Cigar blossom or mould on the cigar
In order to preserve the quality and flavour of a cigar, special attention must be paid to the storage of the cigar. Many people come across the phenomenon of cigar blossom, also known as "plume" or "bloom". But what exactly are cigar blooms, how do you recognise them, what can you do about them and how do they differ from mould? In this article, we will answer all these questions.
What is cigar bloom?
Cigar bloom is a natural phenomenon that occurs when essential oils and other components of the tobacco reach the surface of the cigar and crystallise there. These crystalline deposits appear as a fine, white or grey dust on the surface of the cigar.
Recognising cigar bloom
Cigar flowers are easy to recognise if you know what to look out for:
Appearance: A fine, powdery, white or grey coating on the cigar.
Consistency: The deposits can be easily wiped off with a soft cloth or brush without damaging the cigar.
Odour: Cigar blossom has no noticeable odour and does not affect the aroma of the cigar.
Handling cigar blossoms
As cigar blossoms are a sign that the cigar has matured well and has been stored correctly, they are generally harmless and do not have a negative effect on the flavour. The following steps can be taken:
Wipe gently: Use a soft cloth or brush to gently remove the crystalline deposits.
Storage: Ensure that the cigars continue to be stored at the optimum humidity of around 68-72% and a temperature of 18-21°C.
Odour: Mould has an unpleasant, musty odour that masks the smell of tobacco.
What to do in case of mould?
If you discover mould on your cigars, you should act immediately:
Separate: Immediately remove the affected cigars from the others to prevent them from spreading.
Check: Examine the humidor and remaining cigars thoroughly for further signs of mould.
Cleaning: Clean and disinfect the humidor thoroughly. Use a solution of isopropyl alcohol and water to wipe down all surfaces.
Disposal: In most cases, affected cigars should be disposed of as the mould can penetrate deep into the tobacco.
The good news
In our latitudes, it is more likely to be too dry in the humidor than too humid. For mould to develop, the humidor must have over 80% humidity for a longer period of time. In practically all cases in which something fluffy forms on the wrapper of the cigar, it is cigar blossom.
Conclusion
Cigar bloom is a natural and harmless phenomenon that often accompanies well-matured cigars. They are easy to recognise and remove and do not negatively affect the smoking experience. The decisive difference to mould lies in its appearance, consistency and smell. While cigar bloom is harmless, mould requires immediate action to protect the health and quality of your cigars. By storing your cigars correctly and checking them regularly, you can prevent mould from forming and enjoy your cigars to the full.
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