar ratio] for reflux extraction. The mass ratio of the deep eutectic solvent to water in the solution was 2:1, and the ratio of the osmanthus raw material to the solution containing the deep eutectic solvent was 1:6 g / mL. The extraction conditions were 52° C. for 2.6 h. The extract was filtered through a 200-mesh sieve to remove insoluble solid impurities such as medicinal residues, and then concentrated under reduced pressure and freeze-dried to obtain an osmanthus flower extract.

[0060] Preparation Example 3

[0061] This preparation example provides an osmanthus extract, which is prepared by the following method:

[0062] A vacuum system was introduced into a normal pressure reflux extraction apparatus with a system vacuum degree of 100 mbar. The washed osmanthus flowers were dried and crushed and then mixed with a solution containing a deep eutectic solvent [betaine: (L-proline + glycerol) = 1:1, L-proline: glycerol = 3:1, molar ratio] for reflux extraction. The mass ratio of the deep eutectic solvent to water in the solution was 8:1, and the ratio of the osmanthus raw material to the solution containing the deep eutectic solvent was 1:10 g / mL. The extraction conditions were 65° C. for 1 hour. The extract was filtered through a 200-mesh sieve to remove insoluble solid impurities such as medicinal residues, and then concentrated under reduced pressure and freeze-dried to obtain an osmanthus flower extract.

[0063] Preparation Example 4

[0064] This preparation example provides an osmanthus extract. The preparation method thereof differs from that of Example 1 only in that the solution containing the deep eutectic solvent is replaced with an equal volume of pure water, and then reflux extraction and subsequent treatment are performed in a system introducing a vacuum device. The relevant process parameters are referred to Example 1 to prepare the osmanthus extract.

[0065] Preparation Example 5

[0066] This preparation example provides an osmanthus extract. The preparation method thereof differs from that of Example 1 only in that a vacuum system is not introduced into the atmospheric pressure reflux extraction apparatus, and only conventional reflux extraction and subsequent treatment are performed. The relevant process parameters are referred to Example 1 to prepare the osmanthus extract.

[0067] Example 1

[0068] This embodiment provides a cigar filler material, and the preparation method thereof is as follows:

[0069] (1) Separate the tobacco leaves and distinguish their positions: Remove the tobacco leaves or cotton and linen strings that tie the tobacco core and remove foreign matter. Loosen the tobacco leaves to ensure that there is no large area of adhesion between the leaves. Then, separate the leaves into the top leaves and the middle and lower leaves according to their positions.

[0070] (2) Loose leaf moistening: The unleavened tobacco leaves are moistened to the appropriate moisture content according to different leaf position grades, specifically: the top leaves are moistened to 30%, and the middle and lower leaves are moistened to 27%. The tobacco leaves of each leaf position grade are subjected to moisture balance at 35°C and 75% humidity for 3 hours to ensure uniform moisture content of the tobacco leaves; the moistening solution is a composite plant extract [the plant extract consists of a chrysanthemum extract (Preparation Example 1), an osmanthus extract (Preparation Example 1) and a cassia bark extract (Preparation Example 1) in a mass ratio of 2:3:2] solution, the total mass percentage of the plant extract in the solution is 2%, and the total amount of the plant extract is 0.5% of the mass of the tobacco leaves, and the moistening method is spraying.

[0071] (2) Template stacking: Tobacco leaves of different leaf positions are placed in a bottomless and coverless mold (1.5m×1.5m×1.5m) for stacking. When a certain amount of tobacco leaves are loaded, uniform pressure is applied on the tobacco leaves. Tobacco leaves are loaded again and pressure is applied until the template mold is full. Temperature probes are placed at appropriate times during the stacking process. The density of tobacco leaves at different leaf positions after stacking is 180kg / m 3 , after the stacking is completed, the stack is taken out for fermentation;

[0072] (3) Fermentation: unfold the template, take out the tobacco pile for fermentation, and the fermentation environment is a natural environment. There is no need to control the specific environmental temperature and humidity. During the fermentation period, the moisture content of the tobacco pile is maintained at 25%-30%, and moisture is added in time.

[0073] (4) Turning the stack: During the fermentation process, the core temperature of the stack is measured every 2 hours. The stack is turned when the core temperature of the top leaf stack is 48-52°C; the stack is turned when the core temperature of the middle and lower leaf stack is 40-45°C. When turning the stack, the tobacco leaves are fully spread out and spread flat on cotton cloth, and properly moistened. Then, the mold stacking process is repeated, and the stack is taken out to continue fermentation.

[0074] (5) End of fermentation: Calculate the average temperature of the fermentation of the core every day. When the sum of the average temperatures exceeds 1300°C and the core temperature is not greater than 35°C, stop the fermentation and process it for future use.

[0075] Example 2

[0076] This embodiment provides a cigar filler material, and the preparation method thereof is as follows:

[0077] (1) Separate the tobacco leaves and distinguish their positions: Remove the tobacco leaves or cotton and linen strings that tie the tobacco core and remove foreign matter. Loosen the tobacco leaves to ensure that there is no large area of adhesion between the leaves. Then, separate the leaves into the top leaves and the middle and lower leaves according to their positions.

[0078] (2) Loose leaf moistening: The unleavened tobacco leaves are moistened to the appropriate moisture content according to different leaf position grades, specifically: the top leaves are moistened to 28%, and the middle and lower leaves are moistened to 25%. The tobacco leaves of each leaf position grade are subjected to moisture balance at 32°C and 80% humidity for 2 hours to ensure uniform moisture content of the tobacco leaves; the moistening solution is a composite plant extract [the plant extract consists of a chrysanthemum extract (Preparation Example 1), an osmanthus extract (Preparation Example 2) and a cassia bark extract (Preparation Example 1) in a mass ratio of 1:5:1] solution, the total mass percentage of the plant extract in the solution is 0.5%, and the total amount of the plant extract is 1% of the mass of the tobacco leaves. The moistening method is spraying.

[0079] (2) Template stacking: Tobacco leaves of different leaf positions are placed in a bottomless and coverless mold (1.5m×1.5m×1.5m) for stacking. When a certain amount of tobacco leaves are loaded, uniform pressure is applied on the tobacco leaves. Tobacco leaves are loaded again and pressure is applied until the template mold is full. Temperature probes are placed at appropriate times during the stacking process. The density of tobacco leaves at different leaf positions after stacking is 150kg / m 3 , after the stacking is completed, the stack is taken out for fermentation;

[0080] (3) Fermentation: unfold the template, take out the tobacco pile for fermentation, and the fermentation environment is a natural environment. There is no need to control the specific environmental temperature and humidity. During the fermentation period, the moisture content of the tobacco pile is maintained at 25%-30%, and moisture is added in time.

[0081] (4) Turning the stack: During the fermentation process, the core temperature of the stack is measured every 2 hours. The stack is turned when the core temperature of the top leaf stack is 48-52°C; the stack is turned when the core temperature of the middle and lower leaf stack is 40-45°C. When turning the stack, the tobacco leaves are fully spread out and spread flat on cotton cloth, and properly moistened. Then, the mold stacking process is repeated, and the stack is taken out to continue fermentation.

[0082] (5) End of fermentation: Calculate the average temperature of the fermentation of the core every day. When the sum of the average temperatures exceeds 1300°C and the core temperature is not greater than 35°C, stop the fermentation and process it for future use.

[0083] Example 3

[0084] This embodiment provides a cigar filler material, and the preparation method thereof is as follows:

[0085] (1) Separate the tobacco leaves and distinguish their positions: Remove the tobacco leaves or cotton and linen strings that tie the tobacco core and remove foreign matter. Loosen the tobacco leaves to ensure that there is no large area of adhesion between the leaves. Then, separate the leaves into the top leaves and the middle and lower leaves according to their positions.

[0086] (2) Loose leaf moistening: The unleavened tobacco leaves are moistened to the appropriate moisture content according to different leaf position grades, specifically: the top leaves are moistened to 32%, and the middle and lower leaves are moistened to 28%. The tobacco leaves of each leaf position grade are subjected to moisture balance at 38°C and 65% for 4 hours to ensure uniform moisture content of the tobacco leaves; the moistening solution is a composite plant extract [the plant extract consists of a chrysanthemum extract (Preparation Example 1), an osmanthus extract (Preparation Example 3) and a cassia bark extract (Preparation Example 1) in a mass ratio of 3:2:3] solution, the total mass percentage of the plant extract in the solution is 5%, and the total amount of the plant extract is 0.1% of the mass of the tobacco leaves, and the moistening method is immersion.

[0087] (2) Template stacking: Tobacco leaves of different leaf positions are placed in a bottomless and coverless mold (1.5m×1.5m×1.5m) for stacking. When a certain amount of tobacco leaves are loaded, uniform pressure is applied on the tobacco leaves. Tobacco leaves are loaded again and pressure is applied until the template mold is full. Temperature probes are placed at appropriate times during the stacking process. The density of tobacco leaves at different leaf positions after stacking is 220kg / m 3 , after the stacking is completed, the stack is taken out for fermentation;

[0088] (3) Fermentation: unfold the template, take out the tobacco pile for fermentation, and the fermentation environment is a natural environment. There is no need to control the specific environmental temperature and humidity. During the fermentation period, the moisture content of the tobacco pile is maintained at 25%-30%, and moisture is added in time.

[0089] (4) Turning the stack: During the fermentation process, the core temperature of the stack is measured every 2 hours. The stack is turned when the core temperature of the top leaf stack is 48-52°C; the stack is turned when the core temperature of the middle and lower leaf stack is 40-45°C. When turning the stack, the tobacco leaves are fully spread out and spread flat on cotton cloth, and properly moistened. Then, the mold stacking process is repeated, and the stack is taken out to continue fermentation.

[0090] (5) End of fermentation: Calculate the average temperature of the fermentation of the core every day. When the sum of the average temperatures exceeds 1300°C and the core temperature is not greater than 35°C, stop the fermentation and process it for future use.

[0091] Example 4

[0092] This embodiment provides a cigar core material, which uses the tobacco leaf material in Example 1. The only difference between this embodiment and Example 1 is that the osmanthus extract (Preparation Example 1) in step (2) is replaced by the osmanthus extract (Preparation Example 4). The remaining materials, processes and related parameters are all referenced to Example 1.

[0093] Example 5

[0094] This embodiment provides a cigar core material, which uses the tobacco leaf material in Example 1. The only difference between this embodiment and Example 1 is that the osmanthus extract (Preparation Example 1) in step (2) is replaced by the osmanthus extract (Preparation Example 5). The remaining materials, processes and related parameters are the same as those in Example 1.

[0095] Comparative Example 1

[0096] This comparative example provides a cigar filler material, which uses the tobacco leaf material in Example 1. The only difference from Example 1 is that the plant extract in step (2) does not contain chrysanthemum extract, and the reduced amount is proportionally distributed to osmanthus extract and cassia bark extract. The remaining processes and related parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0097] Comparative Example 2

[0098] This comparative example provides a cigar filler material, which uses the tobacco leaf material in Example 1. The only difference from Example 1 is that the plant extract in step (2) does not contain osmanthus extract, and the reduced amount is proportionally distributed to the chrysanthemum extract and cinnamon extract. The remaining processes and related parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0099] Comparative Example 3

[0100] This comparative example provides a cigar filler material, which uses the tobacco leaf material in Example 1. The only difference between this comparative example and Example 1 is that the plant extract in step (2) does not contain cinnamon extract, and the reduced amount of cinnamon extract is proportionally distributed to the chrysanthemum extract and the osmanthus extract. The remaining processes and related parameters are the same as in Example 1.

[0101] Test Example 1

[0102] Appearance quality evaluation

[0103] The cigar filler materials prepared in Examples 1-5 and Comparative Examples 1-3 were evaluated according to the Hubei Provincial Standard "Cigar Tobacco Grade Quality Specification" DB42 / T 1549-2023. Some indicators of the filler materials were scored using the following scoring table, with the minimum score difference being 0.5 points. The specific evaluation results are shown in Table 1.

[0104]

[0105] Table 1

[0106]

[0107]

[0108] From the data in the table, we can see that

[0109] (1) It can be seen from Examples 1 to 3 that the tobacco leaf material obtained by the treatment of the present invention has uniform color, excellent appearance quality, soft touch, and no irritation, graininess, or odor.

[0110] (2) By comparing Example 1 with Examples 4-5, it can be seen that the use of a low eutectic solvent to treat the osmanthus raw material and combining it with a negative pressure cavitation extraction process can efficiently extract and stimulate the aroma components and sugar and other related substances in the osmanthus, which helps to improve the efficiency of subsequent fermentation, neutralize impurities, and coordinate the product flavor.

[0111] (3) By comparing Example 1 with Comparative Examples 1-3, it can be seen that the solution used for moisturizing is a mixed solution containing three plant extracts of chrysanthemum, osmanthus and cassia bark. The combined use of the three extract components can not only fully moisturize the tobacco leaves, but also enhance the original aroma of the tobacco leaves and neutralize the impurities. Some natural ingredients such as plant polysaccharides contained in the extracts can further improve the fermentation efficiency and optimize the fermentation effect in the subsequent fermentation process, thereby preparing a tobacco leaf product with excellent appearance quality.

[0112] Test Example 2

[0113] Sensory evaluation of smoking quality

[0114] The tobacco materials prepared in Examples 1-5 and Comparative Examples 1-3 were subjected to a smoking evaluation. Each group of tobacco materials was subjected to a smoking evaluation test after being equilibrated for 72 hours under environmental conditions of a temperature of 25°C and a humidity of 70%. The local cycle evaluation method was used. The participants in the smoking evaluation were a total of 10 qualified smoking evaluation committee members. The evaluation indicators and scores are shown in the following table. The minimum score difference was 0.5 points. The specific evaluation results are shown in the following table.

[0115] As shown in Table 2.

[0116]

[0117] Table 2

[0118] Fragrance Aroma volume Miscellaneous gases Irritation Aftertaste sweetness Flammability grey Example 1 16.0 14.0 8.5 10.5 13.5 8.0 8.0 7.0 Example 2 15.5 14.0 8.5 10.0 13.0 8.5 8.0 7.0 Example 3 15.5 13.5 8.0 10.0 13.0 8.0 8.0 7.5 Example 4 14.5 12.5 7.5 9.0 12.0 7.0 7.5 6.5 Example 5 14.0 12.5 7.0 9.0 12.0 7.5 7.0 7.0 Comparative Example 1 13.0 11.5 6.5 8.0 11.0 6.5 7.0 7.0 Comparative Example 2 13.0 11.0 6.5 8.5 11.5 6.0 6.5 6.5 Comparative Example 3 12.5 10.0 6.0 8.0 11.0 6.5 7.0 6.0

[0119] According to the data in the table, the present invention adopts a specific processing process to process the cigar core, wherein the moisturizing treatment is performed by moisturizing loose leaves, which can, to a certain extent, solve the problems of poor moisturizing effect and uneven moisture content of traditional bundled tobacco leaves, thereby improving the fermentation uniformity of the raw materials; and the solution used for moisturizing is a mixed solution containing three plant extracts of chrysanthemum, osmanthus and cassia bark. The combined use of the three extract components can not only fully moisturize the tobacco leaves, but also enhance the original aroma of the tobacco leaves and neutralize the impurities. Some natural plant ingredients contained in the extracts can further improve the fermentation efficiency and optimize the fermentation effect in the subsequent fermentation process. The prepared cigar core material has a mellow aroma, a strong original tobacco aroma, and can significantly reduce the impurity content and irritation, with a pure and comfortable aftertaste. Among them, the process treatment effect of Example 1 is better than that of Examples 4-5 and Comparative Examples 1-3, indicating that the specific processing method of the core adopted in the present invention has different degrees of influence on the quality of the final core material.

[0120] The applicant declares that the present invention is illustrated by the above-described embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. This does not mean that the present invention must rely on the above-described embodiments in order to be implemented. Those skilled in the art should understand that any improvements to the present invention, equivalent replacements for raw materials in the present invention, additions of auxiliary ingredients, and selection of specific methods, etc., fall within the scope of protection and disclosure of the present invention.

[0121] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail above. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific details in the above embodiments. Within the technical concept of the present invention, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solution of the present invention, and these simple modifications all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0122] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above specific embodiments can be combined in any appropriate manner without contradiction. In order to avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not further describe various possible combinations.

Claims

1. A method for fermenting cigar filler tobacco leaves by stacking them in a template, characterized in that: The method comprises the following steps: separating incoming cigar filler tobacco leaves into different leaf positions and subjecting them to separate leaf moistening, moisture balance and stacking fermentation treatments; The moistening solution used for moistening the loose leaves is a composite plant extract solution; The plant extracts include a combination of chrysanthemum extract, osmanthus extract and cassia bark extract; The different leaf positions include top leaves and middle and lower leaves.

2. The fermentation method according to claim 1, wherein The mass ratio of the chrysanthemum extract, the osmanthus extract and the cassia bark extract is (1-3):(2-5):(0.5-3).

3. The fermentation method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The osmanthus extract is prepared by a method comprising the following steps: The osmanthus raw material is mixed with a solution containing a low eutectic solvent and then subjected to negative pressure cavitation extraction. After the extract is centrifuged and filtered, the filtrate is collected to obtain the osmanthus extract.

4. The fermentation method according to claim 1, wherein The total mass percentage of the plant extract in the composite plant extract solution is 0.5%-5%; Preferably, the total amount of the plant extract is 0.1%-1% of the mass of the tobacco leaves.

5. The fermentation method according to claim 1, wherein The method of moistening the leaves includes soaking and moistening or spraying and moistening; Preferably, the loose leaves are moistened to 28%-32% for the top leaves and 25%-28% for the middle and lower leaves.

6. The fermentation method according to claim 1, wherein The temperature of the water balance is independently 32-38° C., the humidity is 65%-80%, and the time is 2-4 hours.

7. The fermentation method according to claim 1, wherein The stacking fermentation is to place tobacco leaves of different leaf positions in a bottomless and coverless mold for stacking, and after the stacking is completed, take out the tobacco stack for fermentation; Preferably, the density of the stacks at different leaf positions after stacking is independently 145-225 kg / m 3 ; Preferably, the moisture content of the tobacco pile is maintained at 25%-30% during the fermentation process of tobacco leaves at different leaf positions; Preferably, the stack is turned when the core temperature of the top leaf tobacco stack is 48-52°C; the stack is turned when the core temperature of the middle and lower leaf tobacco stack is 40-45°C. After turning, the template stacking process is repeated and the tobacco stack is taken out for further fermentation.

8. The fermentation method according to claim 1, wherein The judgment standard for stopping fermentation during the stack fermentation is: after the start of fermentation, the stack core temperature is tested every 2 hours, and the average temperature of the stack core fermentation per day is calculated. When the sum of the average temperatures exceeds 1300°C and the stack core temperature is not greater than 35°C, the fermentation is stopped and the stack is processed for standby use.

9. A cigar filler prepared by the fermentation method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Use of a cigar filler prepared by the fermentation method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 in preparing cigar products.

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