Having a good cutting board goes a long way towards improving the cooking process for people who do a lot of work in the kitchen. Now, there are many types of cutting boards out there, with some of the more common ones including:
- Wood
- Glass
- Plastic/Rubber
- Stone
A couple of other options include PVA and HDPE.
But why are there so many types of materials used in cutting boards? Indeed, a cutting board is a cutting board, and there is no need for such a variety of choices.
You could say that this is one of those kitchen materials that doesn’t need any fanciness. However, there are many different reasons people might choose one type of cutting board over another. Such reasons may be due to aesthetics, price, availability, and ease of clean-up. Once you get right down to it, there is more to choosing just any old cutting board that you can get your hands on because some are simply better than others. One type, in particular, stands heads and shoulders above the rest, and that is the wood cutting board.
What is the Best Cutting Board Material Out There?
There is no hard and fast rule about what type of cutting board you should be using. After all, any cutting board is better than no cutting board at all. Still, if you are looking to elevate the cooking experience and invest in something that looks awesome and has loads of benefits, you will want to look at wood cutting boards. These are the best, and you can forget the rest.
It may seem that something so rustic as wood would come in last when compared to such modern wonders as plastic, glass, or even HDPE cutting boards. Also, wood might seem a bit out of place on most modern kitchens with their sleek chrome and glass fittings. Yet the fact remains that wood is still the very best option, and we will tell you why below.
- No slipping and sliding – most kitchens have sleek, shiny surfaces. Much is the same for your kitchen utensils with their smooth metallic surfaces. But wood, with its porous, grainy texture, is the exact opposite, and that is what you want. The texture on your wood cutting board will prevent it from slipping and sliding around when you are busy chopping and dicing with sharp knives. A slippery plastic or glass cutting board can easily lead to disaster in this scenario.
- Better for knives – speaking of slicing and dicing with sharp knives, any cook worth his mettle will want a cutting board that doesn’t damage his knives. In this case, wood also takes the top spot because it has just enough not to damage or blunt knives while it is tough. A close second would be plastic cutting boards but perhaps steer clear of glass or stone if you love your knives.
- Durable – The kitchen gets hot, and have you seen what happens to plastic and rubber when heat is applied to them? They melt. This is something wood doesn’t do. As for glass and stone boards, you drop them, and they can shatter or chip your floors- wood won’t shatter. Wood might get some scorch marks, but it takes a lot more work to damage a good-quality wood cutting board.
- Sanitary – Most people mistakenly think that plastic is more sanitary than wood because it is easy to clean. However, experts disagree and say that it often develops grooves that become a good place for bacteria to hide. On the other hand, wood is tougher to sanitize but is less likely to create grooves that become a bacteria haven.
As you can see, there are many reasons why wood is the no. 1 option when it comes to cutting boards. It is even better than the crowd’s favorite plastic cutting boards. But when you factor in the grooves, toughness, durability aspects, you can see why wood wins this contest.
What Makes Acacia Wood Cutting Boards the Best?
This is where it gets even more interesting because while we have been extolling the virtues of wood cutting boards, some types of wood perform better as a cutting board than others. Common wood types used for cutting boards include maple, teak, and walnut. Recently, one type of wood that is drawing acclaim is acacia. See the comparisons of acacia vs. teak wood.
There is nothing wrong with the traditional woods mentioned above except maybe for their price. A quality edge grain cutting board in these standard wood types can set you back an excellent $100 while a traditional butcher block can go as high up as $300 – with these prices, no wonder people settle for plastic cutting boards!
Those same prices had people looking to bamboo as an alternative “wood” cutting board if plastic just doesn’t cut. After all, when you look at how bacteria can multiply on a plastic cutting board, you will want to look at other choices, too- especially a cost-effective one like bamboo.
However, bamboo is not an authentic wood– it is a type of grass which is why acacia wood is most desirable for a broader demographic. Acacia wood is a hardwood that contains natural oils, which give it water resistance that bamboo cannot. Sure, bamboo is dense, which contributes to its water fastness, but that exact denseness also dulls knives faster. This is not a problem you will have with acacia wood cutting boards.
The bottom line is that acacia cutting boards are affordable, durable, and knife-friendly, making them look like the best options for many people. You may be wondering then where you can get these boards or if they are even readily available to you- yes, they are. Acacia is a fast-growing tree, and they are most often harvested young, which means there is an abundant supply of acacia wood for cutting boards and other end-products.
Caring for Your Acacia Wood Cutting Board with Mineral Oil
Acacia wood cutting boards are not only durable and attractive but also require proper care to maintain their longevity and appearance. One effective way to keep your acacia cutting board in top condition is by treating it with mineral oil. Here’s a simple guide on how to care for your acacia wood cutting board using mineral oil:
Materials Needed:
- Acacia wood cutting board
- Food-grade mineral oil
- Clean, lint-free cloth
- Warm, soapy water
- Soft brush or sponge
Step 1: Clean the Cutting Board
Before applying mineral oil, ensure your acacia wood cutting board is clean. Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush or sponge to gently scrub away any food particles, stains, or odors. Rinse the board thoroughly and allow it to air-dry completely.
Step 2: Apply Mineral Oil
Once the cutting board is dry, it’s time to apply mineral oil. Ensure you’re using a food-grade mineral oil specifically designed for cutting boards. Pour a small amount of mineral oil onto the surface of the board.
Step 3: Spread the Oil
Use a clean, lint-free cloth to spread the mineral oil evenly across the entire surface of the acacia wood cutting board. Make sure to pay extra attention to the edges and any areas that may be more prone to drying out or cracking.
Step 4: Allow Absorption
Let the mineral oil penetrate the wood by allowing the cutting board to sit undisturbed for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the oil to seep into the pores of the wood, replenishing moisture and preventing it from becoming overly dry.
Step 5: Wipe Excess Oil
After the oil has had time to absorb, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away any excess oil from the surface of the cutting board. This step helps prevent the board from feeling sticky and removes any surplus oil that hasn’t been absorbed.
Step 6: Repeat as Needed
Depending on usage and environmental conditions, you may need to repeat the mineral oil treatment every few weeks or months. Regular application helps maintain the acacia wood’s natural beauty, prevents drying and cracking, and extends the life of your cutting board.
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your acacia wood cutting board remains in excellent condition, providing a hygienic and visually pleasing surface for all your kitchen chopping needs.