Technological characteristics and comparative quality assessment of local and Greek Oriental tobaccos in the Krumovgrad region

¹ Institute of Food Preservation and Quality, Agricultural Academy, 4003 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
² Department of Tobacco, Sugar, Vegetable and Essential Oils, University of Food Technologies, 4002 Plovdiv, Bulgaria
³ Tobacco and Tobacco Products Institute, Agricultural Academy, 4108 Markovo, Bulgaria

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

The study aimеd to perform a comparative assessment of the quality characteristics of local and Greek Oriental tobaccos produced in the Krumovgrad region. Tobaccos of Krumovgrad (varieties “Krumovgrad 90” and “Krumovgrad 58”) and Basma (of Greek origin) ecotypes, grown during the 2019 harvest in five micro-regions, were analyzed. A complex methodology for tobacco quality assessment was applied, including chemical analysis, expert assessment of the leaves and tobacco smoking profile. The results showed a more balanced chemical composition in “Krumovgrad 58” variety (Krumovgrad ecotype) and the tobacco of Greek origin (Basma ecotype), produced in Krumovgrad micro-region. The expert assessment gave an advantage to the local tobaccos of Krumovgrad ecotype, with the exception of “Krumovgrad 58” sample from Zvezdel micro-region. The smoking analysis graded the Basma ecotype tobacco (Krumovgrad micro-region) with the best smoking qualities, followed by the samples representing “Krumovgrad 58” (Strandzhevo) and “Krumovgrad 90” (Baratsi) varieties. The complex assessment through the generalized quality index distinguished the “Krumovgrad 58” variety from Zvezdel, followed by the Basma ecotype tobaccos from Krumovgrad and Pashintsi micro-regions. The results emphasize the need for annual quality examination of Bulgarian Oriental tobaccos and provide valuable information for the strategic management of their varietal structure and market position.