Ohio Burley tobacco, with its rich history and unparalleled flavor profile, stands in a league of its own amidst a plethora of tobacco varieties. From its modest beginnings in the state of Ohio to its contemporary production, this remarkable strain has enraptured the hearts of farmers, smokers, and connoisseurs across the globe. As we delve into the fascinating world of Ohio Burley tobacco, we invite you to join us on this journey of discovery. Let’s explore the secrets of this golden leaf, its unique characteristics, and its pivotal role in the tobacco industry.
The Discovery and Early Cultivation
The origin of Ohio Burley tobacco dates back to 1864 when George Webb and Joseph Fore brought seeds from Kentucky to southern Ohio. These seeds were from a tobacco plant that had developed leaves different from the typical tobacco grown in Kentucky. The leaves were thinner and had a unique color shade, ranging from white to yellow .
Expansion and Commercial Success
Despite the initial skepticism, the commercial potential of this new tobacco variety was soon recognized. The cultivation of this new tobacco expanded, making Cincinnati the center of its production. Today, Burley is among the most popular tobaccos in the U.S., especially among smokers of pure tobacco, due to its faint aroma that doesn’t tire the smoker .
Physical Attributes
Ohio Burley tobacco is a light air-cured tobacco primarily used for cigarette production. The leaves of Burley are slightly thicker than Virginia leaves, and in the casing process, this means that Burley tobacco can absorb much more casing and topping .
Flavor Profile
Ohio Burley tobacco is known for its unique flavor and aroma. It has a bolder character compared to other tobacco varieties, and its open structure allows it to absorb large amounts of flavorings, making it ideal for any blend .
Soil and Climate Requirements
Ohio Burley tobacco thrives in well-drained soils enriched with organic matter. The soil should undergo thorough tilling, reaching a depth of at least 8 inches .
Planting and Harvesting
The planting of Ohio Burley tobacco starts in May and progresses through June, with a small percentage set in July. Producers must contend with major diseases such as black shank and blue mold and insects like aphids .
Curing Process
The curing process of Ohio Burley tobacco is unique. It is air-cured, a method that gives it a different type of light leaf shaded from white to yellow, and it cures differently .
Preparation for Market
After curing, the tobacco undergoes a conditioning process where high temperatures and humidity restore moisture. The tobacco is then precisely cut and blended according to time-honored formulas to produce tobaccos for various brands of cigarettes .
Domestic Market
Ohio Burley tobacco plays a crucial role in the tobacco industry, particularly within the realm of cigarette and cigar production. Its remarkable flavor profile positions it as a favored choice among both discerning smokers and manufacturers .
International Market
While Ohio Burley tobacco is primarily produced in the United States, it is also produced in many other countries, with major production in Brazil, Malawi, and Argentina .
The Future of Ohio Burley Tobacco
As the tobacco industry navigates shifting consumer preferences, health concerns, and regulatory pressures, the future of Ohio Burley tobacco remains an intriguing enigma. Nevertheless, its unique characteristics and versatility ensure its continued relevance in the industry .
what is the history of burley tobacco in ohio
The history of Burley tobacco in Ohio dates back to 1864 when George Webb and Joseph Fore grew it on the farm of Captain Frederick Kautz near Higginsport, Ohio. The seeds were sourced from Bracken County, Kentucky. The tobacco yielded a different type of light leaf shaded from white to yellow and cured differently. By 1866, Webb 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 .
Burley tobacco overshadowed every other agricultural commodity grown in the central Ohio River valley for most of the last century . Ohio Burley tobacco has a rich history and unique characteristics that set it apart from other tobacco varieties. From its discovery in the 19th century to its role in shaping American tobacco culture, Ohio Burley tobacco has left an indelible mark on the industry .
The origin of Burley tobacco was credited to George Webb and Joseph Fore in 1864. They had brought seeds from Kentucky to southern Ohio, seeds from a tobacco plant that had developed other leaves than the normal tobacco grown in Kentucky. The leaves were thinner than those grown in Kentucky and the color was kind of shaded from white to yellow .
Lockwood s Burley tobacco was discovered and grown in the Ohio River Valley for more than a century. From its start in Brown County Ohio, this presentation will document the discovery, growth, human use, and probable loss of this variety of tobacco .
what are the characteristics of burley tobacco
Burley tobacco is a light air-cured tobacco primarily used for cigarette production. It is known for its light color and different curing process compared to other tobacco types. The leaves of Burley are slightly thicker than those of Virginia tobacco, which allows them to absorb more flavorings during the casing process. The flavor profile of Burley tobacco is bolder than that of Virginia tobacco, with faint hints of cocoa. After processing, the taste is medium to full-bodied, relatively dry, and contains a clearer note of cocoa. The total intensity in the taste is determined by the leaf position; a leaf positioned high on the tobacco plant gives it a bolder taste .
Burley tobacco is also known for its ability to reduce the often sharp taste of Virginia tobacco, making the smoke rounder. This is due to the pH value of Burley, which is around 7, meaning it is more or less neutral, whereas Virginia tobacco has a pH value of about 5, indicating that it is acidic. Burley and Virginia tobaccos often have the same amount of nicotine; however, you will get more nicotine from a neutral or alkaline smoke than from acidic smoke .
In terms of physical characteristics, Burley tobacco plants should have a heavy root system, large stalk diameter, and low profile to have a high resistance to wind lodging. Lodging, or blow-over, of Burley tobacco plants makes spraying and harvesting difficult .
what is the economic impact of burley tobacco production in appalachia
Burley tobacco production has had a significant economic impact in the Appalachian region. This type of tobacco production has been a major source of income for many communities in the region, contributing to the local economy and shaping the identity of these communities .
In the early 1900s, counties like Greene County in East Tennessee produced more than 1 million pounds of burley tobacco a year, driving economic growth. The region’s climate and short growing season were well-suited for burley tobacco cultivation. The Agricultural Adjustment Act also had a major effect on these communities, as it limited the amount of acreage in a tobacco farm but set a minimum price for tobacco, providing an incentive for farmers .
However, the economic impact of burley tobacco production has not been without challenges. Declining yield trends, higher costs of production, and stagnant leaf prices have led to a loss of U.S. burley growers. Imports of foreign burley into the U.S. market now account for over 50% of burley usage by U.S. cigarette manufacturers, revealing that price has become more important to global burley buyers .
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings to its current status as a popular tobacco variety, Ohio Burley tobacco has left an indelible mark on the tobacco industry. Its unique characteristics, coupled with its versatility in blending, ensure its continued popularity among tobacco connoisseurs and manufacturers alike.
Statistics:
Market Overview
Burley tobacco accounts for 40 percent of total U.S. tobacco production, with Appalachian states growing most of the burley produced in the U.S. Kentucky grows more than 60 percent of the country s burley tobacco, and Tennessee produces about 20 percent. Ohio, along with North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia, also grow significant amounts of burley tobacco .
Production Statistics
In 1997, 71 distressed counties produced burley tobacco, accounting for close to 18 percent of the nation s total burley tobacco production. Gross earnings from burley tobacco in distressed counties exceeded $181 million, and more than 19,000 farms in distressed counties produced tobacco .
FAQs:
What is the market for Ohio Burley tobacco?
Ohio is part of an eight-state belt that produces the majority of Burley tobacco in the U.S. While Kentucky and Tennessee are the largest producers, Ohio contributes to a smaller but still significant portion of the production .
How is Ohio Burley tobacco cultivated?
Ohio Burley tobacco is cultivated through a process that involves topping the plants and controlling the growth of suckers from leaf axils. This process is crucial to maintaining the yield and quality of the tobacco .
What is the history of Ohio Burley tobacco?
The origin of white burley tobacco is credited to George Webb and Joseph Fore in 1864, who grew it on the farm of Captain Frederick Kautz near Higginsport, Ohio, from seed from Bracken County, Kentucky .
What are the characteristics of Ohio Burley tobacco?
Ohio Burley tobacco is a light air-cured tobacco used primarily for cigarette production. It is part of the Burley tobacco variety, which is known for its light color and different curing process compared to other tobacco types .
What is the processing method for Ohio Burley tobacco?
The processing method for Ohio Burley tobacco involves a topping process, which is the removal of the terminal bud of the plant. This results in the growth of suckers from leaf axils, which must be controlled to maintain the yield and quality of the tobacco .
What is the future of Ohio Burley tobacco?
While tobacco production has not been enough to pull many communities in Appalachia out of distressed status, it has helped sustain many communities whose economies would undoubtedly be much worse were it not for tobacco .
Books:
Recommended Reading
For those interested in the history and cultivation of Burley tobacco, “White Burley Tobacco in Canada” provides a historical perspective on the cultivation of this type of tobacco . “Burley: Kentucky Tobacco in a New Century” offers a detailed description of the work involved in raising the eponymous crop . “A History of Burley Tobacco in East Tennessee & Western North Carolina” provides a rich narrative description of the annual cycle of farming activities .
Sources of Information:
Reliable Sources
Reliable sources for information on Ohio Burley tobacco include academic articles, government reports, and books written by experts in the field. These sources provide comprehensive and accurate information on the cultivation, characteristics, and market of Ohio Burley tobacco https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-0841-2e
https://webharvest.gov/peth04/20041015083937/https:/arc.gov/images/reports/tobacco/tobacco.pdf
https://newbooksnetwork.com/ann-k-ferrell-burley-kentucky-tobacco-in-a-new-century-u-press-of-kentucky-2013
https://agri.ohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/d84cb31c-9ec6-4b6d-bd0c-5ec198731129/2e+Tobacco+Sucker+Control.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco)
https://www.everand.com/book/266085837/A-History-of-Burley-Tobacco-in-East-Tennessee-Western-North-Carolina
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/232564174.pdf.
Citations:
Authoritative Citations
- ANR-841-2E: Tobacco Sucker Control https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/anr-0841-2e
- Tobacco Burley: Harvested Acreage by County https://www.nass.usda.gov/Charts_and_Maps/Crops_County/tbu-ha.php
- Burley (tobacco) – Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco)
- White Burley Tobacco in Canada (Classic Reprint) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Burley-Tobacco-Canada-Classic-Reprint/dp/0656279443
- The Economic Impact of Tobacco Production in Appalachia https://webharvest.gov/peth04/20041015083937/https:/arc.gov/images/reports/tobacco/tobacco.pdf
- AGR-75 SUCKER CONTROL IN BURLEY AND DARK TOBACCOS https://agri.ohio.gov/wps/wcm/connect/gov/d84cb31c-9ec6-4b6d-bd0c-5ec198731129/2e+Tobacco+Sucker+Control.pdf?MOD=AJPERES
- Burley: Kentucky Tobacco in a New Century https://newbooksnetwork.com/ann-k-ferrell-burley-kentucky-tobacco-in-a-new-century-u-press-of-kentucky-2013
- A History of Burley Tobacco in East Tennessee & Western North Carolina https://www.everand.com/book/266085837/A-History-of-Burley-Tobacco-in-East-Tennessee-Western-North-Carolina
https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/232564174.pdf