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How a Cigar is Made

Cigars are a preference for some people who claim they have a higher value. They are expensive compared to normal cigarettes and are an acquired taste. However, to understand what makes cigars special, you need to know how they are manufactured. Here is a peek into the cigar making process.


Tobacco plants are usually sealed indoors for six to ten weeks then they are transplanted into fields. The plants are pruned carefully to ensure the leaves grow to a certain size. Plants that make the outer wrappers of cigars are normally kept covered to protect them from the sun. The plants mature after several months in the field.


Once they are harvested, the leaves are cured to develop the characteristic scent. Once they are cured, they turn from green to dried brown or yellow leaves.


After being cured, the leaves are sorted by size and color and separated. The leaves are put in groups of 15 called hands that are then placed in boxes for six months to five years. During this time, the leaves ferment and develop their distinct aroma. Cigar leaves are fermented for longer periods. After fermenting, the leaves are sorted again.


The leaves then have the main vein stripped so the cigar can burn evenly. It is done by hand or using a machine. The stripped leaves are wrapped in bales and stored to ferment further. Before the leaves are ready to be made into cigars, they are steamed and sorted again.

Hand rolling or machine rolling

The cigars can then be rolled by hand by workers who take five or six leaves and roll them into a bunch. Hand-rolled cigars are very costly since they require a lot of time.

There is also a cigar rolling machine that makes the work easier. The finished cigars go to an examiner who inspects them and makes any necessary corrections.

Finishing and Packing

Cigars that pass the inspection are then passed on a tray where they go to a banding and wrapping machine. The wrapped cigars are then sorted according to color, and similar ones are put in a box together.

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