Similarity of Sensory Quality and Substance Composition of Aged Tobacco Leaves from Different Producing Areas in Yunnan

Purpose To comprehensively analyze the differences in sensory quality and substance composition of tobacco leaves from different producing areas in Yunnan under varying climate conditions.

Methods The tobacco leaves from six main tobacco producing areas in Yunnan were used as research objects. The similarity analysis was performed based on the sensory quality and substance composition of tobacco leaves, and the substance composition factors affecting the sensory quality of tobacco leaves were investigated.

Results 1) The aged tobacco leaves from Yunnan exhibited a typical sweet fragrance, with the dominant off-flavors being grassy and woody; the sensory quality scores were highest for Chuxiong (42.50) and Yuxi (41.33), while Zhaotong (35.50) had the lowest score. 2) The sugar content in the tobacco leaves from Kunming and Qujing was higher, while the sugar content in Yuxi tobacco leaves was lower. Specifically, the total sugar content in Kunming tobacco leaves was 18.78% higher than that in Yuxi, and the reducing sugar content in Qujing tobacco leaves was 14.40% higher than that in Yuxi. 3) Principal component analysis based on Bray-Curtis distance showed that the tobacco leaves from Chuxiong, Yuxi, and Qujing were similar in terms of fragrance characteristics, off-flavors, chemical composition, and coordination. 4) The sugar-alkaloid ratio and nitrogen-alkaloid ratio were significantly positively correlated with the sweet fragrance and aroma state, while the potassium-chlorine ratio showed a significant negative correlation with the sweet fragrance, and a significant positive correlation with the green aroma and roasted aroma.

Conclusion The variation patterns of the sensory fragrance characteristics and chemical composition of tobacco leaves from different producing areas in Yunnan are closely related. Based on sensory quality similarity, the six tobacco producing areas in Yunnan can be divided into three categories: Yuxi, Qujing, Chuxiong, and Baoshan; Kunming; and Zhaotong. Based on substance composition similarity, the producing areas can be divided into three categories: Kunming, Qujing, and Chuxiong; Baoshan and Zhaotong; and Yuxi. This study provides theoretical data to support the need for the specialized and refined application of tobacco leaf materials in cigarette production.