ProZachJ's 2024 Grow Log

[ProZachJ]

I agree with that. Perique is an exceptional performer for me in Arkansas as well. Nice harvest, few disease issues, and a versatile tobacco for many uses. It's short aging period prior to use is also a nice benefit. No kilning or long storage period required although it does get a little better with it.
I'm thrilled to see you have tried staghorn as well.
It's a little belated but I also appreciate your efforts in the past to provide tomatoes and other garden produce to people in need in your local community. That means a lot to people. You are doing a good thing,

Thank you for the kind words

 

[ProZachJ]

The last stringer of Perique waiting to be packaged up.

 

[ProZachJ]

My first highly successful blend made entirely (well almost ) from my 2024 crop was a long journey.

First, I made a Perique carotte which fermented for 6 mo.



Then I combined it in equal portions with Staghorn and Southern Beauty and pressed it for a week in very high case. Then I removed the leaf from the press unfolded it, let it dry down, shredded it and repressed it for another week.At this stage it was called "AM Apparition". It was light on flavor but fairly smokable...


I then took an equivalent weight (64g) of Southern Beauty, shredded it, and pressed it overnight and then put it in the crockpot for 8 hours...


After I had my Southern Beauty Cavendish aired out for a week, I rubbed it out and added about 10g Latakia and 10g Dark Air Cured.

Finally, this enhanced Cavendish blend was mixed with the AM Apparition 50/50.


Feels really great to enjoy a complex and delicious blend that is 128/148 parts my home grown!

With this I conclude the 2024 grow log...all of the leaf is packed away safely for aging and I can definitely say my first tobacco season was an amazing adventure. That moment sitting on my front porch where I first had the idea to give it a go will forever be remembered as one fantastic descision!