New stock! Very fresh and juicy. Sabia is considered the highest quality and most potent Tabaco.

Sabia Corda Tabaco: A Deep Dive into Its Tradition, Craftsmanship, and Potency

Sabia Corda Tabaco is a distinctive variety of Nicotiana Rustica, known for its dark, nearly black appearance and its potent effects. This particular type of Tabaco is highly prized among Rapé makers for its strength and neutral flavor, making it a preferred choice for creating powerful and balanced Rapé blends. The craft of producing Sabia Corda is deeply rooted in traditional Brazilian Tabaco farming practices, where the careful cultivation, drying, and fermentation processes contribute to its unique characteristics.

Historical Background and Cultural Significance

Sabia Corda Tabaco is a testament to the rich heritage of Brazilian Tabaco farming, with its cultivation and production methods passed down through generations. The seeds of this Tabaco have been handed down from father to son, maintaining the purity and potency of the strain. The Sabia Corda Tabaco belongs to the widely known species of Nicotiana Rustica, a variety that is historically significant for its high nicotine content and robust flavor profile. In indigenous and rural communities, Tabaco is more than just a crop; it is a symbol of cultural continuity, community knowledge, and traditional craftsmanship.

Cultivation and Production Process

The production of Sabia Corda Tabaco is a meticulous process that involves several stages, each contributing to the final product's quality. The Tabaco plants are organically grown in the jungles of Brazil, benefiting from the region's rich soil and favorable climate. Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are unnecessary, as Tabaco itself is a natural insecticide and soil enhancer.

After the Tabaco leaves are harvested, they are sorted based on quality and placed on drying racks in the shade. This careful drying process preserves the leaves' natural oils and flavors, which are crucial for the next stage: fermentation. Fermentation is key to developing the Tabaco deep, rich flavors. During this process, the leaves darken significantly, taking on the nearly black hue that Sabia Corda is known for. The Tabaco is then twisted into ropes, a traditional method that not only preserves the Tabaco but also allows for the slow release of its rich, earthy flavors as it ages.

The rolling of the Tabaco leaves into ropes is a skilled craft, requiring experience and knowledge passed down through generations. The ropes are allowed to ripen further, undergoing a slow fermentation process that enhances the flavor and creates the characteristic dark brown to black appearance of Sabia Corda Tabaco. The result is a tightly wrapped, dense rope of Tabaco, sticky to the touch due to its high moisture and oil content.

Characteristics and Uses

Sabia Corda Tabaco is distinct in its appearance and texture. The ropes have a smaller diameter than those of other similar Tabaco's, such as Mapacho Masos, measuring approximately 3-4 cm. The leaves are darker, almost black, and the Tabaco is notably juicy and aromatic. When fresh, the ropes are sticky and dense, indicating their high quality and potency.

This variety of Tabaco is favored by Rapé makers due to its strength. When used with less ash, Sabia Corda Tobacco creates a Rapé that is intensely powerful and not recommended for the faint-hearted. Its neutral flavor allows it to blend well with various herbs and ashes, making it versatile for creating different Rapé blends. Some of the popular Rapé varieties that incorporate Sabia Corda include the Yawanawa Daime, Kuntanawa Alfavaca da Mata, and several Nukini blends.

The Role of Sabia Corda in Rapé Production

Rapé, a sacred snuff used by many indigenous tribes in Brazil, often relies on the strength and potency of the Tabaco used in its production. Sabia Corda Tabaco is particularly sought after in this context because of its high nicotine content and grounding effects. These qualities make it ideal for spiritual practices where focus, clarity, and connection to the earth are essential. The neutral flavor of Sabia Corda also makes it a versatile base for blending with other ingredients, allowing Rapé makers to create a wide range of effects and flavors.

Conclusion

Sabia Corda Tabaco stands out as one of the most potent and revered varieties of Nicotiana Rustica. Its rich history, traditional production methods, and versatile use in Rapé and other Tabaco products make it a valuable component of Brazilian Tabaco culture. The craftsmanship involved in its cultivation and preparation reflects the deep knowledge and heritage of the communities that produce it, ensuring that Sabia Corda Tabaco remains a vital part of both traditional and modern practices.

Whether used in sacred rituals, for smoking, or in the production of Rapé, Sabia Corda Tabaco offers a unique and powerful experience, deeply rooted in the traditions of Brazilian Tabaco craftsmanship. Its strong, earthy flavor, coupled with the cultural significance of its production, makes it a standout among the many varieties of Tabaco grown in Brazil.

Image: Sabia Corda on a roll weighing 10 kilo.

Scientific name: Nicotiana Rustica
Part used: Leaves
Form: String, on 10 kilo rolls
Region of origin: Tocantins, Minas Gerais state
Lot number: 38943
Method of processing: The Tabaco leaves are fermented and then rolled into rope form Tabaco mass, and then cured.
Appearance: String, rolled up in rolls of Tabaco mass
Colour: Black
Odour: Tabaco
Taste: Tabaco
Uses: Alcoholic tinctures, natural agriculture, apiculture

Customer feedback:

"..This one is totally different from the other Tabaco’s. It’s effect is very strong, even stronger than the Arapiraca. The smell is totally different and needs a bit of getting used to for me. This Tabaco is too strong for snorting, in my experience. My nose instantly got into an allergic reaction and blocked up totally. So the deepest respect for this creation of Tabaco, I understand why local shamans look for it to make their medicines..."

See here how to make powder from raw Tabaco.

See here how to blend your own Rapé.

Other names: Sabia string or rope Tabaco, Sabia Corda, Nicotiana rustica.

All South American shamans have an intimate relationship with Tabaco, and consider it a very sacred, wholesome plant that is deeply entrenched in their culture and rites. Tabaco consumed in high amounts has strong psychedelic and hallucinogenic effects, as it contains two alkaloids, harman and norharman, which are closely related to harmine and harmaline (Janiger et al. 1973). These two beta-carbolines inhibit monoamine oxidase (Herraiz et al. 2005), leading to antidepressive and uplifting effects (Farzin 2006).

​In addition to Ayahuasca rituals that are combined with Tabaco snuffs, there are even shamans that specialized in Tabaco healing, called tobaqueros (Jauregui et al. 2011). When used in shamanic rituals, Tabaco is assumed to protect, cleanse and re-align energies, thereby bringing profound clarity and healing (Jauregui et al. 2011). Furthermore, South American shamans, commonly use Tabaco smoke to blow it over the person to be healed with the intention to bring their energies into equilibrium and clean out all negativity and anxiety (i.e. ‘sopladas’ – the healing energy of blowing) (Jauregui et al. 2011). Thus, Tabaco in the shamanistic culture has a potent function of cleansing, bringing clarity and focus, and for allowing strong visualizations.

Nicotiana Rustica is extremely potent, containing up to 20 times higher levels of nicotine than usual Tabaco, Nicotiana Tabacum (Stanfill et al. 2010). Therefore, this shamanic tool is extremely powerful and can provide an intense journey of cleansing and energetic shift. Through this highly activating Tabaco, one might feel a strong aiming of the mind, and intense clarity and focus.

Brazilian "Sabia" corda is juicy and fresh when arrived in our stock. We cut them into the desired sections and immediately vacuum seal them. This way they will retain their freshness and humidity content for a very long time.

The seeds of this special kind of Tabaco have been passed down from father to son over generations and it belongs to the widely known species of Nicotiana Rustica. Sabia could be compared to Mapacho and Arapiraca, for it looks very similar in consistency. Tightly wrapped and dense, almost solid and black in colour and even more juicy and aromatic. The Sabia sections are very sticky to the touch.

The "Sabia“ corda is of smaller diameter than the Mapacho Masos (approximately 3-4 cm diameter) and also it is much more juicy in its structure. The leaves appear to be much darker and almost black as well as they have been put through the process of fermentation.

Sabia has been organically grown in the jungles of Brazil. Chemicals are not necessary as Tabaco itself is a great fertiliser and commonly used insecticide among the farming communities.

See here how to make powder from raw Tabaco.

See here how to blend your own Rapé.

Instructions for Proper Handling and Storage of Compressed Raw Tabaco

Compressed raw Tabaco, such as Mapacho or Arapiraca, is a fresh, humid product that requires careful handling to maintain its quality and prevent mold. These products are shipped from South America vacuum-sealed, and undergo strict quality checks upon arrival. They are individually checked, and again vacuum-sealed under maximum vacuum to ensure they remain fresh during storage and transport. Additionally, a light spray of bio-ethanol is applied to eliminate any traces of mold, which is part of the natural fermentation process. When you first open the package, you may notice the smell of alcohol, which will evaporate quickly.

To ensure your raw Tabaco remains in optimal condition, follow these detailed instructions:

Long-Term Storage in Vacuum-Sealed Packaging

Inspect the Packaging: Upon receiving your Tabaco, ensure that the vacuum seal is intact. The packaging should be tightly sealed around the Tabaco. If the package feels loose or you can move the Tabaco roll inside, the seal may have been compromised, possibly during customs inspection. In this case, it is recommended to follow the instructions for handling after opening immediately.

Storage: If the vacuum seal is intact and you do not plan to use the Tabaco immediately, store the package in the refrigerator or freezer. This cold environment will help preserve its moisture content and prevent deterioration, allowing the Tabaco to remain fresh for several months or longer.

Handling After Opening

Unpacking: When you open the vacuum-sealed package, remove the desired section of Tabaco and discard the plastic. To preserve the remaining material, store it open to the air in a dark, well-ventilated cupboard. Keeping the Tabaco exposed to air circulation will prevent excess moisture from accumulating, which can lead to mold formation. Ensure that the storage area is away from direct sunlight and not exposed to high humidity.

Monitoring and Maintenance

Regular Checks: Periodically check your Tabaco for any signs of mold or dryness. If the outer layer becomes dry or brittle, lightly mist it with distilled water. Allow the Tabaco to absorb the moisture gradually by leaving it in the open air. Avoid storing the Tabaco in plastic bags, as this will trap moisture and increase the risk of mold.

Alternative Storage in Humid Conditions

Humidity Management: In areas with high humidity, even storing Tabaco in paper can result in mold. In such environments, the best practice is to keep the Tabaco completely open to the air in a dark, dry place with good ventilation. This will help prevent moisture buildup. Ensure that the storage area is away from light and excessive humidity.

Freezing for Indefinite Storage

Freezer Storage: For long-term storage, consider cutting the Tabaco into smaller portions and storing them in individual grip-seal bags in the freezer. This method allows you to preserve the Tabaco indefinitely, defrosting only the amount you need at any given time. Freezing helps maintain the product’s integrity without the risk of mold.

Important Notes

Avoid High Humidity: In humid environments, keeping the Tabaco in paper can still lead to mold. The best practice is to keep it open to the air in a dark, well-ventilated space.

Regular Checks: Regularly inspect your Tabaco for any signs of mold or dryness. Adjust the storage method as necessary to ensure the product remains in optimal condition.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your compressed raw Tabaco stays fresh, mold-free, and ready for use whenever you need it. Proper handling and storage are key to preserving the quality and longevity of this traditional and organic product.

This item is not allowed in the following countries:

Australia, United Kingdom