This paper comprised a review of published literature dealing with the evaluation of tobacco quality and usability. Evaluation of tobacco quality and usability seems to be difficult not only due to our inability to define them in simple and easily measurable term but also due to their relations to the profitability of tobacco companies and safety of comsumers. Chemical constituents and smoking taste and aroma of the tobacco represent the underlying basis for tobacco quality: however, tobacco is still purchased upon its physical appearance. Grade and value system is very convenient for evaluating the tobacco quality, if the system is based on the triangular relationship of physical appearance, chemical and smoking properties of tobacco, and also based on intrinsic quality of the tobacco independent of external influences. Grade and value system for tobacco in Korea is thought to be influenced by external factors besides intrinsic quality. Therefore, we have to concern new systems that could be supplement to, or replacement for currently available grade and value system.

• 李承哲(한국인삼연초연구소 경작시험장) | 이승철
• 柳明鉉(한국인삼연초연구소 대구시험장) | 류명현
• 韓喆洙(한국인삼연초연구소 전주시험장) | 한철수
• 潘裕宣(한국인삼연초연구소 음성시험장) | 반유선