Dokha Arabic Tobacco vs Western Tobacco
Dokha Arabic Tobacco vs Western Tobaccos: A comparative analysis for smokers and non-smokers alike
Dokha smoking has been a staple of Middle Eastern culture for centuries, but as the world becomes increasingly connected, it’s starting to gain more attention in Western countries. This ancient form of tobacco, traditionally smoked in a Medwakh pipe (sometimes spelled Midwakh), is known for its potent flavour and seemingly mystical effects.
But how does Dokha compare to the more familiar Western tobaccos? Is this exotic smoke really worth seeking out? It’s a question that’s increasingly on the minds of smokers around the world. In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of Dokha and find out what makes it so unique.
Get ready to explore a world of flavour and ritual unlike any other, as we delve into the mysterious world of Dokha Arabic tobacco.
Dokha Arabic Tobacco, have you heard of it? It is a tobacco that comes from the Middle East and has been gaining popularity in the West. But what sets it apart from Western Tobaccos? Is it better? Is it worse? Smoking is bad for you, isn’t it? So, how do we analyse this? There are smokers and non-smokers alike who are curious about the differences between Dokha and Western Tobaccos.
Some say that Dokha has a more natural tobacco flavour, while others argue that Western Tobaccos are smoother. There is no clear answer, and the debate continues.
Enter the world of Dokha tobacco, a blend of Arab heritage and modern smoking methods. But what makes Dokha different from Western tobacco? Firstly, it is less mechanized and manually tended with no additives or harmful chemicals added. Additionally, Dokha enthusiasts actually smoke less as a result of switching from Western tobacco products.
Explore this fascinating topic with us.
Differences between Dokha and Western tobaccos
Smoking alternatives have cultural and regional diversity. Dokha Arabic tobacco is grown at high altitude in the mountainous regions of the Middle East, and is known for its unique ‘Buzz‘ or dizzy sensation.
Being grown at high altitude, the tobacco plants benefit from the cool of the evenings and full sunshine during the day. The plants also benefit from the clean water irrigation channels, with dams to regulate the flow of water to the plants. Therefore the environment Dokha Arabic tobacco is grown in has a great influence on the overall flavour of the blends created by the local farmers.
The leaves are usually harvested around August time and are not fire cured and cut, but hung up to dry in ‘barn’ like structures so all of the nicotine is drawn to the tips of the leaves. Although not registered as Organic, these plants are grown organically and do not contain any additives or chemicals, which makes it a more natural choice for those who want a cleaner smoke. The resulting blends are essentially unaltered and maintain the green/brown colouration of the natural plant. Blends are typically classified into cold, warm or hot Dokha. Dokha Ababic tobacco is a good organic alternative to cigarettes.
The farmers who tend these small holding farms pass all their knowledge down the generations, so the tradition of producing high quality Dokha Arabic tobacco continues.
Dokha tobacco is also known for its quick burn, which means that it burns faster than other types of tobacco. This feature makes it an excellent choice for those who want a quick hit of nicotine without having to smoke for an extended period of time – if you smoked a cigarette, for example. The main reason for this, is the absence of chemicals controlling the burn rate that is often found with other types of tobacco.
Dokha Arabic tobacco is smoked through a Medwakh Pipe – sometimes spelled Midwakh. These pipes were originally made with animal bone and briar wood by Shepherds tending their flock. Today there are many other materials utilised in the manufacture of these unique pipes. Resins, aluminium, and other metals such as titanium, which has high strength and corrosion resistance are also used. Usually these pipes are constructed to a standard 6inches in length and support a small bowl to hold the tobacco. Most Medwakh (Midwakh) pipes also support a filter on the end to help capture any bits of tobacco from reaching your mouth. Having a filter on the end of the pipe helps eliminate the tar that can accumulate in the stem of the pipe over time. Pipe cleaners should be used regularly to remove residual flakes and tar to ensure a fresh smoking experience every time you pick up your Medwakh pipe.
Although all of the Dokha blends available worldwide are packaged as being of a cold, warm or hot variety, that doesn’t necessarily mean that a particular blend of hot Dokha will give you any bigger Buzz than say a cold variety.
Western tobaccos are purportedly milder and smoother, with some blends being mixed with bergamot oil. What you have to consider with Western Tobaccos is the number of different cuts there are, as opposed to Dokha Arabic tobacco which is simply graded, finely chopped and bottled in air-tight bottles to preserve both the colouration and freshness of the tobacco.
There are many different cuts to Western cured tobaccos such as Ribbon Cut, Shag tobacco, Ready Rubbed, Plug, Flake or Crumble, for example. The profile of different tobacco aromas should also be taken into account. Checkout our Pipe Tobacco Guide to get a fuller explanation of the various cuts and aromas achieved by the various fermentation methods, particularly relating to the refining of sugars and breaking down starches in the Western tobacco leaves.
Knowing these differences can help smokers and non-smokers make informed choices.
Dokha Arabic Tobacco vs Western Tobacco – comparing the health risks
Public health campaigns against smoking are increasing, leading to more discourse on tobacco use. However, Arabic tobacco continues to be widely enjoyed, due in part to the small amount of tobacco required to achieve the same effect as smoking a cigarette/Western pipe, for example. It takes a much shorter time to experience its buzz-inducing effects and reduced social stigma. Newbie Dokha smokers will tell you that they smoke a lot less tobacco now that they have switched from cigarettes to Dokha Arabic tobacco.
In conclusion
The world of tobacco is vast and complex, with each variety offering its unique cultural significance and appeal, however the arrival of Dokha Arabic tobacco onto the Western market has added a provocative and exciting new layer to the industry. Whether you’re a die-hard smoker or a curious newbie, Dokha tobacco promises to take you on a thrilling and unforgettable journey. So why not give it a try and see for yourselves? Happy puffing!
