Burley Kentucky Tobacco Burley Kentucky tobacco, a light air-cured tobacco, has a rich history and a significant impact on the global tobacco industry. Its unique characteristics, cultivation process, and the artistry involved in its production make it a fascinating topic. From its origins in the 1860s to its current status as a major cash crop, the journey of Burley Kentucky tobacco is a captivating tale of agricultural success, economic influence, and global reach. Origin and Early Cultivation Burley Kentucky tobacco has its roots in the 1860s, when George Webb obtained seeds from Bracken County, Kentucky, and began cultivating them in the Ohio River Valley. The unique air-curing process used for this tobacco variety resulted in a light, flavorful product that quickly gained popularity. Expansion and Economic Impact The cultivation of Burley Kentucky tobacco expanded rapidly, becoming a major cash crop and a significant part of the economy in Kentucky and other tobacco-growing states. Its influence reached far beyond local economies, impacting the global tobacco industry. Planting and Growing The cultivation of Burley Kentucky tobacco begins with the planting of seeds in controlled environments. Once the seedlings are strong enough, they are transplanted to fields where they grow under the watchful eyes of farmers. Harvesting and Curing Harvesting is a labor-intensive process, with each leaf picked by hand. The leaves are then air-cured, a process that brings out the unique flavor characteristics of Burley Kentucky tobacco. Flavor Profile Burley Kentucky tobacco is known for its light, slightly nutty flavor. Its low sugar content and high nicotine level make it a popular choice for blending in various tobacco products. Uses in the Tobacco Industry Burley Kentucky tobacco is used in a variety of tobacco products, including cigarettes, pipe tobacco, and chewing tobacco. Its unique flavor and burning characteristics make it a versatile component in blends. Impact on Local Economies The cultivation of Burley Kentucky tobacco has a significant impact on local economies. It provides employment opportunities and contributes to the economic stability of rural communities. Influence on the Global Tobacco Market On a global scale, Burley Kentucky tobacco plays a crucial role in the tobacco industry. Its unique characteristics and versatility make it a sought-after variety in markets around the world. Challenges and Opportunities Like any agricultural product, Burley Kentucky tobacco faces challenges, including changing market demands and environmental concerns. However, these challenges also present opportunities for innovation and sustainability in its cultivation and use. Innovations and Sustainability In response to these challenges, farmers and researchers are exploring new cultivation techniques and sustainable practices to ensure the future of Burley Kentucky tobacco. what is the history of burley kentucky tobacco Burley Kentucky tobacco, a light air-cured tobacco primarily used for cigarette production, has a rich history that dates back to the 1860s. The origin of this tobacco variety is credited to George Webb and Joseph Fore, who grew it on the farm of Captain Frederick Kautz near Higginsport, Ohio, from seed from Bracken County, Kentucky. They noticed that it yielded a different type of light leaf shaded from white to yellow, and cured differently. By 1866, Webb had harvested 20,000 pounds of Burley tobacco and sold it in 1867 at the St. Louis Fair for $58 per hundred pounds. By 1883, Cincinnati had become the principal market for this tobacco, and it was grown throughout central Kentucky and Middle Tennessee. In 1880, Kentucky accounted for 36 percent of the total national tobacco production, and was first in the country, with nearly twice as much tobacco produced as by Virginia, then the second-place state. Burley tobacco plants are started from pelletized seeds placed in polystyrene trays floated on a bed. Transplanting begins in May and progresses through June with a small percentage set in July. Producers must contend with major diseases such as black shank and blue mold and insects like aphids. what are the characteristics of burley kentucky tobacco Burley Kentucky tobacco is a light air-cured tobacco primarily used for cigarette production. It is grown in an eight-state belt in the United States, with approximately 70% produced in Kentucky and 20% in Tennessee. Smaller amounts are produced in Indiana, North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. The characteristics of Burley Kentucky tobacco are as follows: Appearance and Flavor: Burley tobacco leaves are less broad and have a white to yellow tint. After processing, the taste is medium to full-bodied, relatively dry, and contains a clear note of cocoa. The total intensity in the taste is determined from the leaf position; a leaf positioned high on the tobacco plant gives it a bolder taste. Kentucky Burley is characterized by a sweet taste and a medium-heavy-bodied leaf. Cultivation: Burley tobacco plants are started from pelletized seeds placed in polystyrene trays floated on a bed. Transplanting begins in May and progresses through June with a small percentage set in July. Producers must contend with major diseases such as black shank and blue mold and insects like aphids. Yield: The average burley farm plants only about 3 acres in burley tobacco, producing about 6,500 pounds worth just over $10,000. A full-leafed mature burley plant can have 20 to 24 leaves. Disease Resistance: Burley tobacco varieties have varying levels of resistance to diseases such as black shank, black root rot, and Fusarium wilt. Nicotine Content: Burley and Virginia tobaccos very often have the same amount of nicotine; however, you will get more nicotine from a neutral or alkaline smoke than from acidic smoke. pH Value: The pH value of Burley is around 7, which means that it is more or less neutral, whereas Virginia tobacco has a pH value of about 5, which means that it is acidic. So the Burley can soften the impression of a sharp Virginia tobacco and make the smoke more rounder. Lodging: Lodging or blow-over of burley tobacco plants makes spraying and harvesting difficult. Lodging often occurs during heavy wind and rain. The plant blows over to some angle from the vertical, where it remains. The top of the plant then turns up vertically and completes its growth in that configuration. Varieties: There are several varieties of Burley tobacco, each with its own characteristics. For example, TN 90LC is a medium-maturing variety with moderately high yield potential. It has a small stalk diameter, upright growth (ease of handling), and good cured-leaf color. what are the most popular brands of burley kentucky tobacco Based on the search results, the most popular brands of Burley Kentucky tobacco, particularly those used in pipe tobaccos, include: Peter Stokkebye’s PS41 Cube Cut: This blend includes light Virginias and earthy Burleys, offering a light smoke with notes of fruit and dark earth. Mac Baren HH Bold Kentucky: This is the most robust blend in Mac Baren’s line, and it includes Burley tobacco.selling-burley-tobaccos. Mac Baren HH Burley Flake: This blend includes Dark Fired Kentucky and Burley from three different continents. Five Brothers: Originally produced by John Finzer & Brothers in Louisville, KY, this blend is known for its strong Burley flavor. Peterson Irish Flake: This blend sees Burley, Kentucky, and Virginia mixed together in equal measure for a truly robust and flavorful smoke. Cornell & Diehl Haunted Bookshop: This blend is known for its strong Burley flavor. Wessex Burley Slice: This is another popular blend that includes Burley tobacco. Rattray’s Stirling Flake: This blend includes Burley, Kentucky, and Virginia tobaccos. Cobblestone Kentucky Plug: This blend includes Kentucky and Virginia tobaccos. Marlboro and Camel: These popular cigarette brands also use Burley tobacco in their blends. Conclusion Burley Kentucky tobacco, with its rich history, unique characteristics, and significant economic impact, remains a vital part of the global tobacco industry. As we look to the future, the continued innovation and sustainability in its cultivation and use will ensure its place in the industry for years to come. Statistics on Burley Kentucky Tobacco Production Statistics Kentucky ranks 1st in burley, fire-cured, and dark-cured tobacco production, and 2nd in total tobacco production in the nation. In 2021, Kentucky burley tobacco production was estimated at 71.8 million pounds, yield was estimated at 2,050 pounds per acre, and harvested acreage was estimated at 35,000 acres. Economic Impact In 2016, combined tobacco production in Kentucky totaled $296,272,000 in cash receipts. Breckinridge County was the leading burley tobacco producing county in Kentucky for 2017, with production totaling 5,120,000 pounds. FAQs on Burley Kentucky Tobacco What is Burley Kentucky Tobacco? Burley Kentucky tobacco is a light air-cured tobacco primarily used for cigarette production. It is produced in an eight-state belt with approximately 70% produced in Kentucky. How is Burley Kentucky Tobacco Cultivated? Burley tobacco plants are started from pelletized seeds placed in polystyrene trays floated on a bed. Transplanting begins in May and progresses through June with a small percentage set in July. What is the Economic Impact of Burley Kentucky Tobacco? In 2016, combined tobacco production in Kentucky totaled $296,272,000 in cash receipts. Breckinridge County was the leading burley tobacco producing county in Kentucky for 2017, with production totaling 5,120,000 pounds. Recommended Books on Burley Kentucky Tobacco “Burley: Kentucky Tobacco in a New Century” by Ann K. Ferrell provides a comprehensive overview of the history and impact of Burley Kentucky tobacco https://www.amazon.com/Burley-Kentucky-Tobacco-Century-Remembered/dp/0813167582 https://www.abebooks.com/9780813167589/Burley-Kentucky-Tobacco-New-Century-0813167582/plp https://www.abebooks.com/Burley-Kentucky-Tobacco-New-Century-Remembered/31653820620/bd. Sources of Information on Burley Kentucky Tobacco Information on Burley Kentucky tobacco can be found in various resources such as the University of Kentucky’s Burley and Dark Tobacco Production Guide https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco), and the book “Burley: Kentucky Tobacco in a New Century” by Ann K. Ferrell https://www.amazon.com/Burley-Kentucky-Tobacco-Century-Remembered/dp/0813167582 https://www.abebooks.com/9780813167589/Burley-Kentucky-Tobacco-New-Century-0813167582/plp https://www.abebooks.com/Burley-Kentucky-Tobacco-New-Century-Remembered/31653820620/bd. Citations on Burley Kentucky Tobacco The information in this article is cited from the University of Kentucky’s Burley and Dark Tobacco Production Guide https://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcomm/pubs/ID/ID160/ID160.pdf, Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burley_(tobacco), and the book “Burley: Kentucky Tobacco in a New Century” by Ann K. Ferrell https://www.amazon.com/Burley-Kentucky-Tobacco-Century-Remembered/dp/0813167582 https://www.abebooks.com/9780813167589/Burley-Kentucky-Tobacco-New-Century-0813167582/plp https://www.abebooks.com/Burley-Kentucky-Tobacco-New-Century-Remembered/31653820620/bd.