Tobacco varieties, their characteristics and separately bred components of tobacco mixtures. Pipe, cigarette tobacco (main types of tobacco) Types of tobacco and their tastes

There are several different varieties of tobacco, each with many different varieties. All of them are very different from each other in many respects, the main ones being the size and color of the leaves, the method of processing, the composition and concentration of their constituents. chemicals, determining the taste and aroma of the final product. As mentioned above, the individual qualities of each tobacco variety and its varieties completely depend on the characteristics of the soil composition and climatic conditions of the growing region.

The most common and most frequently used varieties of tobacco are Virginia And Burley, which are included in tobacco mixtures both as separate components and in the form of pre-prepared and processed primary mixtures according to special recipes, called Cavendishes. They are followed Oriental and some special types, more used as additives, because they have specific tastes and aromas. Among them special attention deserve Latakia, Perique And Kentucky.

Virginia Tobacco.

This is the most common type of tobacco, which has gained wide popularity for its natural sweetness and surprisingly subtle, pleasant aroma. Most of its varieties are subjected to drying with warm air, after which they acquire a special bright yellow or golden color and are called Bright Virginia And Golden Virginia. There is also Dark Virginia, which has a darker mahogany shade, obtained through special processing. The best Virginia tobaccos grow in the North American states of Virginia, Georgia and North Carolina, in Brazil and on the African continent in Malawi and Zimbabwe.

Burley Tobacco.

This type of tobacco belongs to the same group as Virginia tobaccos, but differs from them in the complete absence of natural sweetness and requires additional fermentation. After drying in the open air, Burley takes on its characteristic red-brown color. When composing tobacco mixtures, it has an amazing ability to connect the tastes of different tobaccos, therefore it is an indispensable component of most flavored mixtures. Burley itself has a rich nutty aroma with caramel undertones and a very pleasant light taste. The best burley tobaccos grow in the USA, Mexico and Malawi.

Oriental Tobacco.

Oriental tobaccos, like Virginia tobaccos, also have a natural sweetness in taste, but their aromatic properties are much higher, since their leaves are covered with a protective layer that protects them from drying out, which gives a thick, specific aroma. Oriental tobaccos are dried in the sun and acquire a radiant light yellow color. The best varieties grow in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus.

Latakia Tobacco.

This is one of the most famous varieties of Oriental tobaccos, having a very specific aroma and rich taste. After drying in the sun, Latakia leaves are dried again over an open fire and acquire a characteristic black color. The ability of tobacco to absorb the smell of smoke from a fire makes it possible to give it a special aroma, depending on the type of wood used for the fire. Therefore, in tobacco mixtures Latakia is used mainly as a flavoring and aromatic additive, since smoking it in its pure form is very unpleasant. It grows mainly in Syria and Cyprus, and there are significant difference in taste and aroma between the tobaccos of these two regions.

Perique Tobacco.

A very rare and expensive tobacco, which has a rich rich taste and a thick specific aroma obtained by pressing tobacco leaves and aging them for ten months in own juice. After fermentation, Perique acquires its characteristic shiny black color. It grows only in the USA in the state of Louisiana and is used in tobacco mixtures in small quantities as a spice, since smoking it in its pure form is both expensive and very unpleasant.

Kentucky Tobacco.

This is a variety of burley tobacco that grows mainly in the United States in Kentucky and also in Malawi. After drying in the open air, the tobacco leaves, as in the case of Latakia, are re-dried over a fire, after which they acquire a unique aroma and dark brown color. Kentucky tobacco is used in tobacco blends to achieve a special original taste and enriching the aroma with spicy shades.

Cavendish Tobacco.

Cavendish is not a separate variety of tobacco, but is a product of special processing of blended Virginia and Burley tobaccos. Although each manufacturer has their own secret techniques that make their tobacco blends different from others, there are two main methods for preparing Cavendish: pressing the tobacco at high temperatures and then aging it, or specially steaming the tobacco under high temperatures. In both cases, the tobacco becomes dark brown or black in color and becomes more aromatic, softer and sweeter in taste. Depending on the varieties of Virginia and Burley tobacco used, the final product is called Black Cavendish or Brown Cavendish. Cavendish is most often used in aromatic and soft tobacco blends.

There are a huge variety of tobacco varieties. Below are varieties suitable for our climate:

Virginia 202

Variety of the Krasnodar Institute of Tobacco and Makhorka. Early ripening, it gains strength and aroma very well. Resistant to many diseases. High in carbohydrates. Adapted to growing with virtually no watering. Very reliable and unpretentious.
This variety belongs to dark Virginias, which have a darker mahogany hue, rich aroma and medium strength. At home, fire drying can be replaced by solar drying. Drying in a greenhouse or between window frames, in the heat, the main thing is to ensure hydration using containers of water. The longer the Virginia leaf is processed and fermented, the darker, more aromatic and rich it becomes. Even in our conditions, this variety consistently grows to two or more meters and has a leaf size of about seventy centimeters, second only to Burley in these indicators. The ripening period is medium-late, but with timely planting it ripens perfectly by the end of September. When ripe, the leaf acquires a pronounced speckled yellow color. Traditional planting pattern: 70x30 cm.

Virginia Gold

Virginia is the sweetest type of tobacco in the world. Mainly used in the bag of factory-made cigarettes (70% of the entire bag, forms the basis) and pipe mixtures. The variety comes from America, Virginia. It is currently grown throughout the area Western Europe and Russia. Golden Virginia is the easiest to grow, suitable for central Russia, because it has resistance against tobacco diseases (tobacco mosaic disease, etc.). Also very good for beginners (easy to control maturity). It is best to grow in open sun rather than in the shade. As the leaf turns yellowish-green, it is removed. Gives a very large yield of raw materials. The variety is medium late, ripens by mid-August. Grows quickly and likes moderate watering. The bush is "dense". The length of the leaves reaches 60-65 centimeters or more. The stem is thick, about 4-5 centimeters in diameter. Bush 200-220 centimeters high. Flowers range from pale pink to bright pink. The seeds are small. The smoke aroma of this variety is bright, with a slight sourness, fruity and sweet due to the large amount of sugars. The combustion is excellent. The strength is average. Fire drying is recommended (duration about 4-5 days), after which the leaf acquires a light yellow, light brown color, but in our conditions it can be replaced by solar drying, with a complete loss of chlorophyll. The longer the drying time, the darker and stronger the leaf becomes, with a rich aroma. To fully develop the taste, fermentation is required, the more the better (from six months to a year).

Herzegovina Flor

Tobacco with a unique taste and aroma. People call it “Stalin’s Tobacco”.
It has achieved popularity due to its highly productive, taste and aroma qualities, as well as its medium-moderate strength. Great for smoking in a pipe and for stuffing cigarettes. Used both in various bags and separately.
It is unpretentious in cultivation, reaches a height of more than one and a half meters. The leaves are among the largest in size for the semi-aromatic type. Due to the instability of the variety, in certain conditions mutations up to three meters high are observed. Such giants were popularly called Duke, but so far it has not been possible to consolidate such a useful property. An important feature of the variety is that it does not tolerate accelerated and artificial fermentation and fully displays all its qualities only after at least six months of aging. Planting pattern: 70x25.

Dukat Crimean

Crimean tobaccos have always been highly aromatic. And in the Middle Zone they showed their best side. The plants are large. Leaves are up to half a meter long. Easily fermented.
Dukat Crimean is very popular among domestic amateur tobacco growers. It is unpretentious in cultivation, quite early ripening. The bush is low, but dense, the leaves are up to fifty centimeters long, and have a regular oval shape. Unlike other varieties, the leaves ripen before the color appears, so their harvesting begins in July. The readiness of the sheet is determined by the appearance of a light yellow border along the edges. Combined sun-shade drying is used for the variety. One of the features of Dukat is that it does not tolerate accelerated and artificial fermentation. This variety was originally bred for cultivation on the territory of the USSR, and therefore is quite resistant to climate conditions even in Central Russia, although in the north it loses a little in aroma.
Planting pattern: 70x20 cm.

Kentucky Barley

Kentucky Barley tobacco naturally has a pleasant nutty aroma. This sets it apart from other varieties of tobacco, which must go through a difficult and long fermentation process before use, especially difficult for novice tobacco growers.
Burley is the #1 tobacco used in the cigarette industry. In the United States, it is grown primarily in eight states. Approximately 70% is produced in Kentucky.

What characterizes this variety? The Burley variety contains a low amount of sugars and a high amount of essential oils. The nicotine content in the leaf varies from an average amount to very high levels. Many lovers of this tobacco call Burley a chameleon - Burley is able to “dissolve in the tobacco mixture, absorb the aroma of its surroundings - other types of tobacco.” Indeed, Burley is capable of accepting 20-25% of its own weight in flavorings. Canada once restricted the import of cigarettes containing Burley due to its high flavoring content.

This variety inherently contains a high percentage of nicotine. In our conditions of central Russia, it does not pick up much nicotine, and this is also ideal for growing.

Moskovskaya shag

A subspecies of tobacco, differing from Nicotiana tabacum in its smaller height (up to 120 cm) and greater strength. Country Tobacco received its botanical name for its widespread distribution and ease of cultivation. Almost no care is required, with the exception of topping and pinching. The peculiarity of this variety is that it is tobacco for those who were too late to plant other varieties in early spring. It is not too late to plant shag even in June, and immediately into the soil, that is, without seedlings, and it is guaranteed to produce a harvest by September. However, to obtain high-quality raw materials, it is still better to plant it as seedlings, but two to three weeks later than tobacco. Unlike tobacco, shag is completely unpretentious and grows quietly from the southern regions all the way to the Arctic Circle. Another feature: shag is cut off as a whole bush and dried in this way. In order for languishing to begin right at the root, a few days before cutting, layering is used, that is, the stem is cut in half. When preparing shag, the stem (badyl) is also important. In crushed form, it is added to fermented leaves to reduce the strength. Thus, shag can be smoked separately, but many people prefer to add it to various tobacco mixtures to give them a special aroma (especially pronounced in this variety), and also give strength to Virginia tobaccos. Even for non-smokers, shag has a use as a means of controlling plant pests and moths. Planting pattern 50-70x20 cm.

Maryland - Maryland Tobacco

Maryland is one of the three main varieties of the American subspecies of tobacco, just as Burley belongs to the Maryland variety, different from Virginia. It ranks third in terms of planting volume in the United States and is also grown in other countries. In Russia, this tobacco has been grown since 1828.
The Maryland tobacco variety is a light variety. The color of the finished raw material is dark brown.
The taste is restrained, has a fine texture and excellent flammability. Used for all cigars and cigarettes of traditional French taste. The amount of nicotine is low. Light, light, air drying.
High yielding, early date maturation. Resistant to diseases.
It is unpretentious in cultivation and easily adapts even to the climate of central Russia, although it does not live up to the results here at home. On average, the height of the plant in our climate is 1.8 meters, the leaf length is up to 50 cm. Mid-season, produces flowers relatively early. In case of topping, it produces many stepsons and needs to be removed. It is resistant to tobacco diseases better than many varieties, which is important when growing independently. The leaf is dense, normally green, needs to be simmered, but yellows relatively easily. Shade-cured tobacco. Fermentation or aging is highly desirable for the full development of flavor. Traditional planting pattern: 70x30 cm.

Holly 316

Late-ripening form, intensive type of leaf maturation. Low nicotine content. From planting to the last ripening of leaves, 120 days.
The shape of the plant is cylindrical with protruding leaves. The leaf is sessile, long, broadly elliptical, light green. Technical sheets 30-37. The variety is mid-late ripening, skeletal type. Flowering begins on day 108, leaves of the first tier ripen on days 80-85. The variety is resistant to downy mildew and tobacco mosaic virus. The inflorescence is round, medium compact. The pommel is slightly pointed. The leaf swelling is average. The edge of the leaf is smooth or very slightly wavy. The corolla of the flower is light pink. Nicotine content is 1.0-1.5%, Schmuck number (the ratio of carbohydrates to proteins) is 3.0.

Turkish Trebizond

It got its name from the Turkish city of Trabzon. Resistant to unfavorable growing conditions. Ripens quickly.
Turkish has long been successfully acclimatized to Russian and Ukrainian conditions. And successful zoning is far from the last thing for growing tobacco. It is quite possible that due to long-standing cultivation in our humid climate and rich soil, it reaches incredible sizes for a typical Oriental (up to three meters in height, according to Ushakov), but it is also quite likely that this is a hybrid that successfully combines high productivity of American varieties with the aroma and sweetness of orientals. In any case, there is no point in chasing size and over-fertilizing Turkish: due to excess nitrogen, it becomes very strong and loses its aroma. But with proper cultivation, the variety has a rich, independent aroma with chocolate notes and medium strength. When smoked, it produces white thick smoke. Turkish can be used in a pipe and rolled as single tobacco, but it gives best results in a bag with skeletal American varieties. It is easily leached and does not require special fermentation. And although now Turkish is gradually being replaced by foreign varieties, it still remains very popular among gardeners. Planting scheme according to Ushakov 100x70 cm.

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In our article we will talk about the varieties of tobacco leaves that are used in the production of such popular tobacco industry products as hookah tobacco.
Each variety of tobacco has its own unique taste qualities, unique aroma. For this reason, on packs with dry mixture, and sometimes on finished products, the manufacturer indicates the tobacco leaf of what type of tobacco is used there.

There are a huge number of tobacco species, but only Nicotiana tabacum and Nicotiana rustica are grown.

Nicotiana tabacum used in the production of cigars and pipe tobacco, and Nicotiana rustica– for the production of low-quality hookah and cigarette tobacco.
In total, a little more than a hundred varieties of tobacco leaves are cultivated, which are mixed with each other or used in pure form to obtain a certain type of product.

Virginia, Burley and Oriental- the most popular varieties that have proven themselves both in hookah mixtures and as a material for the production of cigars, cigarettes, snuff, chewing and pipe tobacco. Any online tobacco store can boast a wide selection of finished products, such as cigars, cigarillos, hookah and pipe tobacco, where they will help you choose a product that suits your needs.

Virginia

The most common variety of tobacco is Virginia, which accounts for about 70% of all tobacco produced in the world. Almost all mixtures use this variety. The color of the tobacco leaf can vary from bright yellow to dark orange, depending on where the tobacco was grown. And this variety is grown in countries with warm climates, namely in Brazil, Zimbabwe, Georgia, South and North Carolina (USA).

Virginia stands out soft, delicate taste and a pleasant subtle fruity aroma. Virginia leaf contains a lot of sugar (up to 20%) and a small amount of nicotine (1-3%). The presence of sugar makes the tobacco leaf more heat-resistant, and fine cutting will better reveal the taste.

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Virginia tobacco blends can range in strength from very light to medium strength, depending on what part of the plant the leaf was plucked from and what region the tobacco was grown in.

Virginia is used to produce hookah tobaccos such as Starbuzz, Serbetli, Al Fakher, Layalina, Haze, Social Smoke, Burn, Argelini, Fumari, Oringо and others.

Burley

The second most common tobacco, after Virginia, is Burley tobacco. Burley leaf is similar in appearance to Virginia, but contains a higher amount of nicotine (2-4%) and virtually no sugar. The color of the tobacco leaf is brown with a matte tint.

The main difference of this tobacco is its rich nutty taste with a slight hint of caramel, as well as the ability to “bind” aromas, which is why Burley is indispensable when creating mixed flavored tobacco mixtures. It is grown in several US states and Mexico.
Burley leaf produces Tangiers, Fusion, DarkSide and Satyr.

Oriental is also called Turkish tobacco, because it is grown in Eastern countries - Turkey, Greece, Cyprus, as well as on the Balkan Peninsula. Oriental is very different from previous varieties, not only appearance, but also taste and aroma qualities.

Oriental has a very small leaf that ranges in color from yellow-green to golden brown. The sugar content in this type of tobacco is slightly lower than in Virginia, so Oriental can be distinguished by its specific sour taste with a slight sweet and spicy tint, reminiscent of the smell of incense or incense due to the high content of essential oils. Due to its unique taste, this type of tobacco is not very popular, because not everyone likes spicy aromas.

Oriental is also known among hookah tobacco manufacturers for its ability to absorb various aromatic additives. It can absorb about three times more syrup than the Virginia variety. Therefore, this ability makes Oriental indispensable when preparing mixtures using natural ingredients.

The smoking hookah, which came to us from the distant and mysterious East, has been firmly maintaining high levels of popularity for many years. This eastern tradition leisurely relaxation while sipping aromatic smoke and calm conversations in the cozy atmosphere of hookah bars has turned into a real art. But to join the world of mysterious ritual, it is not enough to simply purchase a smoking vessel and accessories.

You need to know the basics of a hookah maker's skill, and first of all, understand what types of hookah tobacco exist. Understand the tastes of hookah mixtures, their features, nuances and compatibility. Admirers of the Eastern smoking tradition use several varieties of tobacco products, each of them has its own strength, aroma and taste.

To learn the nuances of hookah craftsmanship, you should understand the types of hookah tobacco

Tobacco produced for hookah includes three main components:

1. Leaves of the tobacco plant.
2. Sugar syrup.
3. Flavors.

It is these additives that make up the classic Muassel (hookah tobacco). And the main one of these components is the leaf of the tobacco plant. After all, it is he who gives hookah evaporation the familiar taste and aroma of noble tobacco to all smokers, while simultaneously creating the “throat hit” (throat hit) effect respected by many smokers for hookah evaporation.

Tobacco leaves used in the preparation of hookah mixtures have individual characteristics in terms of strength, concentration of nicotine, tar, sugar and other components. Most often, hookah craftsmen use three types of tobacco leaves:

1. Burley.
2. Oriental.
3. Virginia.

Tobacco leaves of these varieties are used not only for the production of hookah mixture. They are actively used for making cigars, cigarettes and other types of tobacco (snuff, chewing, pipe).

Burley tobacco leaf

Burley tobacco

This type of tobacco plant has a fairly high concentration of nicotine, but it contains little sugar, so there is no natural sweetness when smoking. Burley also has reduced heat resistance, so it is not entirely suitable for fine cutting.

Burley tobacco is famous for its strength and original taste - it is characterized by a pleasant nutty aroma with soft notes of caramel. The trothit effect of this variety is slightly above average. It is made in Mexico and the USA.

The main feature of Burley tobacco is its unique ability to combine different flavors. This quality makes it an indispensable additive for making various hookah mixes.

Tobacco leaf Oriental (Turkish)

Tobacco Oriental

This type of tobacco is also called “Turkish”. Among large manufacturers of hookah mixtures, it is known for its ability to actively absorb various aromatic inclusions (for example, in comparison with Virginia, Oriental absorbs 3 times more syrup). This makes this type of tobacco simply irreplaceable when creating smoking mixtures from natural ingredients.

Not all hookah lovers like Oriental, and all thanks to its unique, specific taste, which consists of a cocktail of light spice, delicate sweetness and a sharp tingling (irritation) of the tongue. This bright, incomparable taste is given by the structural feature of the leaf, which is covered with a thin film that protects the plant from the scorching heat.

Oriental's homeland is hot Türkiye; its plantations are also located in Cyprus and Greece. The largest producer of this type of tobacco is Nakhla.

Virginia tobacco leaf

Virginia tobacco

It is the most famous and widespread tobacco variety. This tobacco is deservedly considered a standard of quality; it is actively and massively used by the largest tobacco product manufacturing companies. Virginia is divided into several varieties (depending on the type of processing of plant raw materials):

• Gold Virginia (leaves are smoked in a special fire tube);
• Red Virginia (red leaves, different increased content Sahara);
• Matured Virginia (plant materials are pressed using oak presses);
• Stoved Virginia (the raw materials are processed with steam and subjected to further aging under an oak press).

The famous Virginia is made in the USA. The composition of this tobacco is characterized by a small amount of nicotine additive and a high concentration of sugar. The inclusion of sugar gives the leaves good heat resistance, which is convenient when working when fine cutting of raw materials is required to obtain a more complete bouquet of aromas.

Types of hookah tobaccos

In the hookah world, there are traditionally three types of tobacco. All the names of hookah tobaccos are very familiar to lovers of oriental smoking. And they all have individual differences and characteristics:

1. Zhurak.
2. Tombak.
3. Muassel (or Massil).

By the way, the birthplace of all hookah tobacco is the regions Far East. When creating hookah smoking mass, each of them must include a glycerin additive. Glycerin is necessary to absorb excess water and better preserve the leaves. Also, the glycerin additive helps to give the evaporation the necessary density and volume.

Jurak

This is crushed tobacco mass with the addition of sugar molasses (or syrup) and various aromatic spices. Some fruits or oils can also be added to the basic ingredients. Zhurak is not a popular hookah tobacco here, but in some places it is wildly popular, in particular:

• Nepal;
• Saudi Arabia;
• northern regions of India.

To prepare a hookah, Zhurak is taken with excess (heap), and the coals are laid on top; foil is almost never used. In the hookah world, another method of filling Zhurak is practiced - without a slide. But in this case, a larger bowl is used.

The process of preparing Zhurak for hookah

Tombak

A classic hookah mixture (by the way, in translation from the Turkish word “tombak” means “tobacco”). It is mainly preferred by hookah lovers who want to experience the classic taste of tobacco, without unnecessary flavors and additives.

The Tombak hookah mixture has one significant drawback - it contains too much nicotine, which has a negative impact on health.

In order to at least slightly reduce the nicotine concentration, before use, Tombak is soaked in water and carefully squeezed to put into the bowl. This variety has not received much recognition among Russians, unlike Turkey, Iran and eastern countries, where Tombak enjoys well-deserved popularity.

It consists of several large, premium tobacco leaves. Before using it (in addition to soaking it in water), the tight central vein is removed from the leaves. To fill a hookah, Tombak leaves are wrapped around the top of the hookah (the bowl is not used), and the coals are laid directly on the leaves.

When placing Tombak in a hookah, the coals are placed on top of the mass, without using foil

Massil (Muessel) or Muassel

The most popular hookah tobacco that Egypt gave to the world. According to legend, an Egyptian soldier who dined on bread and molasses tried mixing tobacco with a sweet and sticky syrup and got a great combination. Thanks to molasses, the tobacco mixture acquired a rich consistency and became much easier to smoke, giving the hookah smoker a rich bouquet of aromas.

Tobacco with molasses included in it began to be called “muassel/massil” (this Arabic word translates as “honey”).

In an attempt to further improve the quality of such a mixture, various aromatic additives began to be added to it. The result met expectations and the aromatic Muassel has a large army of fans. The result was the birth of a wide variety of Massil species. The most delicious and successful combinations The following mixes are recognized for aromatic Mouassel:

• mint;
• mango;
• banana;
• cherry;
• apricot;
• strawberries;
• fruit mixture;
• coffee aromas;
• apple (double apple).

Muassel has a rich palette of flavor combinations

Very often on the modern hookah tobacco market you can find completely unexpected Muassel mixes, for example, chewing gum, beer, pina colada or cola. People like to experiment with it, creating new unique scents.. To do this, different types of Massel are laid out layer upon layer. Here are just a few examples of already tested and approved recipes for various flavor combinations:

1. Orange + cardamom (in equal parts). It has a bright and rich aroma.
2. Lemon + rose (in equal proportions). This mix will please those smokers who like soft and delicate aromas.
3. Watermelon + vanilla + mint (in equal parts). In this combination, the taste of watermelon and mint is most pronounced, and vanilla gives a pleasant, light aftertaste.
4. Blueberry+orange+vanilla (mix proportions: 1/2x1/4x1/4). To add an unusual twist, a little cinnamon is also added to this combination.

According to the established system of standards for proportions, high-quality Muassel consists of the following ingredients:

1. Glycerin and molasses: 50%.
2. Tobacco leaves, coarsely chopped: 30%.
3. Other additives (spices, fruits, aromatic oils, berries, herbal essences, food flavorings): 20%.

To prepare Massil, the most selected black tobacco is taken, the composition of which, after complex processing, loses its excessive concentration of nicotine, and carcinogenic tar compounds disappear completely. Thanks to this relative safety of the mixture for the health of the smoker, Muassel received its recognition, becoming the most popular and beloved hookah tobacco.

Types of tobacco for hookahs by strength

Hookah tobacco mixtures differ not only in aroma. They come in various strengths, satisfying the taste of any hookah lover. Experts distinguish the following types of tobacco raw materials:

• ultra-light;
• light;
• average;
• strong;
• ultra-strong.

To give the most complete idea of ​​the types of hookah mixtures by strength, check out the following table. It presents a rating of the most popular hookah tobacco, starting from the lightest:

Name	Country	Nuances
Starbuzz	USA	The peculiarity of this brand is its light and pleasant aroma and unobtrusive aftertaste
Al Fakher	UAE	heat-resistant tobacco, common in our country, has a low cost and a rich taste
Adalya	Türkiye	has a rich and bright taste, has average heat resistance
Serbetli	Türkiye	tobacco with increased smokiness, its mixes such as chee-ba, milkshake and American pie are especially popular
Afzal	India	a tobacco brand for everyone, it has bright spicy aromas and great smokiness
Fumari	USA	has a high level of smokiness and a bright, rich taste
Nakhla	Egypt	is famous for its particularly thick smoke, this mixture does not burn, smokes for a long time and has a rich taste
Argelini	Jordan	Selected tobacco leaves are used in the production of this tobacco; it has good smokiness and a bright aroma.
Darkside	Russia	known for its high smoke density and heat resistance
Nirvana	USA	created specifically for lovers of the feeling of real smoking; high-strength tobacco leaves are used in production

Let's summarize

So, hookah tobacco is distinguished by its particularly rich taste and aromatic palette. Among such a variety, any hookah fan can choose a tobacco mass that is suitable in strength, optimally meeting their needs in terms of aroma, taste, strength and finances.

But, before joining the vast ranks of admirers of this oriental smoking holiday, it is worth remembering that the use of tobacco (even nicotine-free) is not a safe activity for health. Think about whether hookah smoking is worth such a sacrifice as your own health and make the right and worthy choice.

Presented now in various types.

Types of tobacco

Most tobacco blends are based on two types of tobacco: Virginia And Burley. Other types of tobacco can be added to them in small quantities, providing additional taste and aromatic properties. In order for the tastes and aromas of the components of the mixture to mix and form into a single composition, after mixing it is subjected to aging under certain conditions.

Tobacco varieties Virginia (Virginia) is the most prized throughout the history of tobacco. To this day it is the most used base tobacco for pipe blends. Popularity Virginia based on the high content of natural sugar and aromatic substances in its leaves. These natural ingredients give tobacco a sweet and aromatic taste.

Variety Burley (Burley) is known for its low sugar content, to the point that its leaves contain no natural sugar at all. Tobacco Burley It has a strong aroma, burns well in the pipe, and light shades of cocoa are discernible in the taste. It does not have the sweet taste of tobacco varieties Virginia.

Kentucky (Kentucky) - large-leaf tobacco, bred in the USA in the state Kentucky, strong and dark, dried by smoke, with the smell of prunes and a pronounced smoked aroma. It is so strong that no more than 20% of it is added to the mixture.

Oriental (Oriental) are several dozen unpretentious varieties of tobacco that can grow in infertile soil and arid climates. Found mainly in the eastern Mediterranean. Leaves oriental tobaccos contain a large amount of aromatic oils, due to which this type of tobacco has a unique tart taste and a strong oriental aroma. These are sweet, savory, sun-dried tobaccos.

Perique (Perique) is the rarest and, accordingly, the most expensive tobacco in the world. In tobacco mixtures Perique acts as a spice, adding 1-2% - it is so strong and hot. The aroma and taste that gives Perique tobacco composition is usually described as fruity with a predominant taste of plum and fig, and at the same time mushroomy, spicy, pungent, slightly acrid. It is so varied that it can exhibit noticeable woody notes and slight sourness.

Variety Latakia (Latakia) is of Syrian origin. After drying in the sun, the tobacco leaves are treated with smoke, absorbing aromatic substances from it. Latakia is a type of tobacco used only as a seasoning, as it has a very powerful and spicy taste. Most pipe smokers find smoking difficult Latakia in its purest form.

Cavendish (Cavendish) is not a type of tobacco, but is the result of a special method of processing tobacco Virginia And Burley. Most common production methods Cavendish is the pressing of tobacco with simultaneous heating, or heating of tobacco using a jet of steam.

Dark Cavendish (Black Cavendish) – a more aged, fermented look Cavendish, usually flavored with various essences, fruits, herbs, etc. As a result of processing, tobacco acquires a black color (hence the name), becomes softer in strength, and sweeter. Dark Cavendish– the softest of all the listed tobaccos, do not be fooled by the color and think that this is a strong tobacco.

Types of cutting tobacco

Tobacco cutting method affects the taste of the tobacco mixture, its burning rate and ease of filling. Below are the standard tobacco cutting types.

Loose Cut (Luz Kat) – cutting uncompressed tobacco into strips. Thanks to this cutting, the tobacco is crumbly and exceptionally easy to stuff. The cutting width varies from very fine to coarse. Very fine cut mixture Shag (Step), also called Fine Cut (Fine Cut) is tobacco cut across the leaves into thin fibers about 0.5 mm wide. Mainly used for rolling papers and small pipes. Blends based Cavendish It is often cut in this way, due to the tendency of this tobacco to go out due to increased juiciness, and thin cutting eliminates this drawback and evens out the burning. Slicing Shag makes the smoke dry and a little hot, so the smoker should be careful when smoking this mixture, not allowing the tobacco to burn too quickly. If the tobacco smolders too brightly, the smoke will be too hot, which can lead to unpleasant sensations in the tongue area. Ribbon (Ribbon), or Long Cut (Long Cut) – cutting, similar Shag, but the leaves are cut lengthwise, not crosswise. As a result, the tobacco strips are longer. This cutting creates a smoother and slower burning, and the smoke becomes cooler. Typically used for Virginia.

Plug (Plug) - tobacco pressed into hard slabs 3-4 cm thick. This method of processing tobacco was the most common for centuries, since such tobacco was convenient to transport and store, practically not releasing moisture. Before smoking, the required amount of tobacco is cut from the bar and crushed using the smoker’s preferred method.

Flake (Flake) - tobacco, pressed and cut into small thin slices that retain freshness for a long time. Thanks to pressing, tobacco combustion occurs more slowly, resulting in a lower smoke temperature and a fuller, milder taste. The complex process of pressing, heat treatment and storage emphasizes the individual flavor nuances of tobacco, and individual slices or particles of tobacco become a mixture in themselves. This type of tobacco requires some attention, both when stuffing and when smoking the pipe.

Cross Cut (Cross Cut), or granulated tobacco- American cut, characterized by ease of packing and ease of combustion. In tobacco production Cross Cut The leaves are usually cut longitudinally and then transversely. The result is very small, square tobacco particles with no signs of coloring. Often cut from a mixture Loose Cut And Flake. There is also a variety called Cube Cut (Cube Cut) – tobacco in cubes. In this case, pressed tobacco is simply cut.

Ready Rubbed (Ready Rabbed) – represents tobacco Flake, ground into a mixture of tiny tobacco particles. Thanks to this, the process of filling and smoking a pipe is easy, and all the taste qualities of tobacco Flake are saved. There are also other names for it such as Cut Plug, Loose Flake etc. They all refer to the same process.

Spun Cut (Span Kat), aka Rolled Cut Cake (Rolled Cut Cake), aka Curls (Curls) or Curly (Curly) - strands of tobacco cut by this method are made from hand-stretched tobacco leaves into strips with the center vein removed. A large leaf of tobacco is usually used as the outer wrapper leaf. Virginia. Leaves of another tobacco are placed inside it, twisted together into a long strand, and rolled into a rope 20-25 mm thick. The tobacco rope is aged for a certain time, after which it is cut into round slices, otherwise called “coins”.

Mixture (Mixche, medicine), that is, a mixture of cuts - a combination various types cuts of the main varieties of tobacco. Typically the mixture contains a substantial portion of tobacco Virginia, sliced ​​using Loose Cut, mixed with Burley, having a cutting type Ready Rubbed. Often added to the mixture dark cavendish (Black Cavendish), which gives it color contrast and softens the taste. Danish blend rubbed out Loose Cut and compressed tobacco, usually also with the addition dark cavendish, to give it a calm and soft taste. Classical English mixture characterized by high content Latakia.

Tobacco blends

There are so-called tobacco schools, that is, groups of tobacco mixtures that have common taste qualities.

American blend (American Blend) – soft and very moist tobacco, usually using a large number of flavoring additives. Most often based on light tobaccos Virginia And Burley, with the addition of dark and tart Turkish Oriental tobaccos, sometimes with an admixture Perica or Latakia. Usually has a cut Loose Cut or kind Mixture.

Dutch mixture- usually flavored Cavendish based on lungs Virginia And Burley. There are also relatively strong unflavored mixtures based on dark varieties of tobacco of Indonesian origin with the addition of strong varieties Virginia. The Dutch mixture is usually cut according to the type Loose Cut.

Danish blend Due to its lightness and aroma, it is the most popular at the present time. Similar to Dutch mixture, but more spicy and sweet. Usually consists of pure light Virginia and flavored spicy Dark Cavendish, prepared separately and mixed. Used as a seasoning Kentucky, Perique or Oriental, sometimes even Latakia. Slicing - most often Flake or Ready Rubbed. Danish blend not too humid, smoking dry with a cool smoke.

English mixture – mostly mixture Virginia, Burley and other types of tobacco, moist and strong. Unflavored mixtures have a rich, savory taste Latakia And Perica. Scented mixtures smell of flowers and spices. English medicine appreciated by experienced smokers for its natural aroma. As a rule, English mixtures do not become boring over time and, thanks to the even, non-hot burning, do not create problems when smoking. They are also well suited for novice pipe smokers, but they are frightening due to their peculiar, pungent odor. Have cutting Flake or Loose Cut.

French blend- the least common in Russia. Basically it is a strong and very strong tobacco of the type Mixture, due to the content of cigar tobacco in the mixture, the taste is very reminiscent of a cigar, with a large share Oriental tobaccos, giving the taste pungency.

Cigarette tobacco

For making smoking tobacco for rolling papers also, more than one variety is used, but tobacco mixtures.

Roll-your-own tobacco is divided into several main categories:

Zware (Cvar) – dark, fire-dried, very strong tobacco Kentucky with a pronounced smoked aroma.

Halfware (Halfzvar) – a mixture of tobacco Virginia And Kentucky in a 50/50 ratio.

Mild (Mild, soft) – mixture Virginia And Burley with the addition Oriental tobaccos in a ratio of 9:1. Widely known mixture American Blend also of this type: 60% Virginia, 30% Burley and 10% tobaccos Oriental.

Extra Mild(or Ultra Mild) – the component composition of this mixture does not differ from Mild, but is characterized by an even softer and more pleasant taste.

Tobacco selection

When choosing tobacco, you should focus on your preferences, as well as the time and place of smoking. In the morning they usually smoke softer tobacco, and in the evening stronger tobacco will help you relax after a hard day. If you smoke in the presence of non-smokers, it is better to opt for flavored tobacco to avoid conflict.

In order to find exactly “your” tobacco, you will have to spend a lot of time, sometimes it takes years. If you don’t like some tobacco the first time, don’t rush to part with it forever. After some time, perhaps you will appreciate its taste in a new, different way.

Tobacco storage

Until the original packaging is opened, it is better to store tobacco in it, since it is airtight, and most of the pouches and cans are vacuum sealed. After opening the package, the storage conditions for tobacco depend on the rate at which it is smoked. If you smoke quickly enough and the tobacco does not have time to dry, then it is better to leave it in the original packaging. If you smoke several mixtures alternately, some of them not very often, then it is best to transfer the tobacco into sealed containers. glass jars. Glass coffee jars are well suited for these purposes; you can also purchase containers specially designed for this in specialized stores.

It is better to store tobacco in a cool, dark place.