How to Care for Your Wooden Chopping Boards for Better BBQ
Wooden chopping boards are great tools for preparing and serving delicious barbecue dishes. They are durable, natural, and attractive, and they can protect your knives from dulling and damaging. However, wooden chopping boards also require some special care and maintenance, to keep them clean, safe, and in good condition. In this post, we’ll show you how to care for your wooden chopping boards, and give you some tips and tricks to make them last longer and perform better.
Why Do Wooden Chopping Boards Need Care?
Wooden chopping boards need care because they are porous and absorbent, which means they can soak up moisture, bacteria, and odors from the food you cut on them. This can cause them to warp, crack, stain, or smell, and also pose a risk of cross-contamination and food poisoning. To prevent these problems, you need to clean, dry, oil, and sanitize your wooden chopping boards regularly.
How to Clean Your Wooden Chopping Board
The first step to care for your wooden chopping board is to clean it after every use. To clean your wooden chopping board, you’ll need the following:
– A wooden chopping board
– A sponge or a brush
– Hot water
– Mild dish soap
– A towel
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Rinse the board with hot water, and scrub it with a sponge or a brush, using a small amount of mild dish soap. Make sure to remove any food particles, grease, or stains from the surface and the edges of the board.
2. Rinse the board again with hot water, and wipe it dry with a clean towel. Do not leave the board wet or damp, as this can cause it to warp or mold.
3. Store the board in a dry and well-ventilated place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Do not stack the board with other boards or utensils, as this can trap moisture and bacteria. You can also hang the board on a hook or a rack, to allow air circulation.
How to Oil Your Wooden Chopping Board
The second step to care for your wooden chopping board is to oil it once a month, or more often if it looks dry or dull. Oiling your wooden chopping board will help to seal the pores, moisturize the wood, and prevent cracking and warping. To oil your wooden chopping board, you’ll need the following:
– A wooden chopping board
– A clean cloth
– Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax or Board Butter
Here are the steps to follow:
1. Wash and dry the board as described above, and make sure it is completely dry and cool before oiling.
2. Apply a thin and even layer of oil or beeswax to the board, using a clean cloth. Make sure to cover the entire surface and the edges of the board, and rub the oil or beeswax into the wood with circular motions.
3. Let the board sit for at least 15 minutes, or overnight, to allow the oil or beeswax to penetrate the wood and harden.
4. Wipe off any excess oil or beeswax with a clean cloth, and buff the board to a smooth and shiny finish.
5. Store the board as described above, and enjoy your oiled and conditioned board.
Tips and Tricks for Caring for Your Wooden Chopping Boards
Here are some tips and tricks to help you care for your wooden chopping boards and get better BBQ:
– Choose a good quality wooden chopping board, preferably made of hardwood, such as maple, walnut, or cherry, which are dense, durable, and resistant to cuts and scratches. Avoid softwood, such as pine, fir, or cedar, which are prone to splintering and absorbing moisture and bacteria.
– Use different boards for different types of food, such as meat, vegetables, cheese, or bread, to prevent cross-contamination and flavour transfer. You can also use colour-coded boards, or label them with markers or stickers, to keep track of which board is for which food.
– Cut and trim your meat on the board before seasoning or marinating it, to avoid transferring salt, sugar, or acid to the wood, which can damage and discolour it. You can also use a plastic or glass board for this purpose, and reserve your wooden board for serving or carving the cooked meat.
– Do not soak, submerge, or wash your wooden board in the dishwasher, as this can cause it to crack, warp, or mold. Always wash it by hand with hot water and mild dish soap, and dry it thoroughly with a towel.
– Do not use harsh or abrasive cleaners, such as bleach, ammonia, or steel wool, on your wooden board, as this can strip the oil, scratch the surface, and damage the wood. Always use natural and gentle cleaners, such as vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or lemon, to sanitize and deodorize your board.
– Do not use your wooden board as a cutting surface for other things, such as paper, cardboard, or plastic, as this can dull your knives and damage your board. Always use a separate board or a mat for these purposes, and reserve your wooden board for food only.
Conclusion
Wooden chopping boards are great tools for preparing and serving delicious barbecue dishes, but they also require some special care and maintenance, to keep them clean, safe, and in good condition. By following this guide, you can care for your wooden chopping boards, and make them last longer and perform better.
Happy BBQing!
