ComputerHunter.org |
|
|
|||
|
 |
The Basics of Cigar Humidor Care
Seasoning a Cigar Humidor To keep the things we cherish in our lives working properly, there is an element of regular garden tending that needs to be undertaken. Whether it comes in the form of frequently changing the oil in a car, storm-proofing a rosewood deck, or seasoning a cigar humidor, without proper tending and maintenance our investments turn into disappointments. Interestingly, most cigar hobbyists have at best a tenuous understanding of how to keep their humidors functioning properly - especially when they are expensive. Take a gentlemen who has recently acquired a beautifully constructed humidor worth several thousand dollars. Let's say the humidor was a gift, but like most humidors sold on the market (whether they are costly models or not), it did not come with instructions on how to properly season it. Seasoning a humidor is a crucial and necessary step to ensure a beautiful new humidor functions properly - no matter how nice or how expensive. The inside of the humidor is usually lined with Spanish cedar or mahogany. The reason these woods are used to line the inside of the humidor is they hold humidity well, and both woods contain a natural anti-fungal agent that resists mold. This wood has been kiln dried, and if your idea of maintenance is to simply regularly fill-up the humidification device, the kiln dried wood will easily absorb all of the moisture. In order to properly season a humidor, you need to obtain distilled water, and a brand new sponge. Distilled water should always be used in the humidification device to prevent buildup. Saturate the sponge, and wipe down all the interior wood with the sponge. Don't be shy, but wipe all exposed interior wood generously. Fill up the humidification device according to the specifications, and saturate the sponge once more. Take the sponge, place it inside the humidor, close the lid, and let it sit for 24 hours. Take the sponge out, and wipe down the interior wood one more time. Refill the humidification device and now your humidor is fully seasoned. This is how a desktop humidor that contains a passive humidification device works: the Spanish cedar (or mahogany) retains the humidity, and the humidification device replenishes the moisture in the wood. So be sure you properly season your humidor to make sure it works! The Real Story with Relative Humidity in Humidors There is a pervasive myth regarding cigar humidors that a decrease in temperature should be followed by an increase in humidity, and vice versa. This is a common, but totally false belief. To help set the records straight, we're going to reference The Variable Humidity Myth. This treatise articulates how there are a number of authorities claiming that relative humidity should move in an inverse direction from temperature: i.e. if you're maintaining a 70% RH humidor at 70 degrees, and the temperature falls to 65 degrees, the humidity should be raised to 75% RH to compensate. In fact, the humidity should stay constant regardless of temperature. This is primarily because the tobacco within a cigar needs just enough moisture to keep it elastic, but not so much as to create expansion. This level is always around 70% independent of temperature. Why? Because we're not talking about how much moisture is physically in the tobacco (to keep the absolute moisture the same if temperature dropped, you would have to raise the humidity). What we are talking about is the sweet spot between tobacco leaves getting too brittle (68% RH or lower) and tobacco leaves beginning to swell (73% or higher). This sweet spot is always around 70% RH. By taking the time to understand these two basic aspects of humidor care, you are well on your way to being ahead of the game. Regularly seasoning your humidor and not incorrectly tampering with relative humidity principles will ensure the longevity of your humidor and maintain the quality of your cigar collection for years to come. Matthew Rosen is owner of http://www.whatsknottolove.com, an online cigar boutique that is helping bring the feel of your local cigar shop to the internet. It features a unique cigar collection as well as cigar tips, cigar culture advice and cigar accessories.
Google News - Top Stories
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Choosing Interior Doors When it's time to decorate - whether it's for a brand new home or redecorating the family manse, one thing that's often overlooked as a 'style choice' is the interior doors. After all, a bedroom door is a bedroom door, right? Ivory Like Sholapith Sculptures from India In the past, collectors have been fascinated with sculptures of pure white Ivory without knowing the damage it caused to our eco-system. Luckily governments of a number of nations have banned Ivory trade altogether. A Guide to Bathroom Vanities The basic bathroom vanity includes a mirror or medicine cabinet above, a sink or basin and counter or 'top' below, and a cabinet beneath. In some cases the sink and top are one unit. To call the bathroom vanity an important fixture in the bathroom would be an understatement. Everyone stops at the vanity upon entering or leaving the bathroom, whether it is to wash hands, fix hair or find lotion. Homeowners today often use vanities to set the tone or motif in decorating a bathroom. Bathroom vanities are available in a variety of styles and sizes dependent upon taste, functionality and financial commitment. Great Tips for Choosing Furniture You're finally going to do it! No I don't mean tie the knot, I mean your finally ready to buy that new furniture you've been dreaming about. We adorn our bodies with fashion which makes a statement about who we are. Your furniture does exactly the same thing for your house. It's your fashion statement for your home. Beds In A Bag Make You An Instant Designing Pro! If you feel bedroom-designing challenged like I am, then bed in a bag sets may just be perfect for you! Everything you need comes in one complete set, and is designed to match or coordinate perfectly. Home Decorating Tips - How to Change a Rooms Dimension using Wall Pictures The Basic Role of Pictures The Benefits of Outdoor Wood Stoves Outdoor wood stoves use renewable energy, are less expensive than many other heating systems, and are safer than indoor wood stoves. Creating Positive Environments for Home and Office From the office cubicle to the executive penthouse suite and from apartments to mansions, people are trying to carve out spaces to call their own. Outside, the world may be a stressful place but inside these spaces, people strive to create positive environments where they can live and work happily and peacefully. It may seem like a fairy tale to some. However, for others, it is a way to survive many of the negative effects of stressful living. Bollywood Boudoir... On A Budget "Bollywood" is the next really big thing in interior decor. You can transform your bedroom really easily into a Bollywood boudoir with some very simple touches: Creative Ways to Decorate Your Walls Moving into a new house can sometimes cause a quandry. You can stand and stare at large... blank spaces for weeks wondering just what to do with them. These blank spaces are the walls of your new house or apartment. A Guide to Acrylic Kitchen Sinks Unlike laminates, acrylic and/or polyester plastics are homogenous nonporous material. Kitchen sinks made from acrylic come in different thickness and numerous colors. They can be polished but are often seen with a matte finish. They can be expensive and in many cases, more expensive than granite. Finding a Cuckoo Clock Repair Service Weights hanging from the bottom of your cuckoo clock keep it running smoothly and accurately. Some cuckoo clocks have two weights and some have three. Since the internal working parts for these two types of timing mechanisms are different, the prices for repairing them will be different no matter where you go or who does the work. Since cuckoo clocks can be purchased for prices ranging from as little as $39.99 for mass produced, discontinued or used items, to as much as many thousands of dollars for pristine, well maintained older versions by acknowledged craftsmen, you should take into account the value of your individual item before you attempt to have anything repaired. A Look at Plantation Shutters When potential buyers are looking at a home, many upgrades get their attention. Floor tile, fireplace, and tile backsplash are some popular additions to a home. One upgrade, however, really makes homebuyers take notice. That upgrade is plantation shutters. 7 Tips to Care for Your Antique Furniture During your spring cleaning, don't forget to think about your antiques. In this month's column, we'll give you seven tips to help you care for your antique furniture. Nursery Decorating Ideas: Creating a Timeless Retreat Decorating a baby room is a wonderful opportunity to create a carefree hideaway - a place of slumber and lullabies. Southwest Style Decorating Tips When you think of the Southwest, what do you think of? Deserts, cactus, saloons? Well, Southwest style decor can actually combine these visions into a single decorating style. If you're wanting to use a Southwestern decorating theme in your home, a living room or den is a great place to use it. The bright colors and patterns are conducive to conversation. Pendant Lighting Layout - How To Pendant lighting has gained a great deal of popularity for use in kitchens over the last few years. A common place to install them is over an island or peninsula. One of the most frequent questions I see is how high do I hang them and how do I space them out? Both questions can be answered in several ways and as with any home design aspect there is no absolute or right answer. There is however some guidelines to use that can help you make the right decision. Beyond Paint: Decorating Walls With Stencils Painting walls in various colors is a quick and easy way to decorate any room in your home. But when you're looking for something a bit more artistic and unique, you might try your hand at stenciling. The Power of Candlelight In this day and age, everything is about health and wellness. The products range from nutritional, mentoring/self growth and soy/veg candles. Yes, soy/veg candles because they're virtually soot-free and natural waxes are used to create a healthier environment in the homes of candle lovers. Embossed Votive Holder Shade Create the look of a Stained Glass Votive Holder
|
|
|
|
|
