Where did the hookah smoking tradition come from? How is it different from regular cigarettes? What types of hookah tobacco are there? Let's look for answers to these questions.
Hookah was first smoked in ancient India hundreds of years ago. Then - in Asia, Persia, Africa, Syria. Gradually, this tradition reached Europe. And by the end of the twentieth century, hookah gained popularity in Russia. Nowadays, almost every second establishment provides an opportunity to smoke a hookah, the smoke of which allows you to relax both in body and mind.
Types of hookah tobacco and their features
Traditionally, there are 3 types of hookah tobacco:
- "Massil".
- "Tombac".
- "Zhurak".
Each of them has its own specific features. What types of hookah tobacco are the most popular among smokers? This is what we will talk about today.
"Massil" (Muessel)
This most popular speciesHookah tobacco was invented in Egypt over 100 years ago. Once a soldier, having dinner on bread and molasses, tried to add some molasses to dry tobacco. The result of this combination was great. The sticky texture of tobacco, acquired by him thanks to molasses, made it much easier to smoke it, as well as to feel its aroma. It was then that such tobacco began to be called "massil", that is, translated from Arabic as "honey". Trying to reveal the taste and aroma of tobacco, they tried to add a variety of flavoring flavors to it, both the simplest and somewhat peculiar. They were satisfied with the result, so such experiments continue to this day. As a result, more and more varieties of hookah tobacco appear.
According to the system of established standards that determines the proportions of additives, high-quality hookah tobacco of this type should have the following composition: 50% - molasses and glycerin, 30% - coarsely chopped tobacco leaves, 20% - fruits, instead of which spices are sometimes used, berries, flower or herbal essences, fragrance oils, and food flavors.
Some features are inherent in the very process of "massil" production. Strong black tobacco is chosen for it, in which, after complex processing, the level of nicotine is significantly reduced, and tars that are harmful to he alth disappear completely. Of great importance is the dosage of the components and the sequence in which the ingredients are laid. It is due to the relative harmlessness to he alth and the diversityoffered taste sensations "massil" is the most consumed type of hookah tobacco.
Tombak
Tombak literally means "tobacco" in Turkish. This type of hookah tobacco is, as they say, a classic of the genre. It is preferred by people who do not recognize flavors, enjoying the authentic taste and aroma of tobacco. However, the content of a large amount of nicotine in it is a significant minus for he alth. In order to get rid of at least a small amount of nicotine, "Tombak" is moistened with water and squeezed thoroughly before putting it into a hookah bowl.
This type of tobacco is popular in Eastern countries, especially in Iran and Turkey. In Russia, "Tombak" has not won much love from hookah smokers.
"Zhurak" (Jurak)
This type of tobacco is a kind of middle link between "Tombak" and "Massil", because its composition includes both molasses and black tobacco. Sometimes fruits or oils are added to these ingredients.
Northern India, Nepal and Saudi Arabia are the only places where Zhurak has become widespread. Elsewhere in the world, he failed to catch on.
Hookah tobacco packaging
All types of hookah tobacco have one more feature - a certain type of packaging is preferable for each of them.
Since "Massil" looks very similar to jam, that is, it is wet and sticky, itfirst packed in polyethylene, and then in plastic or cardboard. However, it is even better if such tobacco is transported and stored in tin or glass packaging.
In turn, "Tombak" is a dry type of tobacco, so it is most often packaged in plain paper.
Producers
What types of tobacco for hookahs are, we already know. Which manufacturer should be preferred? In order to choose really high-quality hookah tobacco, you should know which time-tested manufacturers of this product you need to pay attention to first of all.
- Al Fakher is a company based in the United Arab Emirates. The tobacco she offers is of high quality. It is finely chopped, carefully soaked. Pros: no trash impurities, good value for money.
- Nakhla is an Egyptian manufacturing company that has been manufacturing hookah tobacco for over a century. Her product is stronger, less pure. Nevertheless, thanks to its long experience in this field, the company produces tobacco with a very rich taste as a result of production, therefore it remains popular in the modern market.
- Starbuzz ranks third in popularity due to the fact that the content of the products of this American manufacturer is significantly less nicotine. The tobacco blend of this company is characterized by the presence of a wide range of varieties.
- Saalaam. This company produces nicotine-free hookah tobacco.
Hookah mixes
AboveIt was noted that one of the advantages of Massil tobacco is the opportunity to enjoy various taste sensations. Massil is a very popular hookah tobacco. Types of flavors and aromas delight the consumer with their diversity and richness.
The most delicious aromas of "Massil" are recognized:
- Apple or double apple.
- Strawberries.
- Apricot.
- Cherry.
- Mixed fruits.
- Mint.
- Coffee flavors.
- Mango.
- Banana.
Sometimes on the modern market you can find rather unusual tastes in the assortment: beer, Coca-Cola, chewing gum.
Experienced smokers often mix "Massil" in order to achieve new flavor options. For a change, you can lay out tobacco layer by layer to experience several tastes that will smoothly replace each other.
Here are some recipes on how to mix hookah tobacco with different flavors.
- Rose and lemon. Varieties must be taken in equal proportions. Hookah smokers recommend this option to those who prefer a mild pleasant aroma.
- Watermelon, mint and vanilla. The proportions must be equal. The mint and watermelon flavors are intense, while the vanilla is more subtle.
- Cardamom plus orange, which are also taken in equal proportions.
- Blueberry, orange, vanilla. The proportions of this mix: ½, ¼, ¼. You can add a little cinnamon to the named components.
Conclusion
So, the types of hookah tobacco are very diverse. There are many of them, and even more manufacturers of such a product. So every hookah smoking lover has the opportunity to choose a product that perfectly matches his taste and financial capabilities. However, do not forget that smoking any kind of tobacco (even nicotine-free) is not absolutely harmless to he alth. The choice is yours.
