The Dutch and other Europeans began commercial cultivation of tobacco in the Deli region from the 1860s. Owing much to the region’s climate and fertile soil, the tobacco produced here was very superior in quality. The tobacco plant is an annual that grows up to 60 cm in size and has some 20 to 30 leaves. The nicotine content in the Deli tobacco leaves was not strong. As they burnt well and left behind a firm ash, they were used as wrapper leaves for fine cigars. The best leaves that were chosen were unblemished, smooth and glossy in appearance. The Deli tobacco was traded in Amsterdam and considered one of valuable jewels of the Dutch East Indies. The American cigar companies were among the largest consumers of these leaves.
