Stalk Cut
A variety of tobacco harvest where the entire plant is cut, rather than the leaves being removed a few at a time, as in priming. Connecticut broadleaf and Mexican San Andres Negro are two varieties of cigar tobacco that are stalk cut.
After cutting, the plants are allowed to wilt, then are speared on lathes that are tipped with sharp spear heads (see photos at right to view the process.)
The spears piece the stalks and hold the tobacco plant in place. They are then hung upside down in tobacco curing barns, or casas de tabacos, and allowed to cure.
