If you are reading this article, you have probably realized the advantages of using a wooden cutting board over your other options. However, these advantages are only true if it is made from a hardwood, like Maple.
Thus, not only is it important to choose the right wood, but to maintain it properly by cleaning it and letting it dry completely before storing or reusing.
Maple Wood Cutting Boards
So, what’s the best wooden cutting board? Our expert recommendation is that it’s made of maple wood. Maple is a popular hardwood used in cutting boards because it is strong, durable, and practical.
Maple is also a good choice for people who want a cutting board that is gentle on knives. This is because Maple is considered to be a hardwood that is light, which means that it will not damage your blades as easily as some other options might.
One thing to keep in mind is that they will require some maintenance in order to prevent them from cracking.
Advantages of a Hardwood Cutting Board
Hardwood cutting boards offer many benefits over their plastic or glass counterparts. Here are the advantages of using one:
Durability
If properly maintained, a wooden cutting board can last a very long time. Plastic is more prone to scratches and stains, reducing its lifespan.
Sanitary
The fine grains of hardwood like Maple make them sanitary. The grains trap the bacteria and kill them off as the board dries after cleaning.
Plastic can be put in the dishwasher to sanitize. However, over time both wood and plastic will develop crevices. With the anti-microbial nature of wood, any bacteria that goes in these crevices will die, while plastic will permit the bacteria to hide and grow.
Gentle on knives
The hard yet not-so-hardwood nature of wood like Maple is gentler on knives than excessively hardwoods like bamboo.
When compared to glass or marble the difference is a no-brainer, the damage done to knives on those truly hard surfaces can be irreversible.
Even plastic tend to wear out knives more quicker.
Eco-friendly
Cutting boards made from wood are environmentally friendly. Wood is a naturally occurring material and is biodegradable.
Plastic cutting boards are either made from polyethylene or polypropylene, which is not biodegradable. They impact the environment negatively, both when producing the plastic and then when disposing of the plastic.
Attractive
Very few materials are as attractive as wood. Not only is it practical to use, but it can also be easily converted into a gorgeous serving platter or an excellent pot trivet.
What Kind of Wooden Cutting Board is Best?
As mentioned, a Maple hardwood cutting board is your best choice. However, there are different types of wood grain available. There is also the choice of glue or no glue in their fabrication.
Each type of wood grain has advantages and is recommended for different uses. It helps to get to know each before making your choice.
Different Types of Wood Grain Cutting Boards
There are three different types of the wood grain. They are end grain, edge grain and face grain.
The choice of glue or no glue is only available if the cutting board is made from one solid piece of wood. So, if you want to purchase a board that is not made from one solid piece of wood, you should check with the manufacturer to ensure that the glue they use to assemble it is 100% food safe.
End Grain
End grain cutting boards use the perpendicular part of the wood to make it. You can see the rings in the wood on the surface.
They are made by cutting the wood into blocks and gluing the blocks together with the end grain. This type has many seams on display to show variations in color and grain.
They can withstand chopping and are the most durable wood-cutting board. They require more maintenance. They are best used for carving raw meat, cutting through bones, and chopping vegetables with less fluid, like broccoli.
Edge Grain
Edge grain cutting boards use the horizontal edge side of the wood to make it. They are made by cutting the wood into strips and gluing them together. They have fewer seams than end grain, and the grain is close and runs the length of the board.
The grain makes it more resistant to moisture. They are more prone to scratches and knife marks. They are best used for cutting food that contains fluid, like cooked red meat, tomatoes, and citrus fruit.
Face Grain
Face grain cutting boards use the horizontal top of the wood to make it. They use the widest portion of the wood, and you can see more of the wood grain. There are fewer or even no seams with this type of board.
So, if you want to avoid glue in your cutting board, face grain is your only option. For example, JUstenbois cutting boards are made with one single piece of wood, removing your worry about the glue used to make the board.
The drawback to face grain is that they get more easily scratched. Therefore, you should avoid heavy chopping. They are best used as a cheese plate and for light chopping.
How to Maintain a Wooden Cutting Board
In all cases, Maple Wood cutting boards need to be maintained. Here are the steps that you need to take to keep your wooden cutting board in top condition.
- Hand wash in warm water with mild dish soap immediately after use. Make sure to wash both sides, even if you have only used one side, to prevent uneven moisture that could warp the board.
- Towel dry with a clean dishcloth and let dry vertically.
- It is extremely important that you not soak it and do not place it in the dishwasher. Doing so could cause the board to warp or crack.
- If you find the wood is drying, use a thin coat of food-grade mineral oil for reconditioning. This will prevent the wood from cracking and warping.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pick a good wooden cutting board?
When choosing a cutting board, it is important to consider what type of wood grain you want, the size of the board, and how you will be using it. These factors will help you determine which one will be best for your needs.
Which type of wood cutting board is hygienic?
The cleanliness of a cutting board depends on how well it is maintained. From Maple to bamboo, any type can become a breeding ground for bacteria if it is not properly cleaned and cared for.
What wood should not be used for cutting boards?
Some woods, like cedar and pine, contain oils that can be harmful to food. Others, like oak and cherry, are too hard and can dull knives. Maple wood is considered the best type of wood for cutting boards because it is gentle on knives, has no harmful oils, and is durable.