curing methods for tobacco leaves
Processes which aim at eliminating the moisture of tobacco leaves and grant scent in order to prepare them for consumption.
Curing room workers assist in the blending, aging, and fermenting of tobacco strips and stems for the production of cigars, chewing tobacco and snuff.
Competences and skills
43 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 7 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
7 competencesfermentation process of tobacco leaves
Process by which ammonia is released from the leaf. It can be done by raising the temperature and humidity, by heaping the tobacco into large piles or by using of a kiln. Under the raised temperature and humidity, enzymes in the leaf cause fermentation.
history of tobacco
The different stages and developments of tobacco cultivation, cultural particularities and trading through time.
manufacturing of smoked tobacco products
The processes, materials, and techniques to manufacture different types of smoked tobacco products such as cigars, fine cut tobacco, pipe tobacco, and cigarettes.
manufacturing of smokeless tobacco products
The processes, materials, and techniques to manufacture different types of smokeless tobacco products such as chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, tobacco gum and snus.
quality prototype of a tobacco leaf
Characteristics and properties of a tobacco leaf to grade and consider it of high, medium, or low quality product taking into account colour variations, tears, tar spots, tight grain, and size of the leaf.
variety of tobacco leaves
Types of tobacco cultivars and varieties and their characteristics. Connection of attributes with cigar or cigarettes product requirements.
Cross-sector
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Essential skills and competences 24 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
21 competencesair-cure tobacco
Air-cure tobacco by hanging the tobacco in a well-ventilated barn and allow it to dry over a period of four to eight weeks. Air-cured tobacco is generally low in sugar content, which gives the tobacco smoke a smooth, semi-sweet flavour. Air-cured tobacco leaves usually have a high nicotine content.
apply GMP
Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
- Scope note
- There are countries that adopt their own national regulations such as the British standard and/or international ones as well: International Features Standards (IFS). In these cases, producers should comply with international standards also.
apply requirements concerning manufacturing of food and beverages
Apply and follow national, international, and internal requirements quoted in standards, regulations and other specifications related with manufacturing of food and beverages.
assess fermentation levels of tobacco leaves
Assess fermentation stage of tobacco leaves. Use thermometers, humidifiers, water, and your sense to test the level of fermentation.
assess nicotine levels in tobacco leaves
Assess levels of nicotine in tobacco leaves by referring to the curing and fermentation methods of the tobacco, by using different tools and equipment for testing, and by relying on his/her experience in sensorial testing.
assess sugar levels in tobacco leaves
Assess levels of sugar in tobacco leaves by referring to the curing and fermentation methods of the tobacco, by using different tools and equipment for testing.
assess the colour curing of tobacco leaves
Assess colour curing of tobacco leaves to determine the stage of curing and aging of the leaf.
blend tobacco leaves
Blend tobacco leaves by cutting, conditioning, and blending the leaves of tobacco before these are being wrapped in a cigar or cut for cigarettes.
cure tobacco leaves
Remove the moisture out of the tobacco leaves directly after harvesting them through various processes such as air curing, flue curing or sun curing.
cut tobacco leaves
Cut leaves into fine strands using the adequate equipment before drying. Ensure that cutting sizes are according to requirements.
dry tobacco leaves
Dry tobacco leaves to a precisely defined level of moisture according to product specifications.
ferment stacks of tobacco leaves
Wrap large stacks of tobacco in burlap and allow them to "sweat". The internal temperature is closely monitored. When it reaches 60 degrees Celsius, the stack is broken down to release tar, ammonia, and nicotine. Repeat the process until the stack no longer reaches 45 degrees Celsius. Strip the stems and stack them in a cooler place to age.
flavour tobacco leaves
Flavour tobacco leaves to set off the taste of tobacco and to maintain the quality of the product.
flue-cure tobacco
String tobacco leaves into tobacco sticks, and hang them from tier-poles in curing barn's "kilns". Slowly raise the temperature over the course of the curing process. The procedure will generally take about a week. Flue-cured tobacco generally produces with a high content of sugar and medium to high levels of nicotine.
operate tobacco drying technology
Operate tobacco drying technology that dries the tobacco at higher temperatures and therefore more quickly than conventional dryers. Shorter drying times reduce tobacco degradation and energy consumption.
perform kiln fermentation of tobacco leaves
Place tobacco leaves in the kiln with the lid shut. Control heat and humidity. Kiln fermenting lasts about 4 to 6 weeks.
perform tobacco leaves conditioning
Process tobacco to ensure that it retains elasticity by passing it through a controlled environment at the right temperature and humidity levels.
pre-blend tobacco leaves
Pre-blend tobacco leaves to ensure a balanced mix of different types of tobacco in one hand.
sort tobacco leaves
Sort tobacco leaves according to colour and condition. Select the leaves with the best specifications for rolling cigars and for quality assurance. Sort tobacco leaves for manufacturing of different products such as pipe tobacco and chewing tobacco.
sun-cure tobacco
Place tobacco in the sun uncovered to let it dry out naturally. Generally, oriental tobacco is low in sugar and nicotine and is very popular for cigarettes.
tie tobacco leaves in hands
Tie tobacco leaves in a bundle called a hand taking care that each hand contain an equal quantity, calculate weight of the hand and safe tie procedure, and prepare hands before curing or inspection processes.
Cross-sector
3 competencesapply HACCP
Apply regulations regarding manufacture of food and food safety compliance. Employ food safety procedures based on Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP).
- Scope note
- There are countries that adopt their own national regulations such as the British standard and/or international ones as well: International Features Standards (IFS). In these cases, producers should comply with international standards also.
be at ease in unsafe environments
Be at ease in unsafe environments like being exposed to dust, rotating equipment, hot surfaces, sub-freezing and cold storage areas, noise, wet floors and moving lift equipment.
follow production schedule
Follow production schedule taking into account all requirements, times and needs. This schedule outlines what individual commodities must be produced in each time period and encapsulates various concerns like production, staffing, inventory, etc. It is usually linked to manufacturing where the plan indicates when and how much of each product will be demanded. Utilise all the information in the actual implementation of the plan.
Optional knowledge 1 competence
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competencetobacco products
The varieties of products that can be manufactured using tobacco leaves as a base. The types of tobacco products which are smoked tobacco products, smokeless tobacco products, and byproducts of tobacco leaves.
Cross-sector
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Optional skills and competences 11 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
2 competencesdetermine shreds sizes percentage in cigarettes
Weigh tobacco from a single cigarette sorted by shred size and determine percentage of each size using a conversion table.
work in a food processing team
Collaborate in a team with other food processing professionals in service of the food & beverages industry.
Cross-sector
9 competencesact reliably
Proceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.
carry out checks of production plant equipment
Carry out checks of the machinery and equipment used in the production plant. Ensure that the machinery is working properly, set machines before usage, and assure continuous operability of the equipment.
carry out environmental audits
Use equipment to measure various environmental parameters in order to identify environmental problems and investigate manners in which they can be resolved. Perform inspections in order to ensure compliance with environmental legislation.
green
follow hygienic procedures during food processing
Ensure a clean working space according to hygienic standards in the food processing industry.
liaise with colleagues
Liaise with fellow colleagues to ensure common understanding on work related affairs and agree on the necessary compromises the parties might need to face. Negotiate compromises between parties as to ensure that work in general run efficiently towards the achievement of the objectives.
liaise with managers
Liaise with managers of other departments ensuring effective service and communication, i.e. sales, planning, purchasing, trading, distribution and technical.
monitor processing conditions
Observe gauges, video monitors, and printouts to assess if specified processing conditions are in place. Make the necessary adjustments to process variables such as times, inputs, flow rates and temperature settings.
perform cleaning duties
Perform cleaning duties such as waste removal, vacuuming, emptying bins, and general cleaning of the working area. Cleaning activities should follow health and safety regulations if required.
perform services in a flexible manner
Adapt service approach when circumstances change.