Not all Turkish tobacco is a high quality leaf. The tobacco grown in the districts of Sinopi, Inepoli, Zoun Goaldak, and part of the Valley of Kastamonis is considered inferior to the excellent leaves produced in Bafra and Samsoun. Tobacco plants need a sandy soil under laid with clay. The clay holds moisture in, helping to protect from drought. The color and depth of the soil, the distance from the Mediterranean or Black Sea's salt air, and the amount of rainfall, all contribute to the quality of the aromatic smoking tobaccos grown there. Tobacco buyers representing American, European, and Egyptian cigarette manufacturers avoided those districts that didn't have a reputation for growing a superior leaf.