Apparatus and method for conditioning tobacco

Apparatus for conditioning of tobacco leaves, the apparatus comprising:

• a tobacco chamber for storing tobacco leaves, which have already been cured, for conditioning;
• and
• an air processing facility which includes:
• a ventilation system for creating an airflow through the apparatus, wherein said airflow is drawn into the air processing facility, passes from the air processing facility into the tobacco chamber, and subsequently exits the apparatus;
• a heater for adding heat to the airflow;
• and
• a humidity generator for adding moisture to the airflow;
• whereby the apparatus performs conditioning of the tobacco leaves in the chamber to a desired moisture level by using the heater to add heat to the airflow if the moisture level of the tobacco leaves in the chamber is above said desired moisture level, and to add moisture to the airflow if the moisture level of the tobacco leaves in the chamber is below said desired moisture level;
• wherein the tobacco chamber comprises at least one rack on which the tobacco leaves are placed;
• and
• wherein the airflow passes once through the chamber and then exits the chamber without re-circulation.