The Pugon
December 8, 2008
Tobacco leaves are flue-cured in a tall structure known as the pugon (from Spanish fogon or fumace).
The walls of the pugon are made from interlaced bamboo slats covered with a mixture of mud, dried leaves and carabao dung. The tobacco leaves are hung in tiers. Heat is conducted through a system of flues or ducts, and temperature is raised over a period of several days until the desired color is obtained. The whole process must be carefully handled because improper curing results in discolored, low quality leaves.