THE QUALITY OF TOBACCO: HOW TO RECOGNIZE IT?
In light of the increased focus on health effects, tobacco growers are required to produce tobacco that meets increasingly high quality standards.
In recent years, numerous studies have attempted to address this demand for quality, many of which have focused on agronomic aspects, since quality is primarily created in the fields during the production process and is strongly influenced by cultivation techniques as well as environmental factors.
Tobacco cultivation: what are the risks?
The risks associated with tobacco use, for humans and the environment, are linked to a series of factors that arise from the use of raw materials in the production system, involving the entire industrial process chain, from the incorrect use of products to the disposal of waste. This general principle applies to all products, with more restrictive rules in place for tobacco.
Where are the greatest risks?
The risk can be assessed at various stages, for example in the type of soil in which the plant is grown, in the fertilizers used, in the insects present in that area and in that year; it may be due to the pesticides used, in harvesting, in the storage system prior to use, and finally in the waste disposal system.
Consider, for example, heavy metals present in the soil, bacteria, molds and their toxins, chemical pollution of the soil or irrigation water, and environmental pollution from residues. All of this affects the outcome of cultivation and the final quality of the product.
How to evaluate tobacco quality?
There are several factors that can affect the quality of tobacco. Here are some of the most common criteria for evaluating it:
Moisture: The quality of tobacco can be affected by the amount of moisture it contains. Tobacco with too much moisture can become sticky and produce thick, greasy smoke, while tobacco that is too dry can be unpleasant to smoke.
Aroma: The aroma of tobacco is an important indicator of its quality. High-quality tobacco has an intense and pleasant aroma, while low-quality tobacco may have an unpleasant or sour smell.
Structure: The structure of tobacco can affect its quality. High-quality tobacco is usually compact and uniform, while low-quality tobacco may be messy or too fibrous.
Taste: Taste is another important factor in assessing the quality of tobacco. High-quality tobacco has an intense and pleasant taste, while low-quality tobacco may have a bitter or sour taste.
Origin: The origin of tobacco can affect its quality. Tobacco grown in ideal conditions, with fertile soil and a suitable climate, tends to be of higher quality than tobacco grown in less favorable conditions.
These are just some of the factors that can affect the quality of tobacco. Quality assessment is subjective and may vary depending on individual preferences.
The quality of Manifattura Mediterranea tobacco
It is now certain that cigarette smoke is harmful, but few people know that most manufacturers add certain additives to cigarette tobacco at various stages of production.
Additives affect the chemical composition of smoke to varying degrees. Tobacco additives are used for different purposes: to give cigarettes a particular aroma, to regulate the combustion process, or to prevent them from drying out.
Additives can make cigarettes more appealing by masking some of the undesirable effects of smoke inhalation.
At Manifattura Mediterranea, we are committed to ensuring strict control over all manufacturing processes, from raw materials to the final product, in order to guarantee a high-quality product without any chemical additives.