What are those little green spots on my cigars?

Q. Sometimes I find little green spots on the wrappers of my cigars. What causes that?
– B.C. in Myrtle Beach, SC

A. According to my research, green spots are genetic to all Cuban-seed tobaccos, especially tobaccos that are “shade grown.” They’re also often caused by water spots that occurred on the plant during the curing process. They may not be pretty, but the blemishes will generally not affect the flavor of the cigar.