Virginia 27 is a popular tobacco variety grown in Ukraine since 1999 and has become the standard for Ukrainian producers. It grows as a conical bush up to 2.6 m high, has high moisture content and resistance to most diseases. The technical leaves of this variety – 25–28 per bush, lanceolate with a narrow petiole and a sharply pointed tip. At maturity, the leaves take on an arch-shaped appearance, green in color with a yellowish tint, as well as strong fuzziness and a blistered surface near the flowering heads.
Raw material Virginia 27 has a brown color and a medium-strength aroma. The taste of the leaves is gentle; due to the high sugar content in the leaves, natural fermentation occurs during storage, which adds a finer aroma to the product. Nicotine content is 1.4%, and the ripening speed is 81–90 days, full ripening is about 105 days.
For processing, shade drying is used: leaves are dried in the shade, which preserves their aroma and taste. The brownish color and soft texture make this variety popular for various tobacco blends. Cultivation is possible both in open fields and in controlled conditions – for example, in greenhouses or even on a balcony, if good drainage and sufficient solar radiation are provided.
