The Ultimate Wooden Chopping Board Care: 7 Rules to Follow
Posted on April 24 2023,
Wooden chopping boards are an essential kitchen tool every home cook should have. They are perfect for preparing food, from slicing vegetables to cutting meat. However, to keep your wooden chopping board in tip-top condition, following a few simple rules of care is important. In this article, we will discuss wooden chopping board care rules to keep your board looking and performing its best.
Rule #1: Clean Your Board Thoroughly After Every Use
The first rule of wooden chopping board care is to clean your board thoroughly after every use. This means washing it with hot, soapy water and drying it completely. If your board has any stubborn stains or odors, you can sprinkle it with kosher salt and scrub it with half a lemon. This will help to remove any stains and odors, leaving your board looking and smelling fresh.
Rule #2: Oil Your Board Regularly
Wooden chopping boards must be oiled regularly to keep them from drying out and cracking. You can use mineral oil or food-grade oil to oil your board. Apply the oil generously to the board's surface and let it soak in for several hours or overnight. Then, wipe off any excess oil with a clean cloth. This will help to keep your board in good condition and prevent it from drying out.
Rule #3: Don't Soak Your Board in Water
One of the biggest mistakes people make with wooden chopping boards is soaking them in water. Wooden boards are not designed to be submerged in water, which can cause the wood to warp and crack. Instead, wash your board with hot, soapy water and dry it immediately. If your board does get wet, be sure to dry it off as soon as possible.
Rule #4: Avoid Using Harsh Cleaners
Harsh cleaners like bleach or ammonia should never be used on wooden chopping boards. These cleaners can damage the wood and leave behind harmful residues that can contaminate your food. Instead, use a mild detergent and warm water to clean your board. You can also use a mixture of vinegar and water to disinfect your board naturally.
Rule #5: Store Your Board Properly
When not in use, wooden chopping boards should be stored properly to prevent them from drying out or warping. Store your board in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. It is also a good idea to store your board on its edge rather than flat, as this will help to prevent warping.
Rule #6: Don't Use Your Board as a Cutting Surface for Meat with Bones
While wooden chopping boards are great for cutting meat, they should not be used as a cutting surface for meat with bones. This is because the bones can cause the board to crack or split, which can be dangerous. Instead, use a separate cutting board for meat with bones and reserve your wooden chopping board for other types of food.
Rule #7: Sand Your Board Occasionally
Over time, your wooden chopping board may develop rough spots or scratches. To smooth out these imperfections, you can sand your board occasionally. Use fine-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the grain. Wipe off sawdust with a clean cloth before using your board again.
Conclusion
Wooden chopping boards are an essential tool for any home cook. But following a few simple care rules is important to keep your board in good condition. Clean your board thoroughly after every use, oil it regularly, avoid soaking it in water, use mild cleaners, store it properly, don't use it as a cutting surface for meat with bones, and sand it occasionally. Following these rules can keep your wooden chopping board looking and performing its best for years.
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