Hookah gel cubes are small pieces of gel or resin that are placed in the hookah head/bowl to provide additional flavor and smoke to the tobacco. These cubes are soaked in liquid flavors and molasses before being put into the bowl. As the tobacco and coals heat the cubes, the flavored liquids vaporize to produce richer taste and thicker clouds of smoke.

The use of gel and resin cubes originated as an alternative way of smoking flavored tobacco in portable tobacco hookah pipe. Traditionally, shisha tobacco soaked in molasses and glycerin was used. Cubes were introduced in the late 2000s as a means to further enhance flavor and moisture in the hookah experience. They quickly gained popularity at hookah bars in the Middle East and India before spreading to Europe and America.

Today, many hookah enthusiasts use gel and resin cubes to elevate flavor and smoke output in their sessions. The cubes come in various flavors, from fruity ones like strawberry and grape, to beverage flavors like cola. Their increased use reflects hookah aficionados seeking new ways to customize and enhance their experience. While hookah gel cubes are a relatively modern innovation, they have become a staple in hookah culture worldwide.

The tobacco in hookah cubes is specially blended and prepared for use in hookah pipes. It differs from tobacco in cigarettes.

Tobacco Type: The tobacco in hookah cubes is usually a blend of tobacco leaf with ingredients like molasses and glycerin. The tobacco leaf used tends to be darker compared to cigarettes, often burley or Virginia tobacco.

Flavors: Hookah cube tobacco contains a wide array of natural and artificial flavors, like fruit, mint, chocolate, caramel, etc. This gives it a more pleasant aroma and taste than regular tobacco.

Nicotine Content: Since the tobacco is washed and reconstituted, its nicotine level is typically lower than cigarette tobacco. However, nicotine intake can still be substantial given the large smoke volume inhaled over 45-60 minutes per hookah session.

Glycerin

Glycerin, also known as glycerol, is a primary component in hookah tobacco. It serves as an important humectant to retain moisture, preventing the tobacco from drying out prematurely. It also keeps the smoke smooth and easy to inhale.

The glycerin used is usually vegetable glycerin, derived from plant oils. It has a thick, syrupy texture and sweet flavor. Glycerin binds the tobacco blend together and produces dense smoke clouds when heated – an attractive feature of hookah.

Some brands use propylene glycol instead of glycerin, but glycerin is generally preferred for its flavor and smoke output. Varying glycerin levels affect moisture, sweetness, and cloud production. Thus, it is an important factor in hookah tobacco recipes.

Molasses is a viscous byproduct from refining sugarcane into sugar. The thick brown syrup is added to hookah tobacco to increase sweetness and bind flavors.

Molasses contains sugar, water, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals. The sugar balances tobacco’s harshness and bitterness. The thick consistency allows molasses to evenly coat all ingredients, helping fuse the flavors and prevent separation.

Heating caramelizes the sugars in molasses, adding depth to the taste. It provides a smooth, rich sweetness contrasting tobacco’s earthy flavor. Adjusting molasses intensity helps balance tobacco and fruit components. More molasses makes a sweeter, smoother smoke, while less provides more tobacco kick.

Molasses is arguably the most important ingredient for blending hookah tobacco flavors. It unifies the blend with its sticky binding properties and adds sweetener to balance other tastes, resulting in a more enjoyable, nuanced smoking experience.

However, due to health concerns, hookah use and establishments face increasing regulation and restriction. Many jurisdictions have enacted age limits, requiring customers to be 18, 19, or 21 to enter hookah premises or smoke hookah. Some cities and counties have also outright banned hookah bars.

Some cities specifically prohibit hookah bars, while others passed broader public smoking bans that also apply to hookah establishments. For instance, cities in California like Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego have banned smoking in public spaces, including hookah bars. Chicago also banned indoor smoking, including hookah, under its Clean Indoor Air Act in 2014.

Despite exceptions for hookah lounges in some smoking bans like New York City, regulation continues to increase. Maryland banned indoor smoking, including hookah lounges, in 2020. Many public health officials and anti-smoking advocates keep pushing for tighter hookah regulation due to health risks from secondhand smoke exposure and worrying trends of increased use among youth and young adults.

Create Date : 24 ธันวาคม 2566
Last Update : 24 ธันวาคม 2566 15:45:25 น.		0 comments
Counter : 133 Pageviews.
Share Tweet