These standardized words or terms are used to describe tobacco quality and to assist in interpreting grade specifications. Tobacco attributes or characteristics which constitute quality are designated as elements of quality. The range within each element is expressed by the use of words or terms designated as degrees. These several degrees are arranged to show their relative value, but the actual value of each degree varies with type, group, and grade.

Open Table
Elements         Degrees    
Maturity Immature Underripe Mature Ripe.
Body Thin Medium Heavy.
Leaf structure Close Firm Open.
Leaf surface Rough Crepy Smooth.
Oil Lean Oily Rich.
Finish Dull Normal Clear.
Color intensity Pale Moderate Deep.
Elasticity Inelastic Semielastic Elastic.
Width Narrow Normal Spready.
Uniformity (1) (1) (1).
Injury tolerance (1) (1) (1).

1Expressed in percentage.


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