Easily Skin a Tomato with a Torch Lighter

Comments Off by / August 31, 2011 / Posted in Cigar Smoking Tips

Many people make a mistake when it comes to their cooking torch. They assume that since the torch is used to caramelize sugar for desserts, that is all it can be used for. Actually though, there are many uses for the lighter and some of them are extremely practical. If you want to make the most of your lighter torch, then you need to learn about these practical uses. You will be surprised at the many things you can do with that torch.

Consider the tomato. The tomato has a very thin skin. It cannot be peeled like you would a thicker skinned fruit like an apple or an orange. In fact, it is almost impossible to skin a tomato in any normal way. Many people make use of a method that involved dropping the tomato into boiling water and then removing it quickly. The biggest problem with this method is that the tomato almost always gets soggy. No one wants a soggy tomato. There is another way to skin the tomato without having to damage the tomato itself.

Take a look at the lighter torch you have in your kitchen drawer. That torch can be used in just this situation. All you need to do is turn the flame of the torch up to the high setting. Then, you will just need to run the torch over the tomato. Be sure to keep the flame about an inch from the tomato itself. You will need to work quickly and allow the torch to just barely blacken the tomato.

Then, when you place the tomato under cold running water, the skin of it will simply fall away. When this happens, the tomato itself will retain its original ripe crispness. You will not have to worry about damaging the tomato at all. You will also not have to worry about any of the skin being left on the tomato. Just be sure to always keep the torch moving so that you do not burn any one area. Additionally, be sure to not burn your hands as you make use of the lighter torch.

When you have a recipe that requires you skin a tomato, the last thing you will want to do is try to find a method that will work without damaging the tomato. Instead, all you will need to do is make use of that lighter and you can easily have a perfectly skinned tomato.

Are Cuban Cigars the Strongest in Taste?

Comments Off by / August 24, 2011 / Posted in Cigar Smoking Tips

When you first begin your cigar hobby, one of the things you will most likely be interested in from the very beginning will be the Cuban. Cuban cigars are more well known than any cigars from anywhere else in the world. There is good reason for this, but it of course begs questions that you may not know the answers for. If you have never smoked a Cuban cigar, or if you are creating your cigar and cigar accessories collection, then you will want to know those answers.

To start with, what is special about the Cuban cigar? This is the first question you will want answered. The Cuban people have been perfecting their cigar for many years. In fact, the climate and soil on the island are the perfect conditions to create extremely flavorful tobacco. Since tobacco has been the chief crop of Cuba for many thousands of years, it has given the people of Cuba plenty of time to learn how to create an excellent cigar.

Does the Cuban cigar have a stronger taste than others? Many people wonder about the Cuban simply because they may think that it may be more bold. However, this is not necessarily true. If you ask anyone who hand rolls cigars, they will tell you immediately that the mildness or boldness of the cigar will be based on what part of the tobacco plant is chosen for filler. The people of Cuba learned this many years ago, and they are able to use that to their advantage.

The experts in Cuba that roll cigars know that the top part of the tobacco plant is boldest and the middle part of the plant is mildest. This means that it all depends on how they balance the filler for the cigar. A Cuban cigar can range from very mild to very bold just like cigars from other parts of the world. When you are collecting your cigars and cigar accessories, you do not have to assume that Cuban cigars will be stronger than any other option.

When you are starting your cigar hobby and you are collecting your cigars and cigar accessories, you will read a great deal about the Cuban cigar. While the Cuban cigar may be more flavorful and more expertly rolled than other options, this does not necessarily mean that they are stronger than any other option. You can find bold cigars from many different countries, including Cuba.

Do I Need a Table Lighter?

Comments Off by / August 17, 2011 / Posted in Cigar Smoking Tips, Lighter Tips

Are you new to the cigar hobby? One of the things you will notice is that as you try to learn about cigars and cigar accessories, you will see all sorts of terms and phrases that you may not understand. Part of educating yourself so that you can truly enjoy the hobby will be learning what these different things mean. For example, just in the world of the torch lighter, you will have plenty of terms, options and phases to learn. By knowing these things, you will be better prepared to choose the right lighter for you and your hobby.

Have you seen the phrase, table lighter? Have you wondered what a table lighter must be? Do you want to learn more about it? The table lighter is definitely an option you will want to consider because it offers convenience and many other traits you will not find in a standard lighter.

Just what is a table lighter? Very simply, this is a lighter that is made to sit upon the table. It can be struck right from the table. You will not have to pick the lighter up in order to light the cigar. This makes a table lighter quite useful, especially if you are coming home from a long day and you just want to relax. You will not want to spend too much time looking for your handheld lighter. It would be much simpler to just lean across the table and strike your table lighter.

The table lighter is also highly decorative. Because it will stay in the public eye, right there on your desk or table, it is designed to be a conversation piece and a part if your room dcor. You can choose from a wide variety of table lighters so that you can find one that will match your personal style and your personal dcor. This is another reason why many people enjoy choosing the table lighter.

One of the reasons that so many people enjoy the table lighter has to do with the fact that most models are highly decorative. You will find that the lighter will be the topic of conversation time and time again. Additionally, you will have the option to choose from a variety of different designs so that you can choose a table lighter that matches your own personal style. It can even match the dcor in your room. There are many different lighters from which you can choose, and a table lighter is definitely one that you should consider.

Should I Replace My Foam Humidifier?

Comments Off by / August 3, 2011 / Posted in Cigar Smoking Tips

When you first start purchasing your cigar accessories, one item that will be of high importance will be the humidor of course. This humidor is vital to preserving your cigars so that you can truly enjoy their taste and flavor. This is because the humidor creates a constant environment of controlled levels of humidity. This humidity keeps the flavor locked within the tobacco. This is why it is so important that you purchase and understand the humidor thoroughly. There are many parts to the humidor that you will need to understand because you will need to perform routine maintenance on them. One such part is the foam humidifier. Of course, without a humidifier, it would be quite hard for the humidor to work.

If you are overwhelmed by all of these accessories, then the simple thing to do is simply consider each part one at a time. That is why you will just want to think about the foam humidifier for now. That is because you will need to eventually replace it. This is simply because there will be a time when the humidifier wears out. There are other parts of the cigar humidifier that will need to be maintenance, but the foam will be something you will want to watch carefully. This is because it is the foam that keeps the humid environment in the humidor.

Have you ever noticed how an old sponge will stop wanting to soak up water? The same holds true for the foam humidifier. After a time, it will not want to soak up the solution properly anymore. This should be a very noticeable sign, and when you see it, you will know that you need to replace the foam. As mentioned, it could take years to get to this point, but eventually the foam will wear out.

Foam does not hide the fact that it wears out very well. If you know what to look for, you will see these signs. As you try to add the water solution to the foam, it will not soak up the water as well as it wears out. In addition, it will not allow the highest humidity levels as you need because it is wearing out. If you notice that the foam humidifier is not soaking up water as well and the humidifier is not keeping as high of a humidity overall, then you will want to consider replacing the foam.

When you begin to study and learn about the cigar accessories that you will need, you will also need to learn how to perform maintenance on them. This way, you can make sure you are able to enjoy your cigars to the utmost level.

Freeze Your Cigars Properly To Preserve Them

Comments Off by / July 20, 2011 / Posted in Cigar Smoking Tips

One of the most asked questions that anyone may have will be how to properly store their cigars to keep them as flavorful as possible. Of course, choosing the right cigar accessories and a quality humidor will have a great deal to do with this. However, there may be times when you just cannot make use of a humidor. Whether you do not have one available or you have not yet purchased a humidor, or you would simply like to purchase a large stock of cigars, then you will need to consider freezing them. If you follow the right steps, you can certainly freeze cigars in a way that will completely maintain their aroma as well as their flavor.

In order to freeze them properly, you will need a few cigar accessories that you have most likely not thought of before. They will include freezer bags that are made to the top quality. You need to know absolutely that no air is able to reach the cigars. Some people choose to invest in a vacuum sealer and vacuum sealed bags. You can find one of these in a store offering food preservation items like baggies and storage containers. Whichever you choose, make sure the cigars are sealed tightly in the bag.

The next step will be to get the cigars cold. It is best to freeze and thaw them in a slow process to get the cigars acclimated to the temperature change. When you are getting ready to freeze them, place them in the refrigerator for around 24 hours. Then, move them to the freezer. When you get ready to thaw the cigars, do the same thing in reverse. If you will be placing the thawed cigars into a humidor, let them reach room temperature in advance.

In order to make sure that you are able to enjoy the fullest flavor of the cigar after thawing it, allow them to stay in the humidor for a week at the very minimum. This will be important to returning the cigar to the right humidity balance and this will greatly affect the taste.

If you follow this process very carefully, you can successfully freeze cigars. It is vital that you do the process with care, though, because if too much air gets in with the cigars or they are directly exposed to the freezer, they could be ruined and no amount of time in a humidor could bring them back. Whether you need to freeze for a short time or the long term, just follow these steps to maintain your cigars.

How Long Will Butane Last In Storage?

Comments Off by / July 7, 2011 / Posted in Lighter Tips

When you enjoy your cigar hobby, you will find that you need to keep a stock of butane available on hand for when your torch lighter runs out of fuel. If you allow your lighter to run out of fuel, you will find yourself a little frustrated since you will not be able to enjoy your cigars to their fullest. You can always use a low cost option to light your cigars, but this could greatly affect the taste of the cigar and you will not be able to enjoy it nearly as much. Instead, it is important that you keep enough fuel so that you can always enjoy your cigars with the right butane torch lighter.

First, here is a bit about safety. When you are storing your butane for your lighter, you need to store it away from children’s reach. This gas can be quite dangerous, and it is under a great deal of pressure. If the can were to fall and get punctured, it could cause severe injury. Additionally, the canisters should be kept in a cool dark place because direct sunlight can also cause combustion. For your butane lighter, keep the refill canisters somewhere safe, like in a closet or on a high shelf.

Next, you will need to know how long you can keep your lighter butane for. As long as the canisters are in good condition, they can actually last for a very long time. However, if they are subjected to any damage, they are no longer good. The butane must stay pressurized in order to stay good. Additionally, if the nozzle of the canister becomes damaged or clogged, then it will no longer be good as well.

Because butane has to be pressurized, you will need to make sure those canisters do not get punctured or dented. If they do, then the butane will no longer be usable or good. In these cases, you will need to get rid of the canisters. However, keeping the canisters in a safe place will help to make sure that this does not happen.

If you want to enjoy your cigar hobby to its fullest, you must make sure you always have the accessories you need in order to be able to enjoy your cigars. This will include making sure your torch lighter is always working properly and has enough butane. This includes keeping extra butane on hand for refills when you need them.

Temperature Has An Effect On Your Butane Torch Lighter

Comments Off by / June 29, 2011 / Posted in Lighter Tips

There are things that you may not realize about your cigar accessories and how you care for them. If you do not know about these things, you will be more than a little surprised when your accessories do not work properly and you cannot enjoy that cigar you have been looking forward to. For example, when you are taking care of your butane torch lighter, you will always need to keep in mind that it can be quite severely affected by temperature. Many people do not realize this until they run into a problem.

If you live in the north or northeastern parts of the country, chances are, you experience some bitterly cold weather. You will even see sub zero temperatures. You may never even consider how well your cigar lighter will work in the cold until the cold comes around. However, it is a good thing to know. Will your butane cigar lighter work in the extreme cold?

You will have to consider science for just a moment. The butane lighter works by combusting pressurized gas. When the temperature of that gas cools down, the molecules will retract and get closer together. There will not be as much pressure. This will only happen to an extreme level when the temperatures get very, very cold and the lighter would have to be out in the cold for an extended period of time.

This does not mean that your butane lighter will not work in the extreme cold. As long as the lighter itself is warm, you will still be able to light your cigar even if you are standing outside in sub zero temperatures. The best thing to do is to keep your lighter in your pocket where it can stay warm.

When you realize you have questions about your new cigar hobby, it is a good idea to get them answered so that you do not run into a problem, like a malfunctioning cigar lighter. Will your lighter work well in the extreme cold? If the lighter itself is warm, then it will work just fine. If it is left in the cold, it will not work until it warms up.

Cigar Humidors That Won’t Keep 72% Humidity

Comments Off by / June 15, 2011 / Posted in Cigar Smoking Tips

It can be very frustrating when you can’t get your humidor to stay at 72% humidity. Most of the time, however, the reason behind it is pretty simple. First and foremost, make sure that you properly seasoned your humidor before you put it to use. This is a process that usually takes about 48 hours to complete and, if you don’t complete it, your humidor will not get up to the proper levels of humidity to store a cigar.

In some regions, a generally dry climate makes it difficult to keep the cigar box at the proper levels of humidity. In these cases, the trick is usually to seal off the outside environment from the inside. While it may appear as if your cigar box has an adequate seal, sometimes outside air will seep in and bring the humidity level down a bit. There are a couple of different things you can try to remedy this.

First, you might try wetting the edge of the box a little bit so that the wood swells and offers a better seal against the outside environment. Make sure you don’t get too much water on the wood. You shouldn’t actually have any standing water on the surface of the lid. If this doesn’t work, you can try another method.

You might try putting a bit of cellophane over the entire box. This will insulate it from the outside environment and, hopefully, keep the moisture inside the box where it belongs. One of the ways you can check to see if you have a good seal or not is to listen for the sound of air rushing into the box when you open it. If it seems like there is no difference between inside and outside air pressure, it may be that outside air is constantly streaming into the box and lowering the humidity inside.

If you can’t seem to get the humidity level in your cigar box up to 72%, you might want to try a different humidifier. If you live in a particularly dry climate, you may need to get a very powerful humidifier to keep humidity levels up high enough to preserve your cigars. You also may want to consider a box with a more advanced type of seal on it if you keep having this problem. Remember that it’s normal for the humidity in the cigar box to go down a bit at certain times of year. In the winter, for instance, even humid climates will generally have drier air.

My Cigar Smells Like Ammonia, Should I Toss It?

Comments Off by / June 8, 2011 / Posted in Cigar Smoking Tips

Cigar aromas are complex combinations of leather, spice and many other factors depending on the type of tobacco used. However, you might find that you come across a cigar that smells like ammonia after you open it. Your first instinct might be that there is something wrong here. After all, a cigar should be aromatically pleasing, not filled with ammonia. Before you toss that stick out, put it in your humidor for a few months. Chances are good that you just need to give it a little attention.

The Most Common Reason for Ammonia in Cigars: Ammonia is naturally emitted from tobacco as it ages. It’s a natural volatile compound produced as part of the aging (or fermenting) process. If you have a cigar that smells like ammonia, there’s nothing wrong – it just needs some aging. Young cigars that have not gone through the proper aging process usually smell like ammonia. You can cure this by simply placing the cigar (or cigars) in your humidor for a few months to a year and allowing it to age naturally.

Spanish Cedar Can Help: If you find that placing young, un-aged cigars in your humidor makes the entire thing smell like ammonia, there are a couple of things you can do. First, if your humidor is not lined with Spanish cedar all the way around, then get some panels and install them. Spanish cedar (and only Spanish cedar) can help bring out the natural flavors and aromas in your smokes. Make sure that you line the shelves, but also that you line the walls of your humidor as well.

Age Them Separately: You don’t have to put those ammonia-emitting cigars in with your other smokes. It’s simple enough to age them in a separate area where the chemicals they’re putting off will not offend your nose or contaminate your other stock. All you really need is a large plastic container with a lid, a way to humidify the cigars in the container and a dark, cool place in which to store them while they age.

Cigars that smell like ammonia only need a little bit of aging to really come into their own as potentially great smokes. If you find that your newly purchased cigars smell more like chemicals than tobacco, allowing them to age for several months to a year in your humidor will help bring out their true character and aroma.

Removing A Stuck Flint From A Zippo

Comments Off by / June 1, 2011 / Posted in Cigar Smoking Tips

A Zippo lighter is one of the most reliable devices in the world. In over 100 years of use, there has been little cause to change the design of these lighters substantially. There are really only three major parts to these lighters: the reservoir, the wheel and the flint tube. The flint tube is where the flint is stored. In some cases, a flint may become lodged in there. Fortunately, this device is so simple that there is really nothing to removing the obstruction.

A Zippo lighter has a reservoir made of cotton that the fluid is put into. This is filled up by lifting a heavier piece of material away from the cotton and filling up the softer cotton underneath. Next to the hole in the heavier material you’ll find a screw. This screw is the tube where the flint is loaded. Unscrewing the screw reveals that it is attached to a spring. Pull this out.

There are some butane lighter designs that have similar designs for their flint storage. These are generally very easy to deal with, as well, and you can remove the flints in much the same way that you’d remove them from a Zippo. A Zippo, however, is very durable, so be more cautious about tapping a butane lighter on a table. You might want to use a paperclip or a straightened out staple to dislodge the flint from these lighters.

A lighter flint will usually be no more complex to remove than this. There are really no places where it can get stuck other than by being crooked in the flint tube and being pinned by the wheel itself. If the flint is stuck in the tube, you can usually just poke at it with a straightened out paperclip until it falls out.

If you’re working on another type of lighter, this might be a more complex process. Because Zippos are so simple, they have very durable parts and you don’t really have to worry about breaking any plastic or anything else when you’re working on them. A butane lighter may have a lot of fragile parts involved with its construction and you’ll need to make sure that you account for this if you’re going to work on them. You’ll also want to make sure that you don’t do any damage to the valve. A Zippo is generally very large, so you’ll have plenty of room to work with, but this isn’t always the case with a regular butane lighter, which usually has a more compact design.