Hookah tobacco| Types | Ingredients | Everything You Need to Know About Molasses

Shisha or hookah is one of the most prominent social customs rooted in several cultures around the world, especially in the Middle East and North Africa. With its increasing popularity globally, it has become necessary to delve deeper into understanding its components, most notably hookah tobacco, which is the basic element in determining the quality of the smoking experience. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive and detailed guide that will help you understand hookah tobacco in terms of its types, ingredients, quality, and optimal storage and use methods. This is done through the following main points:

• What is ” Molasses ” hookah tobacco?
• Ingredients for Molasses or shisha tobacco
• Types of shisha tobacco “Molasses”
• How do you distinguish good hookah tobacco?
• Optimal storage methods for hookah tobacco
• Tips for using hookah tobacco effectively
• The difference between hookah tobacco and other types of tobacco
• How to prepare and use shisha tobacco
• Ways to store hookah tobacco
• Ways to store hookah tobacco

•  What is ” Molasses ” hookah tobacco?

Hookah tobacco is a mixture of cut natural tobacco leaves, usually mixed with other substances such as glycerin and flavor extracts to be added, whether natural or artificial flavors that give it its distinctive taste and aroma. This type of tobacco differs from cigarette or cigar tobacco in the way it is prepared and used, as it is heated rather than burned directly.

• Types of ” Molasses ” hookah tobacco

• Traditional (Molasses) tobacco: It contains a high percentage of sugar and flavors, and is the most widely used in the Middle East.
• Dry tobacco: Often used without flavors and needs special preparation.
• Shisha tobacco without nicotine: based on plant-based tobacco-free alternatives that are used as a relatively healthier option.
• Premium tobacco: characterized by high quality, concentrated flavors, and balanced moisture distribution.

• How do you distinguish good hookah tobacco?

• Smell: It must be pleasant and clear, indicating the type of flavor used.
• Texture: Does not have to be dry or overly wet; ideal texture is moist and homogeneous.
• Color: reflects the quality of the ingredients; Bright colors often indicate artificial additives, while natural colors tend to be dark brown.
• Packaging: Tobacco wrapped in airtight containers that preserve moisture and flavor is preferred.

• Hookah tobacco ingredients

• Leaf tobacco: Light, mildly nicotine leaf tobacco is used
• Glycerin: used as a binder and sweetener that gives tobacco a sticky texture and sweet flavor.
• Vegetable glycerol: gives smoke density and makes it easier to emit in larger quantities.
• Flavors: Vary between fruits (apple, grape, mango), herbs (mint, cinnamon.

• Optimal storage methods for hookah tobacco

• Keep the tobacco in a tightly closed package away from heat and direct light.
• It is recommended to place it in a cool, dry place to avoid drying out or mold growth.
• Do not mix tobacco types or flavors in the same package to maintain the original taste.

• Tips for using hookah tobacco effectively

• Do not fill the hookah head compactly; Ventilation is important for a soft pull.
• Use natural charcoal and avoid highly flammable charcoal to reduce chemical taste.
• Stir the tobacco thoroughly before use to ensure distribution of flavors and moisture.

• Difference between hookah tobacco and other tobacco

Shisha tobacco is distinguished from other types of tobacco, such as cigarette tobacco, cigars, or tobacco used in pipes, in that:

1. Preparation and ingredients:

• Shisha tobacco:

It is mixed with substances such as molasses and vegetable glycerin and added concentrated flavors (fruits, herbs, sweets…), making it moist, sticky, and pleasant-smelling.

• Cigarette/cigar tobacco:

It is dry, without any additives of flavors or humectants, and often has a natural, bitter taste.

2. Smoking method:

• Shisha tobacco:

Heated using charcoal, the smoke is passed through water to cool and purify it relatively.

• Cigarette/cigar tobacco:

It is burned directly and the fumes are inhaled without any purification or cooling.

3. Consumption period:

• Shisha tobacco:

Used for a relatively long session (45 minutes to 2 hours), re-primed for each session.

• Cigarette tobacco:

Consume in just a few minutes, no prior preparation required.

4. Flavor and taste:

• Shisha tobacco:

It is characterized by a variety of flavors and aromatic combinations, which makes it especially attractive to new smokers or social occasions.

• Other tobacco:

The taste is stronger, and tends to be traditional and strong without a variety of flavors.

• Method of preparing and using hookah tobacco

For the best smoking experience, here are the steps to prepare and use hookah tobacco correctly:

1.  Choose the appropriate type of tobacco:

Choose one of high quality, with a fresh aroma and moist texture, with your favorite flavor.

2.  Stirring tobacco:

Before use, stir the tobacco inside the can to evenly distribute the glycerin and flavors.

3. Filling the hookah head (head or stone):

• Apply tobacco to the head lightly and aerated, without heavy pressure.
• Leave a space between the tobacco and the surface of the aluminum foil (or charcoal mesh) to avoid direct combustion.

4. Cover the head with aluminum foil or mesh:

• Use a perforated aluminum sheet or piece of metal mesh to separate tobacco and charcoal.
• Be careful to tighten the paper tightly and pierce it with small, distributed holes.

5. Coal heating and laying:

• Use high-quality natural charcoal.
• Apply charcoal to edges first, then gradually moderate heat.

6. Start smoking:

• Take slow breaths at first until the flavor starts to kick in.
• Monitor the heat and change the charcoal if necessary to preserve the flavor of the tobacco.

• How to distinguish a good “hookah tobacco” molasses

Recognizing good hookah tobacco is an essential step to having an enjoyable, high-quality smoking experience. Here are the most important criteria that help you know the quality of hookah tobacco: 

1. Pleasant and clear smell

• The tobacco must have a natural and distinctive aroma that reflects the type of flavor used (fruity, herbal, confectionery).
• A very strong smell may indicate excessive artificial additives, while a weak smell indicates poor quality.

2. Proper texture and moisture

• Good tobacco is moderately moist, neither dry nor excessively wet.
• The homogeneous, sticky texture helps the flavor last longer.
• Tobacco that is dry burns quickly and produces coarse smoke, but one that is too wet causes difficulty in ignition and smoke.

3. Tobacco color

• Natural colors range from dark to light brown depending on the type of tobacco.
• Bright and bright colors may be a sign of the use of artificial additives or artificial colors.

4. Balanced and concentrated flavor

• The flavor should be obvious but not overdone or overly artificial.
• Homogeneous flavors give a natural, balanced sensation in every inhalation.

5. Tight packaging and package quality

• Good packaging preserves tobacco moisture and prevents it from being exposed to air or excess moisture.
• The package should preferably be tightly closed and made of materials that preserve the flavor for as long as possible.

6. Suitable shelf life

• Check the expiration date on the package, as tobacco may lose its flavor and quality over time.
• Fresh tobacco always better to ensure the best taste and experience.

7. No impurities or foreign matter

• The tobacco must be pure and free of impurities such as large twigs, small stones, or unnatural pieces.

• Methods of storing shisha tobacco 

Proper storage of hookah tobacco is vital to maintaining its moisture, flavor, and quality of your smoking experience. Here are the most important tips and methods:

1. Keep the tobacco in a tightly closed package

• Airtight packaging is preferred to prevent air leakage.
• Genuine packaging is usually purpose-built, but airtight glass or plastic containers can also be used.

2. Store tobacco in a cool, dry place

• High heat causes tobacco to dry out and flavors to deteriorate.
• Excess moisture may cause tobacco to rot.
• So, the ideal place is a place away from direct sunlight and high temperatures.

3. Avoid exposing tobacco to air for long periods

• Air causes tobacco to dry out and lose its flavor.
• Therefore, the package must be closed immediately after each use

4. Not mixing different types or flavors of tobacco together

• Mixing flavors may cause odors to overlap and change the original taste.
• Each type should preferably be stored in its own package.

5. Use moisture storage bags 

• Small bags containing moisture-retaining materials can be placed inside tobacco packaging to maintain its texture.
• There are special products on the market for this purpose.

6. Store tobacco at a constant temperature

• Avoid sudden temperature changes that may affect tobacco quality.

Hookah tobacco is not just a substance used for smoking, it is an essential component of a social and cultural experience that has profound dimensions. By choosing the right tobacco, storing it and using it in the right way, the quality of the session can be greatly improved. With the increase in user awareness and the diversity of options in the markets, understanding hookah tobacco has become a necessity for everyone seeking a distinctive and safe experience.