My thought is to ask what type of leaf is it? Color cure etc. Age of the tobacco. What seed was used? Fermentation? The last batch of lemon was newer tobacco. 6 months in the vapor proof bags added much more body and flavor. After shredded pressed for a month. Superb tobacco. I just have a cdn plastic tobacco tub. I hand press using my fist to compact the tobacco. That is how I do it. I would get a vacuum sealer. I would think something that is airtight will not mold.
I grow few varieties this year. Some virginia gold, gold dollar, big gem, tn90, harrow velvet, samsun, besuki, little dutch and havana. All air cured, aged the oldest is 2 months after kilned. I tried pressing a plug with some and it does concentrate flavor and body but it molded on me a little so I have to shred them early. Now I am waiting for the shredded plug to age a little to see whether the flavor will improve.
Leftynick,
I suspect that your difficult year of growing has provided you with plants that never really reached their potential. The nicotine come from the root system. If the roots were struggling with saturated soil for much of the season, then they were stunted, and unable to support hardy plants.
If you can find some (usually harsh) dark tobacco on the local market, adding a small percentage would likely strength your blend, and deepen the flavor.
Aim for a less boggy growing bed next season. (I certainly admire your efforts this past grow.)
Bob
I suspected so. The root system for the plant that I harvested never go deep. And while I did harvest the leaves when it is yellowed, I dont think it was yellowing due to maturing, but rather nutrient deficiency. But as member of this forum suggested, it is better to have some than to have none. At least I have some experience growing, harvesting, curing and kilning so I can expect a better process next season.
I will follow your advise in blending with some darker and harsher tobacco to improve the flavor a little bit. I was just hoping that I can enjoy more the fruit of my labor without adding another source of tobacco to justify my effort this season.
As for next growing season, I already prepared the bed with dried grass cutting, some fresh cow manure and maybe I will add some goat manure later. Hope it all will decompose nicely and add some soil level high enough to avoid flooding.