Hookah is a traditional device used to smoke a flavored tobacco blend. The origins of hookah can be traced back to India and Persia, where it has been used for centuries as a social and ritualistic means. In its use, the tobacco is burned and the smoke is drawn through water before being inhaled by the user, which can provide a different sensation compared to smoking a regular cigarette. So, how does smoking hookah taste like? This is because hookah can deliver flavors and aromas from spices, fruits, or other desired tastes.
The following will provide a complete explanation of how to smoke hookah.
The Process of Using Coconut Charcoal in Hookah
To understand the taste of smoking hookah, an important component to consider is the heat source, specifically coconut charcoal. Here are the two main processes involved in using coconut charcoal for hookah.
Preparation of Coconut Charcoal
For the initial preparation of coconut charcoal in hookah, choose high-quality coconut charcoal, which is usually available in the form of briquettes. Select a product that does not contain additional chemicals, as chemicals can affect the taste of the shisha and add undesirable odors. Ensure the charcoal is dry and undamaged for optimal results. Good-quality coconut charcoal will burn cleaner and provide more stable heat, which is essential for a good smoking experience.
After selecting the charcoal, the next step is heating it. Use a gas stove or a dedicated charcoal heater to heat the briquettes. Place the charcoal on the heater and ignite it. Allow the charcoal to heat until its entire surface turns glowing red and the outer layer appears grayish-white. This process usually takes about 5-10 minutes. It is important to perform the heating in a well-ventilated area to avoid smoke accumulation and ensure safety, as well as to use the proper tools to avoid direct contact with the hot charcoal.
Application of Coconut Charcoal in Hookah
Once the charcoal is heated, the next step is to prepare the hookah bowl. Fill the bowl with shisha mix evenly, making sure it is not too packed to allow for smooth airflow. Cover the shisha mix with aluminum foil, then make several small holes in the foil using a toothpick or needle. The aluminum foil acts as a barrier between the charcoal and the shisha, preventing the tobacco from burning directly and ensuring even heat distribution.
Then, place the heated coconut charcoal briquettes on top of the aluminum foil in the hookah bowl. Generally, one or two briquettes are sufficient to provide optimal heat. Coconut charcoal provides stable and consistent heat, helping the shisha to burn evenly and produce a cleaner taste. Unlike traditional charcoal, coconut charcoal reduces unwanted odors and smoke, and allows for longer smoking sessions without frequently replacing the charcoal.
How Does Smoking Hookah Taste Like?
Curious about what smoking hookah tastes like? In short, hookah can offer different aromas and flavors depending on the spices used by the user. Here’s an explanation of how smoking hookah tastes.
Flavor and Aroma of Hookah Smoke
Coconut charcoal can significantly affect the flavor and aroma of hookah. Since coconut charcoal burns without additional chemicals, it produces cleaner smoke without adding unwanted odors or flavors. Hookah smoked with coconut charcoal tends to preserve the original flavor and desired aroma without interference from the charcoal’s smell. This means the smoking experience can be more satisfying and authentic, allowing you to enjoy the flavor profile of the hookah mix more clearly.
Advantages of Coconut Charcoal in Smoking Hookah
One of the main advantages of coconut charcoal is its ability to provide a cleaner taste and lighter aroma. Coconut charcoal burns very cleanly, producing less ash and residue compared to traditional charcoal. This reduces the risk of bitter tastes or unpleasant smells often associated with conventional charcoal. With coconut charcoal, you can enjoy a smoother smoking session with undistorted aromas, creating a more enjoyable and authentic experience.
Comparison with Other Types of Charcoal
Unlike traditional charcoal, coconut charcoal has several advantages in terms of the smoking experience. Conventional charcoal often contains additional chemicals that can affect the taste and aroma of shisha. Moreover, traditional charcoal usually produces more ash and unpleasant odors. In contrast, coconut charcoal, made from coconut shells, offers cleaner and more consistent burning. This means you can enjoy purer shisha flavors without the interference of chemical smells or excessive residue.
Quality of Smoke Produced
Coconut charcoal also affects the quality of smoke produced during the smoking session. With stable and clean burning, coconut charcoal produces smoother and thicker smoke. The smoke tends to be gentler on the throat and less irritating compared to smoke from regular charcoal. Because coconut charcoal burns with even heat, the quality and thickness of the smoke can be better maintained throughout the smoking session, providing a more satisfying and comfortable experience.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Coconut Charcoal for Smoking Hookah
Using coconut charcoal has several advantages, including its environmentally friendly and clean properties. Coconut charcoal is made from recycled coconut shells, reducing environmental impact compared to conventional charcoal, which often uses additional chemicals. Additionally, coconut charcoal produces less ash, making cleanup easier and minimizing disruption to the smoking experience. This type of charcoal also has the ability to maintain stable heat, allowing for consistent and even burning of the shisha. This helps maintain the quality of the shisha’s flavor and aroma throughout the smoking session.
However, there are some drawbacks to using coconut charcoal. One of the main disadvantages is the cost, as coconut charcoal is generally more expensive than traditional charcoal. Additionally, coconut charcoal takes longer to heat up and be ready for use. This longer heating process can be a downside for those seeking convenience and speed in hookah preparation. Despite this, many users find that the benefits of coconut charcoal, such as a cleaner taste and more stable burning, are worth the extra time and cost.
Read Also: Advantages and Disadvantages of Hookah for Users
Where to Purchase High-Quality Coconut Charcoal
For an enjoyable hookah smoking experience, it’s important to pay attention to the quality of the coconut charcoal. High-quality coconut charcoal that is free from harmful chemicals will enhance the smoking experience, making it more enjoyable and pleasurable.High-quality coconut charcoal can be purchased from Little Briquette. Little Briquette uses raw materials from their own Sumatra coconut plantations and processes them with great care. Contact them at this number to obtain high-quality coconut charcoal and ensure a delightful hookah smoking experience.