Naswar pronounced (Nas-war) is what Snuff is called in Pakistan, there are many types of Naswar (Snuff) used by people in different areas out of which Bannu and Mardan are famous for its high quality naswar (Snuff) production. Naswar(Snuff) is mostly used in northern areas of Pakistan mostly by Pathans/Afghans, it is an important part of Pathan/Afghan culture and is used extensively in the Pathan/Afghan populated areas. It is considered hospitable to present best naswar (Snuff), or finest tobacco and chilam (used for smoking tobacco, its infect a big version of pipe with water container in its base) to guests after meal. Proverbs such as (in face of great sorrow) “This is no sorrow as compare to having no snuff after tea” shows the importance of naswar (Snuff) in Pakhtoon/Afghan culture. Usually people use black naswar (black snuff) which is prepared by grinding dried tobacco, wood ash and lime stone and mixed with water using rollers for around 20-25 minutes (the prepared Naswar/Snuff can be seen in the given picture). After its prepared, people usually make a small ball around 2-3 grams and place it between their upper lip and gum or lower lip and gum for around 10-20 minutes. I will soon try to share the video (if possible) or pictures of the process and ingredianta used while prepraing of Naswar (Snuff).
@shalimarisl yes, was reading about naswar just the other day— very interesting and sounds tasty-- thanks for the informative post
I was so bussy wrighting this that i forgot to throw my snuff which is took around an hour ago.
@general_desaix beleive me its taste is aweful, but it fulfilles the purpose its made for, it will make you feel “up in the air”.
@shalimarisl :)) yeah, that’s what the article I read said as well-- that’s why I made sure to say “tasty” :))
@general_desaix if you can share the link of that article plz.
^^ @shalimarisl not sure-- was linked on here actually— i’ll see if I can find
@general_desaix okay thaks.
@general_desaix yup its a good one. Actually Naswar is prepared using water and its usable life is around 5-6 days after that its useleas, we tried different stuff to prolong the usable period like glysrine etc but it dosent works, still in search of something which will keep it in good condition i.e. soft and hydrated for longer period.
You could try vacuum packing an amount in a four day dose package. I have tight Pewter boxes that keep Snus fresh for the duration ,I had packed one with 40 grams over a month ago and is still fresh as the day I filled it. Some freeze snus. I just keep mine in the fridge. here is a video I found =http://www.swedishsnus.com/From-seed-to-can/
@shalimarisl Hi! Vikas Grover from India,owner of six photo snuff. Nice to read your story . You could use paraffin oil and glycerin after using water,it will keep your stuff fresh for a longer period.
Oh yes! Naswar! Once I was in Pakistan for 3 months, as a Snus addict - and I asked in a market, “do you guys have tobacco for the lip?” And they said yes and I was so surprised they actually had this! I spent 3 months on Naswar. It wasnt as strong as General Loose Snus, but it did the trick, and as they said, “the first time you take it you will be flying”, which was sort of true, I got pretty high the first time. The packages looked exactly like that picture. Costs next to nothing. I have been thinking about Naswar a lot lately and if it actually was a snuff intended for the nose. But you confirm my original impression, its originally intended orally. ^^ Awesome that someone brought it up here! Fond memories… ^^
@mario84 you can prepare it youself if you like, soon IA i will upload a detailed video to make you own naswar, the average price is around 10 PKR where as 1$ = 108 PKR.
@sixphoto thanks for the suggestion, i tried uaing glysrice, but it dosen’t works well. Paraffin oil 'd be a new experience can you plz tell me more about it? I tried it on google the wikipedia gave me two choices Parafine liquid and mineral oil, which one are you talking about?
@basement_shaman Vaccum packing is not possible as people open the packing which is simply a small plastic bag and a rubber band (as shown in the pic above) to check the stuff. :-S
@shalimarisl try using liquid paraffin oil,this is what the khaini manufacturers in India use.
Is there any market for nasal snuff in Pakistan? are people using any nasal snuff ?
@sixphoto nope, mostly people use Naswar, its cost effactive and easily available.
The manufactures of the powdered naswar migrated to Punjab after partition. Most of them came from Hazro.
Yes that is where my maternal grandfather came from. He too ran a snuff factory in Hazron before coming to India.after partition.
At some point in my lifetime I have to try Naswar. I had a buddy who traveled to Pakistan who tried Naswar and he told me that: “Whether you use smokeless tobacco and or smoke, you need to try this. If you enjoy tobacco in any capacity, you need to get a hold of it at some point”. The account of his experiences with it not only made me jealous of him having the opportunity to try it, but also gave me something else to add to my bucket it list.
I apologize I meant *bucket list, typo.
@peter77 you can make your own naswar, just take some dry tobacco leafs 60%, some wood ash 40% grind them togather while adding water bit by bit untill a paste is prepared, surely you will miss a few ingredients but its the orignal and basic recepie of Naswar. Btw if you ever visit Islamabad, Pakistan i 'll prepare you some special stuff at my place.
@sixphoto you mean Hazro, on the boarder of Punjab and KPK?
@shalimarisl Thank you so much for the for the instructions for making Naswar. Also, thank you very much for the offer of homemade Naswar if ever in Islamabad, I will surely let you know if I am in the area. I have wanted to visit Pakistan for a long time, so it will have to happen at some point. Overall, this thread is excellent, very informative and interesting and thank you for your generosity and kindness.
Yes Hazro town near rawalpindi
@peter77 you can make your own naswar, just take some dry tobacco leafs 60%, some wood ash 40% grind them togather while adding water bit by bit untill a paste is prepared, surely you will miss a few ingredients but its the orignal and basic recepie of Naswar. Btw if you ever visit Islamabad, Pakistan i 'll prepare you some special stuff at my place.
why ash?
@viertel i don’t know why they use wood ash, but its one of the main ingredient in Pakistani Naswar.
@sixphoto its near to my hometown swabi then to rawalpindi, that makes you my “Kali-wall”. In Pushto language ‘Kali-wall’ is a person living or belong to the same area you are of.
ash adds alkalinity to the stuff. Like sodium bicarbonate
I thought that is what the lime was for though?
I thought that is what the lime was for though?
exactly
@sixphoto its near to my hometown swabi then to rawalpindi, that makes you my “Kali-wall”. In Pushto language ‘Kali-wall’ is a person living or belong to the same area you are of.
Hello shalimarisl my kali-wall
The ash is used for adding pottasium to the snuff and to give a slight fermentation.
I strongly recommend traveling Pakistan, it’s a country rich in sights and experiences, very pleasant.
true but why let that get in the way of a good time. Plus like anywhere you go pay attention and try to avoid sketchy places. Better chance of getting mugged in New York or run over by a taxi.
true but why let that get in the way of a good time. Plus like anywhere you go pay attention and try to avoid sketchy places. Better chance of getting mugged in New York or run over by a taxi.
If you think so, i will not destroy your vision. Beware of taxis.
I tried some in Islamabad, good job the city is full of parks as I felt decidedly dizzy. However I would be interested in recipes and some info when some of the DIY guys have something to report. Interesting stuff.