Tobacco leaves are harvested and aged using a movement that combines exercise of tepidity and shade to reduce make more appealing and spatter content without causing the large leaves to rot. This first part of the process, called curing, takes between 25 and 45 days and varies substantially based upon climatic conditions as well as the construction of sheds or barns used to store harvested tobacco. The curing manner is manipulated based upon the type of tobacco, and the desired color of the leaf. The second component of the process, called fermentation, is carried out under conditions designed to help the leaf die slowly and gracefully. Temperature and humidity are controlled to ensure that the leaf continues to ferment, without rotting or disintegrating. This is where the flavor, burning, and aroma characteristics are primarily brought out in the leaf.

In low-grade cigars, chopped up tobacco leaves are hand-me-down for the filler, and Cuban Cigar lengthened leaves or even a type of "paper" factitious from tobacco pulp is absorbed for the wrapper which binds the cigar together.