The history of pipe smoking dates back several centuries. Therefore, it is not surprising that for this special types of tobacco were developed and special types of cuts were developed. After reading this article, you will learn how to choose tobacco for the pipe.
Main varieties
Virginia is often used as a base for pipe tobacco. To date, several varieties of this plant are known. All have a delicate aroma and light leaves.
Other varieties are added in small quantities to increase strength and create a special bouquet. So, when adding a variety of “Kentucky” the mixture has a dark brown hue and plum aroma.
Oriental tobacco is grown in Eastern Europe for a pipe with a mild flavor and a slightly sweetish aftertaste. Turkish varieties are characterized by a more piquant aroma.
Classification of tobacco blends
Depending on the taste, they can be divided into:
- pure unflavored “Virginia”;
- mixtures with the addition of "latakia";
- aromatics.
In addition, there are classification into English and Danish taste groups. “Latakia” and “Virginia” can be added to the first, and aromatics to the second. There is also another, French group, which includes a mixture of pipe and cigarette tobacco.
Tobacco cutting and strength
In nature, there are both too light and overly strong varieties. Unlike classic cigarettes, in this case, the strength is measured not by the concentration of nicotine, but by taste. Those who choose their first tobacco for the pipe can recommend light varieties.
Three forms of tobacco can be purchased in stores:
- Sliced. It is sold in special cans and is completely ready for use.
- In flakes, which are pressed into piles and sliced across the sheets of tobacco. Such plastics can be used in two different ways. Some twist them into a roll and put them in a chamber, while someone fluffs up the plates and clogs them like regular chopped tobacco for a pipe.
- In briquettes requiring self-cutting. Such tobacco is strong enough, so it is better for novice smokers to refuse to purchase it.
Tobacco for the captain black pipe
This natural classic variety with light notes of vanilla is especially popular among American citizens. It is ideal for lovers of light tobacco blends. When smoking, a pure natural vanilla aroma is felt. Unfortunately, tobacco for the Captain Black pipe, reviews of which sound exclusively in a positive way, is not too common among our compatriots. But those who have already managed to evaluate it, assure that it is much nicer than many other mixtures. True, there are those who categorically do not like this tobacco. They motivate it with a rather rough cut and not the best quality of tobacco. In addition, after smoking this wet variety you will have to tinker with cleaning the pipe.
Is it possible to grow tobacco for a pipe at home
It should be understood that this plant requires a long frost-free period, the duration of which should be at least 120 days. That is why it is better to use the seedling method for growing tobacco.
This plant has very small seeds. In one gram of tobacco, there are more than 10,000 pieces. Therefore, when sowing, it is advisable to use ballast, which is ideally suited humus sifted through a sieve. A good result is obtained when applying a nutrient mixture consisting of one part of sand, one part of forest land and two parts of humus. The land for the mixture should be exactly forest, since pathogens of the viral mosaic may appear in the garden soil.
The air temperature in the room in which the seeds germinate should be at least 18 and no more than 22 degrees. Emerging shoots should provide maximum illumination, otherwise the seedlings will develop poorly.
After a month and a half, she is completely ready for landing in the ground. At this point, the height of the seedlings with five full leaves should be approximately 12-14 cm. A week before the date of the proposed planting, it is recommended that the seedlings begin to temper, so that it gradually adapts to the relatively low soil moisture. A couple of days before planting, you need to completely stop watering.
During planting, it is important to ensure that the growth point is not covered with soil. To stimulate the appearance of additional roots formed from cambial stem cells, seedlings can be deepened into the ground to the level of the lower leaves.
We must not forget about the density of tobacco. So, on one square meter of land you can plant no more than five plants of large-leaved varieties and no more than twelve small-leaved specimens. Planting seedlings should be done only after the threat of return frost has passed.