Abstract: In order to make dried cut stem better in shape and more compatible with cut lamina, the processing parameters (cut stem thickness, steam pressure in HT and temperature in cylinder dryer) were optimized by orthogonal test, and the optimized parameters were verified. The results showed that: 1) The parameters in the order of their effects on the filling value, percentage of long strands and shape of dried cut stem were steam pressure in HT > cut stem thickness > drying temperature in cylinder. 2) The optimized processing parameters were: cut stem thickness 0.10 mm, steam pressure in HT 0 MPa, cylinder wall temperature (140±5)℃ and hot air temperature (120±2)℃. The filling value and percentage of long strands of dried cut stem increased and the shape of cut stem improved obviously under the said condition. 3) By adding a proper proportion of the obtained cut stems into a premium cigarette blend, the cigarette's sensory quality was improved and tar delivery decreased by 0.8 mg/cig.