Plume = Bacteria

[jpmcwjr]

R. Rodriguez uses them interchangeably so that makes it so? Not close, and because it's been repeated does not make it so, either.
At the same time, why not use the correct word in the first place?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

In lapidary, when talking about the inclusions and formations inside of stones, plume and bloom are also interchangeable. There is even a "plume agate" that is also known as "bloom agate."

 

[alan73]

I have a large plug of SG Full Virginia, what's interesting is that the bloom is only on specific layers of tobaccos that are consistent in layers, and the bloom follows that layer within the plug. The other layers of tobacco have nothing visible.
This tends to make me think it is specific to the type of tobacco and NOT bacteria. But what the hell do I know

 

[jpmcwjr]

Ah, so there's sloppy usage in lapidary, too!

 

[hawky454]

Very interesting article! Not all bacteria is bad, infact, we depend on bacteria to live normal healthy lives. I think it’s something like 3 pounds of your weight is bacteria. Makes sense to me since the tobacco is undergoing a fermentation process in our cellars. I consider it a healthy addition to my diet as it’s just more bacteria to add to the plethora in my microbiome.

 

[fitzy]

At the same time, why not use the correct word in the first place?

Seriously? Who gives a crap. Bloom or Plume. As long as people understand what is referenced.
Also if you really want to get technical and if it is in fact bacteria as the laboratory states then it would be a bacterial colony. Bacterial colony is what bacteria growing on a solid medium is called.
Bacteria in water is bacterial bloom.

 

[jazz]

Seriously? Who gives a crap. Bloom or Plume.

I do. I'm as interested in the correct terminology just as much as the subject matter you posted and thanks for posting it by the way. It was quite interesting. As Sable mentioned, I often thought that this stuff was actually minerals leaching out of the tobacco as well as other possible things such as mould and sugar. It's fascinating to learn that it may also be bacteria. I also find it almost unbelievable that such definitive testing has not been done before and that this information is not already common knowledge. I would love to see more work done on the subject.
Anyway, there does appear to be a little bit of misinformation on this subject without incorrect terminology adding to the confusion.

 

[fitzy]

Sure it would be nice to know whether it's bloom, plume or a colony. Who has the real answers? Why argue over semantics when it won't make a difference either way.
For all we know that lab is wrong and it's not bacteria and is in fact something to do with the oils in the tobacco.
Most websites that mention bloom and plume say both are correct.
So in that case I would like to know based on what source does JP say one is correct over the other?

 

[woodsroad]

So, basically, they found one sample of fungus, and 11 of bacteria, which they are reluctant to investigate further due to some unexplained concerns.
Yawn.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Given that a plume is generally a shape, such as a plume of smoke, or a plume of solids suspended in water, bloom in tobacco can be in the shape of a plume, which is probably where the confusion first arose. So, some blooms are plumes but generally not.
Does it make a huge effing difference? No. But specific words can make a difference in understanding. Sorry to have brought this up for those who are riled.

 

[woodsroad]

So they were looking for fungus and found it. But what else is there? What weren't they looking for that they missed? The most promising part of all of this, the discovery of various bacteria strains, goes unexplored because they weren't looking for it. It didn't fit the narrative. A Christopher Columbus problem. Non-scientists attempting to ask questions that have scientific answers.

 

[theloniousmonkfish]

It's a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, works as sourdough starter in a pinch. 1792 makes good bread.

 

[fitzy]

JR nobody's riled up. I was just saying I don't think it really matters either way. All I know is I've got a nice jar of Penzance loaded with the stuff.
Yeah Woods. It makes no sense to me why they wouldn't go farther with it other than maybe cost.

 

[hawky454]

It's a symbiotic colony of bacteria and yeast, works as sourdough starter in a pinch. 1792 makes good bread.

Lol. A SCOBY! I’m really into fermented foods! Been making Kombucha for over a decade now.

I've got a nice jar of Penzance loaded with the stuff.

Man, I hope you like yours. I enjoyed Penance with 3 years age on it but my jar of Penzance that had 5 years on it SUCKED! Looked beautiful though. Damn bacteria did me wrong this go roubd.

 

[Chasing Embers]

R. Rodriguez uses them interchangeably so that makes it so? Not close, and because it's been repeated does not make it so, either.

You're the only person I've ever heard say otherwise. Even cigar discussions use plume.

 

[woodsroad]

The interwebs are rife with improper word usage, especially on niche forums. One person who seems authoritative misuses a word or phrase and everyone parrots them.
I'm not weighing in on the bloom and plume thing per se, but birds have plumage, flowers, mold and bacteria bloom.

 

[mawnansmiff]

"The stuff I see developing on my aged tobaccos is silvery and somewhat crystalline."
Cortez, I examined some aged St. James Flake and some aged FVF under the microscope a while ago and can say that what I saw definitely had a crystalline structure.
Regards,
Jay.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Jeez, the meanings are not that different and they both describe the shape. Plume refers to a feathering shape, and bloom refers to a plant like shape. Picky as snot, if you want to start rifling through agates telling me one is more featherlike than treelike. Plume, bloom, dadgum English majors, ha ha. Don't you guys have some tables to bus or something?
Honestly, I don't care what we call it. It's like my wife when I refer to the Fermosa trees (the Southern trash tree that has the pretty pink Dr. Seuss looking blooms/plumes), she always tries to correct me that they are mimosa trees. I Googled it on one of our walks, and showed her where both words referred to the same damn tree. Sure, sure, the scientists call them Mimosas, but I'm an artist. I don't walk to the beat of the same fascist drummer. I'll call them flamingo trees if I feel like it. ::

 

[woodsroad]

More obfuscations.

They're "Dr. Seuss Trees"

 

[barepipe]

Ok so from the above I deduce that bloom/plume is good and mold is toxic. Ignorant question, when is white fuzz mold and when is white fuzz bloom/plume? If I get it wrong I am doomed?