Purple Old Red Tobacco

Purple Old Red Tobacco

　　Purple Old Red Tobacco is a traditional premium tobacco leaf produced in areas such as 24th Village and Guanli in Hengshan Town, Guangfeng County. It has been cultivated since the Shunzhi era of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1661). The leaves turn a purplish-red hue after sun-drying, hence the name “Zi Lao” (Purple Old). It belongs to the cigar-type sun-cured red tobacco category, characterized by large, thick leaves, mottled purplish-red patterns, rich oil content, and a longan-like aroma. The leaves feel silky in the hand, do not break or wrinkle easily. Once processed, it emits a rich, lasting fragrance, making it a top-grade tobacco product. By the mid-Qing Dynasty, it was exported overseas. International merchants recognized it as a renowned Chinese product upon seeing the “Shima Zi Lao” seal on its packaging, and it was listed as a duty-free import commodity. In 1984, Guangfeng County was designated by China’s State Tobacco Monopoly Administration as a production base for premium tobacco varieties.