A versatile wooden chopping board is a kitchen essential. It can be used to chop vegetables, meats, fish and other foods. It also protects knives. It is durable and easy to clean. Its surface is nonporous, which prevents the absorption of bacteria and food particles.
Wooden chopping boards are also environmentally friendly compared to plastic ones, which can contribute to plastic pollution when they end up in landfills. They are typically heavy, however.
They are easy to clean
Wooden chopping boards are durable and easy to clean. They are also gentle on your knives, making them easier to sharpen than plastic boards. While they do have a slight tendency to warp after washing, this can be easily fixed by storing them flat between uses or placing a dry board over them.
These boards are easy to sanitize using warm soapy water. The porous surface of wood is able to absorb and kill harmful bacteria, whereas plastic can harbor germs for hours after cleaning.
It is important to protect your wooden chopping board with mineral oil once or twice a month. This will help the board resist bacterial growth, keep it moisturized, and prevent warping or mildew. Avoid using cooking oils that are used as lubricants or hinges as they could damage the wood and add microplastics to your food. Instead, use a food-grade mineral oil. Alternatively, you can rub the board with lemon juice and salt to sanitize it.
They are durable
The durable nature of wooden chopping boards makes them a go-to choice for chefs and home cooks alike. Their versatility extends beyond chopping to serving as a decorative backdrop for culinary presentations.
Wooden boards are also a more hygienic alternative to plastic ones, as their porous surface traps and kills bacteria. In contrast, plastic chopping boards develop deep grooves and cuts with frequent use, creating breeding grounds for harmful bacteria even after thorough cleaning and sanitising.
In addition to being hygienic, wooden chopping boards are also gentle on knives. This is an important factor for kitchen safety, as dull knives require more force to cut and can cause accidents.
Moreover, wooden chopping boards are eco-friendly and sustainable, as they are made from natural, renewable resources. They can be replanted and harvested again, which minimizes their environmental footprint. Some models are outfitted with handles or tapered edges for easy carrying and nonslip feet to keep them in place on the countertop while chopping.
They add a touch of natural beauty to your kitchen
Wooden chopping boards bring a natural beauty to your kitchen and can help create an inviting, hygienic environment. They also add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your cooking. In addition, they are environmentally friendly compared to plastic boards. They are made from renewable materials and can be reused over time, minimizing their environmental footprint.
While plastic chopping boards are non-porous and don’t absorb liquids, their surfaces quickly become knife-scarred and can harbor bacteria. In contrast, wood chopping boards are porous but halt the growth of harmful bacteria on their surface. In tests by University of Wisconsin researchers, wooden chopping boards outperformed both new and used plastic boards when it comes to preventing food poisoning.
Choose a high-quality, durable wood like walnut or cherry to get the most from your wooden chopping board. Avoid soft woods that splinter and open-grained woods that take in moisture. The former can harbor bacteria and the latter is a breeding ground for mold. To keep your chopping board in good condition, rub it with food-safe mineral oil or cutting board conditioner after every use.
They are easy to maintain
Wooden chopping boards are much easier to maintain than plastic ones. After every use, you can easily clean and sanitize them with soapy water. You should also wipe the board thoroughly with a damp cloth. It’s best to use different boards for vegetables and meat, so you can prevent cross contamination.
Regularly applying a layer of mineral oil is another way to preserve your wooden cutting board. It keeps the wood hydrated and makes it more resistant to cracking or warping. Depending on the type of wood, it may require monthly or even weekly applications of oil.
If your wood-cutting board starts to look dull or develop mildew, you should sand it and apply a fresh coat of food-grade oil. Keep in mind that moisture is the biggest threat to your board, so it’s important to towel down and air-dry it after each use. You should also store it upright in a dry place to promote airflow and prevent moisture build-up.