What wood is best for a cutting board?

What wood should not be used for cutting boards?

we would avoid open-pored woods like ash and red oak, which will be harder to keep clean from food stains. Pine might impart a resinous taste, and it’s soft so will show cutting scars from knives more easily than a harder wood like maple.

What wood is best for cutting boards?

Maple — specifically, sugar maple or hard maple — is the most popular choice for cutting boards. Maple is a hard, closed-grain wood. This means that it’s durable, able to resist bacteria, and features just the right amount of hardness.

Why is wooden cutting board not recommended?

No matter which wood you choose, the biggest problem with most wooden cutting boards is they absorb juices from meats. This can lead to dangerous bacteria growth. Food safety organizations usually recommend using a nonporous cutting board for raw meat, like plastic.

What is the safest material for a cutting board?

  1. Plastic. Many people believe that plastic is the most sanitary cutting board material, especially since, unlike wood or bamboo, it’s safe to run through your dishwasher. …
  2. Bamboo. Bamboo is the choice of many environmentalists. …
  3. Wood. Wood is a renewable resource, although not nearly as easily renewable as bamboo.

How thick should a cutting board be?

In terms of thickness, professional grade rubber boards are thinner and lighter, typically between ½- to 1-inch thick, while a well-crafted wooden board should be anywhere from 1 ¼- to 2-inches thick. Wessel says that for an end-grain cutting board he advocates for at least 2 inches of thickness.

Is Oak a good wood for a cutting board?

Oak is generally regarded as a good material for cutting boards. Oak is a hardwood so can withstand the slicing effect of a knife. However, some people regard the large pores found on oak wood as a trap for bacteria growth.

Can you use purple heart wood for a cutting board?

Purple Heart is used all over the world as an exotic wood for cutting boards and many other applications. … The wood is safe for use and doesn’t cause any allergies or reactions when used for a cutting board.

Can you use pine for a cutting board?

The simple answer is, you can use whatever you like for it. Each wood species has pros and cons for cutting board use, though. Of course, most pine is relatively soft wood and if you do cut on it, you will likely chop it up pretty good.

Can you use cedar for a cutting board?

Red cedar is the most common cedar type that use to make cutting boards. Why red cedar is so special than other types of cedar woods. Because red cedar is beautiful with fine even texture and cutting boards are smooth, soft and most importantly, most of Red cedar cutting boards are safe for food.

What cutting boards do chefs use?

  • Best Overall Cutting Board: Notrax Sani-Tuff Premium Rubber Cutting Board.
  • Best Wood Cutting Board: John Boos Walnut Wood Edge Grain Reversible Round Cutting Board.
  • Best Eco-Friendly Cutting Board: The Epicurean Kitchen Series.
  • Best Cutting Board For Meat Or Fish: John Boos Maple Cutting Board with Juice Groove.

Can you cut raw meat on a wood cutting board?

You can use wood cutting boards for cutting raw and cooked meat, with a few exceptions. The cutting board should have a smooth, sealed surface, and it will need to be thoroughly sanitized after each use. … We’ll also discuss the proper care techniques for your wooden cutting boards to keep them in pristine shape.

Can you put raw meat on a wood cutting board?

According to the Meat and Poultry Hotline, both wood and nonporous surfaces like plastic are sanitary for cutting raw meat and poultry. However, it recommends using one cutting board for fresh produce and bread and a different board for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.


How do you disinfect a wooden cutting board?

Disinfect to Remove Bacteria

Remove any lingering bacteria by using a disinfectant such as pure white vinegar or diluted household bleach. Dip a cloth in your solution of choice and wipe off the wood surface on both sides. You can also choose to soak your wood cutting board in the disinfecting solution.

Do wooden cutting boards hold bacteria?

A wooden cutting board can hold bacteria, but that doesn’t mean it’s unsafe to use. In fact, most studies suggest wooden boards hold no more or less bacteria than plastic materials. … However, if your wooden cutting board has deep grooves due to excessive use, it will be easier for germs to fester.

Which cutting boards are easily contaminated?

Wood cutting boards

Although softwoods are less expensive and require less knife sharpening, they put you at a much higher risk of cross-contamination. The boards are more porous, making it easier for bacteria to live and grow.