Fronto leaf has been around for decades, and goes by a number of names, including Franta Leaf, Fanta Leaf, Funta Leaf, Frunta Leaf, Hot Grabba Leaf, Grabba Leaf, Red Herring, Red Rose, and many others, thus resulting in a not-so-surprisingly confusing topic. Fronto, Funta, Fanta, and any other term starting with F typically mean a dark, thick wrapper grade tobacco leaf.
All types of tobacco leaves are primarily harvested in two ways, the oldest of which includes simply cut stalk from the ground with the help of a curved knife. The second way of harvesting originated in the 19th century where tobacco leaves were individually pulled off the tobacco plant as they became ripe from the ground upward, which means that the tobacco plant may have to be pulled a couple of times before it is completely harvested. This method is also known as “priming” or “cropping”, and the terms are used specifically for pulling off tobacco leaves.
Curing Fronto Leaves
Curing refers to the process of drying tobacco leaves, and there are three main ways to do it:
- Air Curing: This method of drying involves hanging the fronto leaves in nicely ventilated barns for about 4 to 8 weeks.
- Flue Curing: This method involves hanging tobacco in curing “kilns” after the tobacco is stringed into tobacco sticks.
- Sun Curing: Sun curing is a process that works just how it sounds. Fronto leaves are uncovered and placed in the sun to dry out naturally.
Ferment/Sweating Fronto Leaves
Fermenting involves the ammonia content being released from the leaves, and is primarily done in two ways:
- Stacking: This is where piles of tobacco leaves are covered in burlap and allowed to “sweat”. When the internal temperature reaches 140 degrees, the pile is broken down to release ammonia, nicotine, and tar.
- Kiln Fermenting: This is where small stacks of tobacco leaves are fermented in a small kiln with an artificial heat source to promote fermentation.
Growing Fronto Leaves
Fronto seeds are sprinkled onto a flat sterile surface and mixed with water. Warm temperatures between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and plenty of water are needed for proper growth. Fronto cultivation typically takes place on an annual basis, where the plants are first germinated into hotbeds or cold frames and later transplanted to the fields until they mature.
Leaves that are used as external cigar wrappings are planted under a screen of cheesecloth fabric during the cultivation process.
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