Mói Mapacho Rolls (Nicotiana rustica) – From Brazil

Located deep within the heart of the Brazilian Amazon near the border with Peru lies the source of the renowned Moi Mapacho, a native tobacco cherished for its unique qualities. Cultivated by local forest communities, descendants of indigenous tribes intermingled with migrants from the Northeast during the early twentieth-century rubber boom, this distinct variety of nicotiana rustica thrives in the verdant landscapes of the Reserva Extrativista in the upper Jurua region, nestled close to the Peruvian frontier.

The territory of the upper Jurua is a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of the Amazon, home to indigenous communities such as the Ashaninka, Kuntanawa, Arara Shawãdawa, and the Kaxinawa tribe, among others. Within this biodiverse haven, where the rhythms of nature dictate life, lies a commitment to sustainable practices, with the reserve dedicated to the ethical cultivation and extraction of forest resources including seeds, fruits, and rubber.

It is within this pristine environment that the delicate art of cultivating Moi Mapacho thrives. This exquisite tobacco, renowned for its mildness compared to other Brazilian rustica varieties, exudes a captivating aroma and possesses a distinctive character that reflects the purity of its origins. Cultivated without the use of pesticides, each leaf carries the essence of the untamed Amazon, offering a testament to the harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world.