In order to obtain the best results in yellowing under varied con- ditions, it is best to have the barn very tight, so that in the earlier stages of yellowing the desired temperatures may be obtained with- out exhansting the moisture loo rapidly
And there's a lot of Cuban know-how on the farms.Many of the firms here are owned by families that emigrated from Cuba, says Juan Ignacio Martinez, the head of the Nicaraguan Chamber of Tobacco Growers.In Nicaragua, "the soil is of volcanic origin and well suited for any sort of crop," he says, "especially tobacco leaf, which grows big here, with a lot of flavor and a great aroma that smokers like."Some 27 big companies owned by US, European and Nicaraguan capital and 60 smaller local ones operate in the area, growing, curing, fermenting and producing cigars.- A magnet for workers -The activity has attracted workers from across the country, among them Isabel Ramos, whose family left the impoverished village of Murra to work in Esteli 17 years ago.Now, she, her parents and three brothers bring in $900 per month to support the family."If it weren't for the tobacco, I would be working as a cook" for a paltry $50 a month, the 31-year-old mother of two teenagers said as she counted out dried shells used to make cigars for the US company Oliva Cigars."Tons of people" fleeing poverty have come to find employment in Esteli, she said
The smoke is fuller, creamier, more fragrant
Tobacco Hut to open in Annandale Tobacco Hut is expected to open at 7221 Little River Turnpike in Annandale by the end of the month
