These
tobaccos are grown in the South Eastern part of Anatolia in the districts of Yayladağ,
Antakya and their vicinities. The leaves of this variety are medium-size, broad winged and
are also broad at the upper half. These leaves keep their gum well after they have been
completely dried. Their texture is moderately thick. They are elastic and very resistant
to stress. They are either yellow, light red or red in colour.
They have a satisfying and
sweet taste a strong spicy aroma, special of their own. These tobaccos are very suitable
for cigarette blends as well as pipe tobacco blends. They add a satisfying and sweet taste
to the blends, improving their aroma and cutting property. Due to the above mentioned
qualities these tobaccos are among the most suitable varieties for pipe tobacco blends.
They can be incorporated into these blends in very high proportions.
The best type of this
variety is raised in the mountainous areas surrounding the
district of Yayladağ. When unblended they have also a pleasant and satisfying taste.
Their average nicotine content is 1.5 %.
The scil of this area is
generally of a hydmorphic and alluvial nature. The top soil has a brownish gray or pale
olive colour, is of clay and calcareous, friable and as deep as 20-30 cms.
Average temperature during
growing stage is 25.4º C, total rainfall 99.5 mm. and average relative humidity 68 %.
Growers bale their tobaccos in the
Iskenderiye method, in 30 kgs. bales. Commercial bales are made in the same method and are
of the same weight.