Tabák

Tabák, or tobacco, denotes products derived from the leaves of Nicotiana plants, chiefly Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica. The leaves are harvested, cured, and processed to produce products for smoking, chewing, and other uses. Tobacco contains nicotine, an addictive alkaloid.

Historically, tobacco was cultivated by indigenous peoples in the Americas. After European contact in the 16th century, it spread globally through trade and colonization, becoming a major agricultural commodity and a key source of revenue in many countries.

Cultivation and processing: Tobacco is grown in warm, humid climates. After harvest, leaves may undergo air curing, sun curing, or flue curing to develop flavor and reduce moisture. Fermentation and aging improve aroma and reduce harshness. The processed leaf is then blended and manufactured into cigarettes, cigars, pipes, or smokeless products.

Uses: The most common forms are combustible products—cigarettes, cigars, and pipe tobacco. Smokeless forms include chewing tobacco, snuff, snus, and nicotine pouches. In some markets, heated tobacco or nicotine-delivery devices are marketed as alternatives.

Health and regulation: Tobacco use is a leading cause of preventable disease and death, linked to cancer, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. Nicotine is highly addictive. Many jurisdictions regulate tobacco through age restrictions, packaging and labeling, advertising bans, taxation, and public smoking prohibitions, and require health warnings.

Economy and environment: Tobacco farming supports livelihoods in some regions but raises concerns about pesticide use, soil depletion, and deforestation. Global production and consumption are influenced by cultural preferences, regulation, and price.

In several languages, including Czech and Slovak, tabák refers to tobacco in general.