The tobacco plant (Nicotiana tabacum) belongs to the Solanaceae family, such as tomatoes, aubergines, potatoes and peppers. Its origin is in an Andean area between Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. It is known that the local indigenous began to cultivate it between 5000BC and 3000BC. It was used in religious ceremonies and rituals and smoked for medicinal purposes. Tobacco first came to Europe in the 16th century, after Christopher Columbus and other conquerors arrived to the Americas.

Tobacco, traditional uses

Despite the well-known negative effects on health today, tobacco has been traditionally used by different cultures. It was used for pain relief, and treatment of wounds, respiratory, gastrointestinal and skin diseases. It is currently also widely used as an insecticide, especially the varieties rich in nicotine.

Tobacco plant characteristics

Tobacco is an annual plant. It can reach up to 2m. It develops large and oval leaves with a velvety texture. They are generally dark green above and lighter below. They can grow up to 60cm long and 30cm wide.

Tobacco seeds are very small. It is usually germinated in a seedbed or pot, placed few millimetres deep and well protected from the cold.

Tobacco plants like well-drained and sunny soils, in an environment with some humidity. It consumes a large amount of nutrients, so the soil should be very rich.

Tobacco plant leaves contain nicotine and other chemicals responsible for its stimulant and addictive effects. The leaves are ready to harvest when the plant reaches maturity. They are dried and cured before used to manufacture cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco and chewing tobacco, among other products.