Flue Cured Tobacco

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About Flue Cured Tobacco

Curing is a process by which the harvested tobacco leaf is made ready for the market.
It is a well standardized process especially in FCV tobacco to achieve the desirable qualities in the cured leaf along with the removal of moisture.
There are three types of tobacco curing methods traditionally used: Air-Cured, Fire-Cured, and Flue-Cured.
Each of the different curing methods results in a tobacco product that is distinguishable by both its nicotine content and its aroma.
Why is Tobacco cured?
- To create smoking tobacco, the tobacco leaves need to be cured, or dried out.
- The wet, green tobacco leaves of a tobacco plant initially contain too much moisture to catch fire.
- They also have higher chlorophyll content. By releasing a certain amount of chlorophyll from the leaves during the drying out process, the natural tannins come out giving the smoked tobacco its flavor and scent.
Key characteristics of Flue Cured Tobacco
- Produces primarily cigarette tobacco
- Contains a high sugar content
- Contains medium to high levels of nicotine
- Rich in natural tannins which creates its distinct mild and slightly sweet flavor and aroma
In India Flue Cured Virginia (FCV) Tobacco is mainly produced in India in 2 states, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

Q1) What is Nicotine?

It is a naturally produced alkaloid in the nightshade family of plants and is widely used recreationally as a stimulant and anxiolytic. As a pharmaceutical drug, it is used for smoking cessation to relieve withdrawal symptoms.

Source: Government of India approves interest-free Loan to FCV Tobacco growers in Andhra Pradesh