THE COLORS OF TOBACCO
Color is a very important factor to take into consideration when selecting top quality tobaccos. Color is indicative of how certain varieties will smoke. Green or "tingy" tobacco tends to smoke very bitter except in Turkish tobacco, which is sun cured and usually still retains some green coloring after curing.
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FLUE CURED TOBACCO
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The presence of the color green in flue-cured tobacco is an indication of immaturity. It means the leaves were harvested before reaching a full degree of ripeness. Evidence of red in flue cured tobacco is an indication of excessive heat experienced during the curing process. This is referred to as "scorching." Scorched tobacco tends to have a strong aftertaste when smoked.
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Ideally, flue-cured tobacco depending on seed variety and stalk position, should range from lemon to orange to deep mahogany in color.
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This range in color should be consistent throughout the leaf from stem butt to the tail of the leaf tip. Color intensity is another indicator.
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High quality flue-cured tobacco has a unique ability to almost glow.
Burley Tobacco​
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The presence of the color green in Burley tobacco is also an indication of immaturity. It means the leaves were harvested before they reached a full degree of ripeness. Burley tobacco should range from tan to deep brownish red consistent color. Bright tan or orange colored burley leaves usually indicates that the leaf cured too quickly; resulting in a very harsh, hot smoke.