Shopping for a new cutting board? Are you considering a wood cutting board—but are not sure which one is best? From sleek bamboo cutting boards to chef-approved wood cutting boards—and everything in between, there are so many cutting boards to choose from, for every taste, every budget, and every culinary skill level.
Let’s explore cutting boards in more detail and why you should consider investing in a wooden cutting board. You’ll soon realize that wood makes up the best cutting board for your kitchen.
What are the different types of wood used in wooden cutting boards?
Wooden cutting boards have been preferred in many kitchens for their natural aesthetics, durability, and ability to keep knives sharp over time. When selecting the right type of wood for a cutting board, key criteria to look for are: the wood's hardness, density, grain structure, and resistance to moisture and bacteria.
Maple cutting boards are a popular choice for cutting boards. Native to the northeastern United States and Canada, this wood is both hard and dense, without being excessively harsh on knife edges. Its fine, consistent grain structure ensures that the board doesn't become excessively scarred or rough over time, which can lead to bacterial formation. What’s more: the tight grain of hard maple prevents the wood from absorbing too much moisture, which can lead to warping or cracking.
Walnut cutting boards are also appreciated for their durability, functionality and aesthetic appeal. Darker in color than maple, walnut provides an elegant contrast and can become a center piece in many kitchens. Walnut cutting boards are slightly softer than maple cutting boards but are nevertheless gentle on knives. The tight grain structure of a walnut cutting board, similar to a maple cutting board ensures a smooth surface even after prolonged use and makes it resistant to bacterial growth and moisture damage.
Cherry cutting boards are another viable solution. While slightly softer than both hard maple and walnut cutting boards, cherry wood offers a beautiful, warm hue that darkens with age. This characteristic offers a gorgeous patina that many users value. Like maple and walnut cutting boards, cherry's fine grain ensures limited moisture absorption and bacterial growth. Cherry wood cutting boards also provide a surface that's gentle on knife blades.
When selecting the best wood cutting board, not all wood species make the cut (pun intended).
While some wood cutting boards might be tempting due to their cost or appearance, they can pose challenges or even risks in the kitchen. Woods that possess a high degree of toxicity, like black locust or yew, can leach harmful compounds that could contaminate food. Similarly, open-grained woods, such as oak, might look nice, but their porous grain can trap food particles and moisture, potentially becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. Softwoods, such as pine and cedar, don't provide the durability essential for a board's longevity, wearing out rapidly and leaving an uneven surface riddled with knife grooves.
In any case, check into the wood source no matter what wooden cutting board you choose. Avoid selecting a cutting board made from wood that is endangered or harvested unsustainably.
Can cutting boards go in the dishwasher?
Cutting boards made from materials other than wood, including plastic, composite, rubber and silicone, are often dishwasher-safe. Always read the manufacturers’ labels, however, before putting them into the washer to be safe.
Wooden cutting boards, regardless of whether they are made of walnut, maple, cherry or even bamboo, are generally not recommended for dishwashers. The intense heat and prolonged exposure to water can cause the wood to warp, crack, or become excessively dry. Furthermore, detergents can be harsh on the wood's natural properties. To clean wooden boards, it's best to hand-wash them with mild detergent and then dry them immediately. Regularly oiling a wooden board with food-grade mineral oil can help maintain its condition.
How do I properly care for and maintain wooden cutting boards?
Buying a wood cutting board is an investment. Consistent care is important to ensure it remains both a beauty to behold and a high-performance kitchen tool. Simple and regular maintenance can go a long way.
One of the primary acts of love you can show your wooden cutting board is by moisturizing it with high-quality mineral oil. This doesn't just bring out the deep richness of the wood grain but also keeps the wood from becoming brittle. Aim to do this monthly, adjusting based on the wear and tear of your board. Applying mineral oil is easy: you’ll become a cutting board pro in no time!
Guard your wood cutting board against the harshness of direct sun and excessive heat, and always ensure it rests on a well-ventilated surface or somewhere slightly elevated to avoid undue moisture. Neglecting these measures can lead to warping, cracking, or even unwanted microbial growth.
As for cleaning, it's a breeze. A quick scrape to rid it of leftover food bits, a gentle wash with lemon juice or a mix of equal parts water and white vinegar and you're good to go. Ditch the idea of long soaks—water can really damage your wood cutting board. After washing, always dry promptly with a lint-free cloth. And, if the passage of time has left its mark with rough patches or scuffs from knives, a gentle sanding followed by an oil application can restore its former glory.
Are wooden cutting boards environmentally friendly?
Wood cutting boards are more eco-friendly than others, especially compared to plastic cutting boards and cutting boards made from other materials. Sourced from renewable resources, wooden boards made from sustainably harvested wood species offer a greener solution in the long run. Furthermore, as wood is biodegradable, a wooden board at the end of its life won't persist in the environment for centuries as plastic might.
However, remember that the environmental footprint of your wood cutting board depends on the specific practices surrounding the product’s sourcing and manufacturing. Selecting for boards made from woods certified by organizations like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ensures that the wood was sourced responsibly, without causing deforestation or harming natural habitats.
In addition, the longevity of wooden boards, if cared for properly, means less frequent replacement and thus less waste. While no product is without impact, with mindful choices and maintenance, wooden cutting boards can certainly be a more environmentally conscious choice for your kitchen.
One caveat to keep in mind is the questionable eco-friendliness of bamboo cutting boards. Bamboo cutting boards are often marketed as an eco-friendly option. However, the manufacturing process of these boards can raise some serious concerns. It's important to note that many bamboo cutting boards are made in China, where quality control and work standards may differ from the US or Canada. While bamboo is a renewable resource, it's worth considering the entire production process before deciding.
What are the various uses of wooden cutting boards besides cutting?
Wooden cutting boards, traditionally used for culinary prep, have evolved into other applications besides cutting. One of their most popular alternative uses is as a serving platter. The rich grains of wooden boards provide a stylish backdrop for charcuterie spreads, cheese, sushi, and even a cocktail bar.
Wood cutting boards, thanks to their substantial weight and sturdiness, make them ideal as a mortar base for manually grinding herbs and spices. Wooden cutting boards can also be used as trivets, protecting countertops or tables from hot pots and pans.
What are the advantages of wooden cutting boards compared to other materials?
Wood cutting boards have several advantages compared to other types of materials. Their fiber construction are forgiving on knife edges, maintaining their sharpness over prolonged use.
Wood also boasts a self-healing property; shallow cuts tend to close up on their own, reducing the likelihood that mold or bacteria will grow. While wooden cutting boards require some maintenance, like occasional oiling with mineral oil to prevent drying or cracking, the effort is minimal compared to their longevity and performance.
If you’re serious about home cooking or want to buy a distinctive gift for a gourmet loved one in your life, you can’t go wrong with a wood cutting board.
What are the top three things to consider when choosing a cutting board?
When choosing a cutting board, several factors come into play to ensure functionality, durability, and safety. While price must always be factored into your choice, here are the other top three considerations for buying a cutting board:
- Material: Plastic boards, often praised for their affordability and the fact that they are lightweight. However, they can harbor deep knife grooves over time, potentially trapping bacteria and impacting hygiene.
Glass boards, though easy to clean and elegant, are notorious knife-dullers, making them less favored by avid chefs. Bamboo is harder than traditional wood cutting boards and resists moisture, but it can also be tough on knives, leading to quicker blade wear. It can aslo be more prone to toxicity.
Then there's the classic wooden cutting board. Crafted from various hardwoods, these cutting boards strike the right balance between function and aesthetics, as mentioned previously
- Size and stability: Depending on your kitchen space and the volume of food you usually prepare, the size of the board is crucial. A board that's too small can make prep work cumbersome and even unsafe. Also, the board should have a stable grip on your counter. Slippery cutting boards can be real hazards that can lead to injury. Some run-of-the-mill cutting boards made from plastic and silicone come with rubber feet or grips to prevent movement during use.
- Maintenance and hygiene: Some cutting boards require more care than others. Wooden boards, for example, need regular oiling to prevent them from drying out or cracking. They also should be cleaned promptly to avoid bacterial growth, as wood is naturally porous.
On the other hand, plastic boards can generally be cleaned in a dishwasher, but they might develop hard-to-clean grooves over time. Your willingness and ability to maintain a cutting board is definitely something to think about.
The most important thing is that you review how the cutting boards are made, where they are made, and if they meet food safety standards.
Can you use the two sides of a cutting board?
Technically, both sides of a cutting board can be used, provided they're properly cleaned and maintained between uses. Having two usable sides means you can attribute one side to proteins and the other to fruits and vegetables, which can help prevent cross-contamination. This method can be particularly effective with boards with a juice groove on one side, which is useful for catching the liquids from meats or juicy fruits, while the flat side can be dedicated to dry foods or bread.
However, thorough cleaning and sanitizing between uses is essential, especially if the board has been in contact with raw meat or seafood. If there's any sign of excessive wear or deep grooves on one side, using only the smoother side might be a good idea to ensure food particles aren't trapped, which could contribute to bacteria forming. While both sides of a cutting board can be used, preventative maintenance should be carried out for safety and durability.
Do cutting boards slide on countertops?
Cutting boards, especially when placed on smooth countertops like granite, marble, or laminated surfaces, have a tendency to slide or shift during use. This can be inconvenient when preparing a meal—and also dangerous, as an unstable cutting surface increases the risk of accidental cuts. Cutting boards can slide on countertops, particularly if there are no grips or feet on the bottom, the counter is wet, or the cutting board is so light that it cannot withstand the force of cutting.
While wood cutting boards are heavier than other types of cutting boards, they can still slip. Take the necessary precautions and make sure your countertop is dry, and use a cloth underneath it for improved stability.
Now that you understand why wood cutting boards are the best choice of cutting boards available, now is time to get yours!
Don't miss out on the best wooden cutting boards - get yours today!
