The Characteristics of Seco Tobacco
When it comes to a cigar's flavor, the leaves of Seco tobacco play a decisive role. To create the desired blend, the tobacco plant is divided into three distinct sections during harvest: Ligero, Seco, and Volado. Due to varying sunlight exposure, the leaves of each section develop different strengths and aromas, making this division not only practical but essential for the final blend. The leaves from the middle section of the plant are known as Seco leaves, which are used to produce the eponymous Seco tobacco.
Not All Leaves Are the Same
During the tobacco harvest, the process starts at the bottom of the plant and works upward. The lower leaves, called Volado, are the mildest in flavor due to receiving the least sunlight. In contrast, the upper leaves, Ligero, are the strongest, having been fully exposed to the tropical sun. The middle leaves, Seco, are milder than Ligero but more aromatic than Volado. The blend of these three types of leaves ultimately determines the strength and flavor of the finished cigar; their combination is far from random.
Seco Leaves: Mild Yet Aromatic
Although significantly milder and lower in nicotine content than the upper Ligero leaves, Seco leaves boast a pronounced aroma. They are pivotal to the cigar's flavor, while Volado leaves primarily ensure an even burn, and Ligero leaves contribute to the nicotine. Seco leaves are not only found in the middle of the original plant; they also form the core element of the finished cigar. Among the three types of leaves, Seco leaves are the largest and have a hairy surface. These leaf hairs function as glands, helping the plant rid itself of residues from its life processes. These residues form a sticky layer on the leaf, containing essential oils that, after the fermentation of the tobacco, ultimately contribute to the cigar's aroma.
Where Does Each Tobacco Leaf Go?
Depending on their unique properties, the leaves are later placed in specific positions within the cigar filler: Ligero leaves in the center, surrounded by Seco leaves to enhance the flavor, and Volado leaves on the outer edges to ensure a smooth burn. Due to their size, Seco tobacco leaves are also used as a binder in larger cigar formats; however, Volado leaves are typically preferred for their superior burning characteristics. Seco leaves are frequently used as wrapper leaves: thinner and less veined than the upper Ligero leaves, they are generally more flawless than Volado leaves, which are often soiled by their position close to the ground. Seco leaves are thus not only the most aromatic but also the most visually appealing leaves of the tobacco plant.
