Tabaco Negro Cubano – Cuban Black Tobacco

When it comes to Cuban cigars, also known as Habanos or "Havanas" in German, the term "Vegas Finas de Primera" is often mentioned. This refers to tobacco plants from the best growing regions for tobacco, as confirmed by the Cuban Tobacco Institute. These regions are Vuelta Abajo, Semi Vuelta, Partido, and Vuelta Arriba.

Vuelta Abajo

Located in the west of the island, in the Pinar del Río province, the Vuelta Abajo region benefits from ideal rainfall, soil composition, and temperature conditions. It is the only region where all the necessary types of tobacco for Habanos are grown, including the wrappers.

Semi Vuelta

Also in the west of the island, but slightly east of Vuelta Abajo, lies the Semi Vuelta growing area. This small region primarily produces wrapper and filler leaves for Havanas, with only a small percentage of the area used for tobacco cultivation. Additionally, there are plant nurseries here whose seedlings are later sent to other areas.

Partido

Further east of Semi Vuelta and southwest of the Cuban capital Havana lies the Partido growing area. Tobacco has been cultivated here since the 17th century, and today Partido is a protected term. This region primarily produces wrapper leaves for cigars.

Vuelta Arriba

Vuelta Arriba technically encompasses two regions: Remedios in the center of the island, the largest and oldest growing area in Cuba, and Oriente (the east), where tobacco is also grown but not used for Havanas. Interestingly, Oriente is where Columbus first landed in Cuba in 1492.

History and development of Cuban tobacco seeds

In the early 20th century, independent Cuban plant experts studied the wide variety of plant strains used for tabaco negro cubano. The aim was to determine how to produce tobacco with the classic Cuban flavor. Another reason for the research was to protect tobacco plants from pests and make them more resistant. This led to the creation of the Tabaco Habanensis seed in 1907. Independent research continued for the next thirty years.

In the mid-1930s, the Montecristo brand was created. Through the acquisition of existing brands such as Por Larranaga and H.Upmann, it became the leading producer of Habanos. At the same time, the Cuban cigar industry decided to take over the research on tobacco seeds. In 1937, the first research and testing station was established in San Jose y Martinez.

Just four years later, an improved seed variety called Criollo was developed. This seed has since become the basis for all approved seeds used for Cuban cigar cultivation. Shortly afterward, another improved variety named Corojo was developed, specifically for wrapper cultivation. The seed was named after the plantation where it was first tested.

Roles and results of the research institute

Further research and improvement of tobacco seeds aim to secure production and guarantee the quality of the original and certified seeds. The primary goal of various research projects is to sustainably increase the quality of the harvest while reducing production costs. This includes expanding cultivation areas.

Additionally, the research focuses on enhancing the resistance of tobacco plants to diseases and pests. Tobacco plants have natural enemies, including ozone pollution (environmental necrosis) and blue mold, also known as tobacco blue mold. This mold is a type of downy mildew and is one of the most economically significant diseases affecting tobacco plants.

Through conventional methods of crossbreeding and selection, new varieties have been developed. The research projects have resulted in varieties such as Habana 92, Habana 2000, Criollo 98, and Corojo 99, which are of high agricultural and commercial quality. These four black tobacco varieties form the basis of Havana cigar production in Cuba.

All hybrid varieties share the characteristic of being more resistant to diseases and producing additional leaves that do not flower. Another outcome of the research institute is the introduction of a technology for seedling production in nurseries, which aims to triple the yield per bed. Today, Cuba has four research stations in tobacco-growing regions to monitor seed quality.

How is the unique flavor of Cuban cigars created?

The exceptional quality of Cuban cigars is well-known among aficionados and the general public. Films and television have also contributed to the distinctive image of Havanas. However, this reputation is not artificially manufactured. Cuban black tobacco is globally recognized as a premium product. It is the handling and processing of the tobacco into the original Havana cigar that creates the unique smoking experience.

Habanos often highlight the quality mark "totalmente a mano," which refers to 100% handmade production. However, it should be noted that this often translates to "hecho al mano" - partially handmade. In most cases, this means a rolling mat is used. Machine production is strictly avoided. Even during the harvest, each tobacco leaf is carefully checked for ripeness and handpicked.

Additionally, Cuban black tobacco has a slightly higher moisture content than most other varieties. This gives Habanos a unique quality: they have aging potential. When stored in a humidor at the correct relative humidity, Cuban cigars can develop their aroma to perfection over the years. Hence, aged Habanos are highly sought after.

The different types of Cuban tobacco

As mentioned above, some Cuban growing areas specialize in producing specific types of tobacco or tobacco leaves. This is crucial because the different components of a cigar require distinct properties of the leaves:

• Volado: These are the leaves from the lower part of the plant. Since they receive relatively little sunlight, they are the mildest tobacco leaves and are known for their good combustibility, making them often used as wrapper and binder leaves.

• Seco: These leaves from the middle part of the plant have medium strength and are commonly used as filler leaves in cigars. The amount of Seco leaves significantly determines the strength or mildness of a Havana.

• Ligero: The leaves at the top of the plant receive the most sunlight and are therefore the strongest and most flavorful, contributing to a spicier cigar taste. Particularly strong Havanas have a higher proportion of Ligero leaves.

In addition to this basic distinction between types of tobacco leaves, the characteristics of the two previously mentioned Cuban tobacco plants are also important: The Corojo plant, due to its milder flavor, is mainly used for wrapper and binder leaves, while the stronger Criollo plant offers ideal properties for the inner parts of a cigar, particularly the Ligero leaves.