Tobacco was first discovered in the New World in Cuba in 1492 by a Spanish expedition led by Christopher Columbus. 500 years ago, the Taíno Indians of Cuba rolled the leaves and burned them, a discovery that led to Cuban tobacco being considered the best in the world. This particularity is still preserved after 5 centuries due to the growing conditions in specific areas of Cuba. It combines four elements of Cuba: soil and climate, tobacco varieties unique to Cuba and technology. So while some of Cuba's techniques and indigenous seeds are available elsewhere, Cuba's soil and climate are unparalleled. Likewise, the tobacco knowledge and culture that Cuba has accumulated over the centuries cannot be replicated.