Choosing the Right Cutting Board

 

Wooden cutting boards have been around for a long time, but bamboo cutting boards are becoming more popular. There are some similarities and differences between these two types of cutting boards that you need to be aware of when choosing which one to buy. You should also know a little about plastic cutting boards as well, since there are a lot of those in the market.

 

Wood cutting boards can be bought in a common flat-grain or a more durable end-grain. Most are made from hardwoods like maple and beech because they last longer. You can also buy them in pine and acacia too if you want a more exotic look that doesn't last as long. Bamboo cutting boards are formed by gluing narrow strips of bamboo together. You should always make sure that the glue is non-toxic if you decide to go this way. Bamboo is 16% harder than maple, so it will resist knife marks much more effectively.

 

A lot of people think that plastic cutting boards are more sanitary than wood and bamboo cutting board. In studies done about bacteria growth, natural cutting boards have done just as well as plastic ones. Bacteria is actually more likely to survive on a plastic board than in a wooden one cleaned properly. Bamboo is so dense, it creates fewer areas for bacteria to live and is an antimicrobial.

 

Bamboo and bamboo cutting board set have similar cleaning routines. Right after use, you should wipe the surface with a warm soapy rag. Then you should rinse and dry the board immediately. Bamboo is sturdy and doesn't warp or crack as easily as wood, but cleaning this way will prevent both from happening in any natural cutting board your choose. You should never put either of these types of cutting boards in the dishwasher. That keeps the boards in a hot and wet environment that will damage the wood.

 

Wooden boards need more maintenance then bamboo boards. They will have to be treated a few times every year with beeswax or coconut oil. Bamboo can benefit from being rubbed with bamboo oil every once in a while, but it isn't necessary. You should never use oils like olive oil or vegetable oil for this purpose, because they will go bad eventually on the surface of your cutting board. Treating your cutting board will help it to last longer by preventing the absorption of liquids and keeping the surface smooth. You may also visit http://money.cnn.com/gallery/smallbusiness/2013/01/28/super-bowl-products/3.html for more facts.