Sun vs. Shade Grown Tobacco
Contrary to what some think, not all tobacco leaves have to be grown in direct sunlight. When it comes to growing tobacco, you will typically hear two terms: sun grown and shade grown. But, what do these terms mean? What does it mean for a plant to grow in the shade? Doesn’t it scientifically need sunlight in order to grow? TheHumidor.com’s Chief Certified Tobacconist, Chris Gwaltney, breaks down the differences between sun grown and shade grown tobacco while highlighting the unique uses for them.
Sun Grown Tobacco
Sun grown tobacco is grown out in a field, exposed to direct sunlight and how most tobacco you smoke is cultivated. Along with the sun, tobacco leaves grown in this method are also exposed to nature’s elements, which has allowed them to develop into a heartier plant. Gwaltney explains, “The veins are going to be bigger; the leaves are going to be a little more robust because they’ve been out there weathered in the sun and they’re getting all of the intense, direct sunlight.
Shade Grown Tobacco
Shade grown tobacco is planted in a field like sun grown tobacco but is draped with translucent coverings to diffuse the sunlight. Limiting sun exposure completely changes the tobacco leaf. The process results in thinner veins and a more delicate, silky leaf. The purpose of growing some tobacco in the shade is to create a leaf used for the wrapper that is easier to work with. “It’s amazing. If you take a Connecticut broadleaf (sun grown tobacco) in one hand and a Connecticut shade (shade grown tobacco) in the other, they don’t even look like the same plant,” says Gwaltney.
Although the practice of shade grown tobacco in the United States, like Connecticut shade, is becoming less popular, countries like Ecuador commonly use it. Rather than using cheesecloth or a translucent material to cover the plants, they rely on shade from a natural source – the clouds. Ecuadorian shade grown tobacco is planted at such a high elevation that the clouds hang directly over the fields.
Which Kind is the Best?
Gwaltney emphasizes that the best choice between sun grown tobacco and shade grown is up to personal preference.
“I think that for variety, you do have to have both. Sun grown tobacco is the majority – your filler is all sun grown as well as the binder and most wrappers. However, there is a small subset of wrapper leaves that are shade grown,” says Gwaltney.
Both types of leaves are equally important. If you want to make a cigar that is milder in flavor with a more neutral palate, you’ll want to use shade grown tobacco, while the rest of cigars will favor sun grown tobacco.
Discover which growing tactic you like best by shopping cigars here.