Find a shelter where you’ll have some control over the humidity by opening or closing doors, windows, or vents. You’ll need to keep the humidity relatively high to keep the leaves from drying too quickly. [4] X Research source Be sure the leaves are protected from direct sunlight, which may burn them. [5] X Research source
You may need to use a humidifier if your leaves are drying too quickly. [8] X Research source If you dry your tobacco in your home, be sure to mind the temperature and humidity to avoid drying the leaves too quickly. An air-conditioned home would probably be too dry for air-curing tobacco. [9] X Research source Leaves that dry too fast may remain green. [10] X Research source
When the leaves are brown and the edges have curled slightly, the process is complete. [12] X Research source The dried leaves will be slightly sticky, and they’ll have the feeling of very thin leather. They should still be pliable, not brittle. [13] X Research source The dried leaves should have a slightly sweet smell from the curing process. [14] X Research source
Stems retain moisture and may increase the chance of mold in storage. [16] X Research source Tobacco leaves are ready for smoking or storage when they’re brown and pliable, but not too brittle. If the leaves get too brittle, you can moisten them with water from a spray bottle. Almost magically, they’ll regain their pliability with a little moisture. You can store the leaves in a humidor or even in a plastic bag. If you’ve moistened brittle leaves for storage, be sure to pat them down with a paper towel so there aren’t any water droplets on them. This will keep the leaves moist but reduce the chance of mold developing while they’re in storage. [17] X Research source
