Goodbye forever, plastic cutting boards.
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If your plastic cutting board looks tired and beat up, its probably time to replace it.
But is a new plastic board the way to go?
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We asked experts about the benefits of using wooden cutting boards over plastic.
Heres why they say to make the switch as well as tips for maintaining a wood cutting board.
You’ll also have to sharpen your knives less frequently.
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Rich Beauty
There are no limitations for wooden cutting boards.
They are perfect forchopping vegetables, butchering proteins, and for using as serving platters.
Their rich and elegant look shows off various grain details within the wood.
Credit: Emily Laurae/Southern Living
And the thickness is so much more luxurious than thin plastic versions.
Wooden cutting boards are safe to use withraw meatsand poultry, but you’ll want to avoid cross contamination.
Less Noise
Some plastic cutting boards can be loud.
With wood, slicing, chopping, and mincing is a little more quiet with each knife stroke.
Olive wood is one of our favorites as it does not take on stains or odors, says Lewis.
Edge-grain is more affordable, but they will show wear more quickly and dull knives faster.
They do require some upkeep to help them last.
Next, scrub your wooden cutting board with hot water and mild, non-abrasive soap.
Apply a small amount to a dry cloth and spread over your cutting board.
Once finished, wipe away any excess vinegar.
Frequently Asked Questions
With proper maintenance, a wood cutting board should last about 10 years.
Porous wood like ash and oak can absorb bacteria and contaminate foods.
Look for hard woods like maple, birch, bamboo, and walnut.
While glass or granite cutting boards are easy to clean, they will damage knives.
It’s best to choose another material for cutting.
Environmental Science and Technology.Cutting Boards: An Overlooked Source of Microplastics in Human Food?
Institute of Food Technologists.Microbial Safety of Wood in Contact with Food: A Review.
MDPI.Testing the Antimicrobial Characteristics of Wood Materials: A Review of Methods.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service.Cutting Boards.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Safe Food Handling.
