How Long Can Bacteria Live On A Cutting Board
Dr. Shaffner, microbiologist and professor, reviewed the research and concluded bacteria on a cutting board can double after 10 minutes of use, whether cutting raw meat or vegetables. Safefood found bacteria can last on kitchen surfaces for 1 hour, and E.coli can last for up to 24 hours!
Assuming plastic cutting boards are more sanitary than wood is a misnomer. In general, there is a risk for bacteria, no matter the cutting board material. The difference is how well your cutting board holds up to wear and tear and if there are crevices for bacteria and particles to lodge themselves into.
Once your cutting board has scratches and grooves, bacteria have an easier time wiggling in. Therefore, plastic or wood is more likely to welcome bacteria, whereas dense materials like bamboo are less prone to scratchesâand therefore maybe bacteria.
What Kind Of Cutting Board Is Dishwasher Safe
When it comes to choosing the best cutting board for your kitchen, there are a few things to consider.
Wooden boards are naturally durable and easy to cleaning, but can be difficult to keep dry. Plastic boards on the other hand, are generally dishwasher safe, but can harbor food smells and may not be as durable over time. Whether youre looking for a traditional wood or plastic board, heres a look at some of the best options available:
- Ceramic: These boards are both dishwasher safe and oven-safe, making them ideal for busy households. Theyre also very heat resistant so they can handle high-temperature dishes without melting or warping.
- Stainless Steel: Made from stainless steel, these boards are highly resistant to corrosion and have a sleek appearance that many people find appealing.
Five Two Bamboo Cutting Board $59$99
There are many reasons to love this boarddeep grooves, a well to catch juices, double-sided functions, and lightweight but sturdy enough to stay put while I chop my way through dish after dish. I hate to admit it, but these days, the phone notch gets a ton of use, helping me follow along with recipes easily and hands free.
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What Type Of Cutting Board Is Best
When it comes to chopping and dicing in the kitchen, the best cutting board is large, sturdy and easy to maintain. If you have to choose one cutting board, wood is the way to go. Not only are they designed to endure the sharpest of knives, but theyll also last several years . One pitfall: Theyre not dishwasher safe and must be thoroughly hand washed, as well as regularly treated to prevent warping or cracking. Another good material is bamboo, as its also anti-microbial, though it can wear on your knives because the wood is so hard.
And then there are plastic boards, which are easier to clean and more affordable. That said, while many believe plastic cutting board options are most sanitary, crevices and knife scars found in plastic cutting boards can actually trap and spread bacteria if theyre not cleaned properly. No matter the material you chooseand remember, different materials are good for different thingsalways be sure to properly clean your cutting board when youre done using it.
When Is A Bamboo Cutting Board The Choice For You
Buying and using a bamboo cutting board has many advantages for anyone, from the amateur cook to experienced chefs. The pros of a bamboo cutting board can easily make it the best choice for you.
If you want a lightweight, sustainable cutting board that will last for years, a bamboo cutting board is the right option for you. Also, if you plan on cutting raw meat often, this is the cutting board for you, as the juices will not be absorbed into the board. This allows you to avoid some serious health concerns.
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Takeaways On How To Care For Bamboo Cutting Board
And thats how to care for a bamboo cutting board! Suddenly Im feeling pretty guilty about my poor neglected cutting boards. Im gonna go oil them right now!
Do you oil your bamboo cutting boards and utensils? Let me know in the comments or tweet me!
Can I Put My Cutting Board In The Dishwasher
After you get done using your cutting board, you might wonder how youre going to clean it. Without knowing how to efficiently and safely clean it, you may damage it. Its important to know what youre doing before you throw money down the drain.
You can put your cutting board in the dishwasher if it is made from thick plastic or glass and labeled dishwasher safe. However, cutting boards made from thin plastic, wood, metal, or other materials, like granite, should not be put in the dishwasher.
Though a dishwasher could damage your cutting board, there are many ways to clean your cutting board efficiently. Depending on the material and thickness of the cutting board, there is the perfect option which you can find below.
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When To Get Rid Of Your Cutting Board
Like most often-used kitchen gear, cutting boards wont last foreverno matter the care you give them. When cutting boards become splintered, warped, grooved or cracked, it may be time to get rid of them.
Flaws in the surface may cause knives to slip during chopping chores, which can cause more harm to you those Hasselback potatoes. If it really is time to replace your cutting board, make sure you know the best wood for cutting boards as you shop, or make it easy by opting for one of our picks for the best cutting boards you can buy.
But, when you follow our cutting board care strategies, you wont have to consider when to replace your cutting boards any time soon. These maintenance methods ensure your boards will function fine for years, if not decades, to come. If you take good enough care of your boards, you can use your cutting boards not only for chopping but also as a place to display your charcuterie .
Curious which kitchen tools are actually worth your money? Weve traced out the best cooking items that are worth splurging your money on.
Best Cutting Boards For Your Kitchen
I tried bamboo, maple, plastic, and teak boards to cut through all the options
A chefs knife may play the starring role in dinner prep, but your cutting board certainly deserves a nod for best supporting actor. Its easy to write off these utilitarian boards as interchangeable, but the truth is, some are much better than others.
I know this to be true from culinary school, the time Ive spent in professional kitchens, and more recently from time spent in my own kitchen, where I assessed six cutting boards of varying materials to see which were the easiest to use, clean, and maintain.
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Which Cutting Board Is Better For Your Knives
The maple cutting board is better than a bamboo cutting board for all knives. A maple cutting board will not dull knives as quickly as a bamboo cutting board. A bamboo cutting board has several reasons that make it the worst option for expensive kitchen knives.
The following reasons are what make a bamboo cutting board bad for your knives:
- Harder than maple wood
- Knives made of less expensive steels that can easily be bent
- The high silica content of bamboo can damage even higher quality knives
- The glue used to form a bamboo cutting board causes dulling of all knife blades
If you are picky about your knives’ longevity and quality, bamboo cutting boards may not be for you. However, if you already own a bamboo cutting board and find it too harsh on your knives, you can use it as a serving platter instead of a cutting board!
Can You Use Olive Oil On Bamboo Cutting Boards
Bamboo is a environmentally conscious material to use for cutting boards. Not only is bamboo sustainable, but it is also non-toxic, biodegradable, and renewable. Olive oil can be used on bamboo cutting boards if the oil is applied sparingly. The olive oil should not soak into the bamboo surface and should be wiped off with a cloth when finished using the board.
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How To Care For Your Bamboo Cutting Board
In case you haven’t heard, bamboo cutting boards are the next big kitchen accessory. Bamboo is a sustainable, fast-growing resource, and it is tougher than many woods on the market today. The grass is also gentler with your knives and a real beauty on the counter top. Basically, it’s everything you’d want in a cutting board.
At Camp Chef, we know a good kitchen tool when we see one. So we brought you the cutting board of all cutting boards-26 inches of solid bamboo. You can fit steaks, whole chicken, brisket, roast, and more on this board without breaking a sweat. It’s also perfect for transporting your prep station from the kitchen to the patio in one trip. Check it out go ahead, we’ll wait.
Now that we’ve taken care of that, you need to know how to care for your new bamboo cutting board, right?
The bad news is that bamboo cutting boards need the same kind of TLC that traditional wooden cutting boards do the good news is that they’ll last a lot longer than any other board if you treat them right.
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Important Things To Know About Bamboo Cutting Boards
1. They are eco-friendly. Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that is not a wood, despite what its name suggests. Because its so simple to grow and because of its quick development, its a renewable, long-lived resource that is frequently developed organically.
2. Can be hard on knives. Knife marks on bamboo boards are also prevented by the boards dense material. As a result, your excellent knives might be damaged faster than softer wood boards because the boards are so hard. As you know, cutting very hard objects is bad for knife edges.
3. Absorb less liquid and bacteria than wood. Bamboo cutting boards have a higher density than wood, which allows them to keep water while other boards tend to absorb it. Because no dangerous bacteria can dwell inside the board, it is regarded to be as hygienic as, if not more hygienic than, wooden boards.
4. They might contain formaldehyde. Glues containing formaldehyde, which may leech into your food over time, can be used to make certain bamboo cutting boards. Before you buy, check the board to see what materials were utilized in its construction.
5. They cant go in the dishwasher. Its best not to toss a bamboo cutting board in the dishwasher, even though it looks strong enough. Instead, treat it like a wooden cutting board. Hand wash and dry the board immediately after washing it in warm, soapy water. In addition, to keep it looking bright and prevent cracking or warping, apply oil frequently.
What About Large Cutting Boards
Some large and heavy cutting boards such as those made of granite, marble, or tempered glass are not suitable for putting in the dishwasher due to their size or heaviness. Smaller tempered glass cutting boards that are not meant to be built into the countertop are dishwasher safe. However, keep in mind that glass, granite, and marble cutting boards are not good for your knives.
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A Handsome Pick From A Respected Brand
Amazon
Material: Walnut | Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 1.5 inches | Care: Hand wash and dry
Both Hollingsworth and Faison are fans of John Boos wood cutting boards. I have been using this brand for many years and just love its durability, look and feel, says Hollingworth. Faison says theyre great for everyday use, but she also loves the look of the boards. Hard woods, like maple and walnut, are better at resisting bacteria. John Boos makes an 18-inch reversible round walnut board that is a workhorse in the kitchen and a stunner on the table at dinner parties.
Wash Your Cutting Board
Usually, people keep things sitting for a while in the kitchen sink or dishwasher before they clean the dishes, utensils, and plates. However, you should never leave your bamboo cutting board in the sink to keep its oil coating protected and safeguard its structure. The heat of the dishwasher can also damage the structure of the cutting board.
Instead, you should make a mix of warm water and mild liquid soap. Soak a soft sponge in the soapy water then rub it with your hands against all the sides of the cutting board. After rubbing, take it below the running water to rinse it. While rinsing, ensure no food particles are left on it. In washing, avoid using hot water. You can use a soft cloth piece to remove the large food particles.
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How Do You Season A Bamboo Cutting Board
How to season a bamboo cutting board:
Bamboo is a natural wood, so it needs little to no seasoning. However, if you do have wood that is not bamboo and you would like to give it some flavor, there are a few things you can do.
-First, rub the cutting board with vegetable oil or cooking oil. This will help prevent food from sticking and make the surface more slippery when preparing food.
-Second, sprinkle salt or pepper on the board before using it. This will add flavor and a bit of color to your food as well.
-Third, put your favorite herbs or spices on top of the food before slicing or chopping it. This will also add some flavor and aroma to your meal.
Does Your Wood Cutting Board Smell Funky
Every time you cut up some fruit on it, does your melon end up tasting like last weekâs scampi? Itâs not your fault aromatics are potent lilâ buggers. Weâve got some suggestions to reset its odor to that authentic ânew cutting boardâ scent. No air fresheners involved.
- Pour some salt onto your wood cutting board and rub half a lemon into the cutting board, as if youâre exfoliating it. This ought to freshen up its scent, banishing persistent garlic and onion odors.
- Spray a neutralizing white vinegar and water solution onto the cutting board and rinse with cold water.
- Sprinkle a cup of baking powder over your cutting board and then pour a cup of white vinegar on top of it. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes before rinsing it off with warm water. This should zap the smell and also help to eliminate any stubborn stains .
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Are Bamboo Cutting Boards Machine Washable
Bamboo cutting boards are a type of eco-friendly, sustainable product that can be machine washed. They are durable and holds food grade standard. You will want to wash them on a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild soap, making sure to rinse thoroughly. If the boards get dirty again, you can spray them with a water-repellent coating.
So, they can be machine-washed in the machines delicate cycle. Just be sure to pretreat the board with a natural, water-based solution before washing it to reduce the risk of staining. Additionally, it is a good idea to occasionally wax the cutting board to keep it in good condition.
Why Oil Your Cutting Boards
The main reason to oil your cutting board is to prevent other liquids from soaking into the board during chopping. Additionally, it is important to oil a cutting board because it will help prevent warping and cracking, which can happen when dry cutting boards are exposed to water.
The following are food-grade mineral oils you can purchase to maintain any wooden cutting board:
These highly rated oils will keep your cutting board conditioned and clean while restoring the wood grains’ beauty and sheen
Avoid using any of the following household or cleaning products on your cutting board, as it can be hazardous to your health and the longevity of the cutting board:
| Cleaning Products to Avoid |
| · Walnut oil· Non-food grade mineral oils |
Many of these cooking oils turn rancid with time, which will leave any chopped food tasting badly and create a horrible smell. Using an oil that is not food grade is again endangering your health by potentially ingesting toxic chemicals.
On a similar note, you do not want to use harsh cleaning products because they will dry out the board and can leave toxic residues behind, which would be dangerous to ingest.
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Wash By Hand Perish The Thought
Ok. Yall know I have a pretty strict rule about not letting hand-wash only items into my kitchen. There have to be a few exceptions to every rule, right? It is tempting to throw a bamboo cutting board in the dishwasher but dont do it. The very hot washing water removes the protective coating of oil and will warp the wood. The dry cycle can cause it to crack and provide a fantastic cozy home for bacteria.