When it comes to shisha, one term that often comes up in discussions among advanced shisha users is acclimatisation. But what exactly is acclimatisation, and why is it necessary? In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of acclimatisation, its purpose, and its significance in the world of shisha.
Understanding Acclimatisation:
In simple terms, acclimatisation refers to the physical and chemical process in which a substance undergoes changes in its properties when introduced to a new environment. To illustrate this concept, imagine pouring water into a glass and placing it in the freezer compartment of a refrigerator. The water will transform into ice due to the exposure to low temperature and different humidity levels. Similarly, when the ice is taken out of the freezer and left in a room at room temperature, it will melt and revert to its liquid form.
Acclimatisation in shisha:
In the context of shisha, acclimatisation involves the adaptation of tobacco raw materials and flavorings to the humidity level of the environment in which the product is present. This process allows the tobacco to "breathe" and achieve a moisture balance between the flavorings and the raw materials. Acclimatisation is normally applied on high-strength unwashed leaves that are more sensitive to change in humidity. It allows the unpleasant odour of “Soy Sauce” to go away together with the extra moisture in order to bring out the true fragrance of the flavour.
It is worth noting that today, most manufacturers have refined their production processes to eliminate the need for additional acclimatisation by the end consumer. This means that the majority of hookah tobacco available in the market is ready to use straight out of the box. However, some enthusiasts still practice acclimatisation to enhance the flavours and overall smoking experience.
Benefits of Acclimatisation:
Acclimatisation plays a crucial role in bringing out the best flavors from hookah tobacco. By allowing the tobacco to adapt to its surroundings, the moisture balance between the flavorings and the raw materials is optimized, preventing any unpleasant sensations during consumption. Moreover, acclimatisation can intensify the flavours, making them more vibrant, fragrant, and enjoyable.
You may conduct an experiment with smoking a chosen flavour packed straight from the box and compare it with one that has been opened for a couple of weeks. The difference in taste and aroma will highlight the benefits of acclimatisation.
How to acclimatise your flavours?
Tangiers is a high-strength brand widely known for its need of acclimatisation. The following instruction gives a brief overview of how we normally would do it. Every shisha enthusiast has his preferred way of acclimatisation depending on his time availability and preference. There is no single right way of doing so and you may experiment on your own!
1. Pour out the flavour from the bag and lay it out onto a piece of aluminium foil of large size. Use a fork to scrape all the juices and residue from the bag.
2. Stir the flavour and spread it out evenly across the foil sheet. Break up any large chunk.
3. Wait for at least 4 hours or even longer until the unpleasant odour is no longer present. Stir and pack it away in a container for another 20 hours for further acclimatisation.
Summary
Acclimatisation allows the flavours to adapt to its environment, resulting in enhanced flavours and a more enjoyable session. Whether you choose to acclimatise your flavour or not, understanding the concept and its significance can help you appreciate the intricacies of hookah smoking. So, the next time you sit down for a hookah session, remember the role acclimatisation plays in bringing out the best in your favorite flavors.
