A cutting board is a staple kitchen item that’s needed in every home. Having a high-quality cutting board is even more important for making sure your knives don’t get dull and having food preparation go smoothly. Of course, having tools like a great knife is needed, but the star of the show is the cutting board. The knife can’t do much work without having the right surface to cut fruits, vegetables and other items into the perfect shape. Whether you’re mincing garlic or ginger, cutting fresh tomatoes from the garden or cutting open some cantaloupe, you’ll need the best cutting board for your food.
When you’re browsing through your favorite home decor store, you might have trouble figuring out which type of cutting board works best for your kitchen. While the plastic boards are less expensive, lower maintenance and sold in higher quantities, they aren’t built to last like the wood ones. Plastic cutting boards should really only be used for short-term cooking, whereas the wood ones can last for years when taken care of properly. Similar to caring for a cast iron pan or hand-washing only dishes, an authentic wood cutting board requires a labor of love and care. Here are the best woods to use for a cutting board.
The Best Wood For a Cutting Board
Some types of wood are better than others. For example, certain wood types are more toxic than others and some harbor bacteria easier than others. When choosing the best type of wood, you should also look into durability and the maintenance of the wood. Maple wood tends to be a go-to for cutting boards because of its durability and easier maintenance. It’s best for slicing and chopping fruits, veggies, starches and other food items. Maple wood also lasts for a while and after years of cutting, you’ll barely be able to see scratch marks, if there are any.
Beechwood is another good choice for a wooden cutting board. This one is high in durability but does require regular oiling and more maintenance compared to other wood types. Walnut wood is also a great option and tends to be used for those wanting a touch of classy in their kitchen. Plenty of chefs at high-quality restaurants also use walnut wood cutting boards.
Teak wood is known as one of the best cutting board materials because it has more natural oils in it than other wood types, making it more durable, less prone to cracking and requiring less maintenance and oiling.
Why Wood Works Better Than Other Materials
Wood is not only a more durable material but there are multiple reasons why this type of cutting board is more widely used than others. Materials like plastic or rubber are more susceptible to bacteria and are harder to clean. Wooden cutting boards can last a while as long as they are oiled and getting the proper care needed, whereas other materials deteriorate easily. Boards made of materials like bamboo can last a while, but aren’t knife-friendly and can dull them easily. Wood provides the right amount of durability that isn’t too soft or too hard to damage any materials or knives. The natural oils in the wood make it a more stable surface to cut on rather than plastic or rubber. Wood cutting boards might be more expensive, but they are worth it.