Tobacco has been very present throughout history, no less than since its appearance in the Andean highlands between 2,500-3,000 years B.C, the first cultures of the Incas 2,000 years B.C. and even its expansion throughout the rest of the world after the colonization of the American continent. By the way, if you are wondering what the tobacco plant is called, take note: Nicotiana Tabacum. It belongs to the Solanaceae family, like tomatoes, peppers and potatoes, also native to America.
There is a lot of history and great anecdotes related to tobacco: its plant has been considered sacred and has starred in ancient rituals, has been used as a medicinal remedy and has served as a tool for socialization and personal enjoyment. In this sense, there are pre-Columbian sculptures and paintings that represent characters in actions related to tobacco use.
After the discovery of the new continent, various travelers reported the custom of the Native Americans in the Antilles, the Caribbean, Florida, Mexico and Brazil of smoking rolled dry tobacco leaves, for which they used devices in the form of rolls or pipes. Years after the European conquest, tobacco gradually began to lose its cultural and ritual meaning and began to have a more daily use.
But how is this plant cultivated and what makes Cuban tobacco so special? The answer lies in the pearl of the Antilles: Cuba.
Where does the best tobacco in the world come from?
The explorers Rodrigo de Jerez, together with Luis de Torres, members of the first expedition of Columbus, where the first contact of the Spanish with tobacco, when they carried out a reconnaissance of the island of Cuba.
Nowadays, there are many places where tobacco cultivation has been developed, but without a doubt it is in Cuba where it reaches its maximum splendor. The climate, the quality of the soil, the talent of its farmers and the legendary skill of its artisans make Cuban tobacco the most appreciated by fans around the world. Cuba’s unique personality defines the aroma and flavor of its cigars. The different types of leaves of incomparable quality that this land produces are the only elements that make up each of its cigars.
Tobacco growing regions in Cuba
How to grow tobacco is important, but the where is the key. In no country in the world is tobacco of such high quality grown as in Cuba.
But even on the Caribbean island, only a few areas are considered suitable for growing the tobacco plant used to make cigars. In fact, there are only four major growing regions of the best tobacco in the world:
-
Pinar del Río
the best land in the world to grow tobacco and the only region that produces all types of leaves. It is in this area where the popular lands of Vuelta Abajo are found.
-
Partido
its origin as a producing area date back to the 17th century. It is specialized in the cultivation of wrapper leaves.
-
Remedios
the largest and oldest producing area in Cuba, with a very peculiar climate and soil.
-
Vuelta arriba
in this region, located in the eastern part of the island, Columbus landed in 1492 and there he learned, from the natives, the use of the tobacco plant.
