which is better bamboo or wood cutting board
How To Grow, Harvest, and Preserve Onions, How To Build A Hydroponic System Out Of Recycled Soda Bottles, How To Prune Apple Trees For A Great Harvest. Food grade mineral oil is usually the oil recommended when caring for a hardwood cutting board, but it is a by-product of petroleum. Wood Cutting Boards, your homegrown source for cutting boards and natural wood products. Softwoods like pine and cypress should be avoided. Even when both the plastic and wood boards were new in the experiments (and thus didn’t have any scratches), the studies still found that bacteria are less likely to survive on wooden boards. Common hardwoods that are well suited for cutting boards include walnut, hard maple, birch, cherry, and oak. We’ve all heard that plastic is best when it comes to raw meat, right? One of the better made wooden cutting boards out in the market for this type of block is from the John Boos Company. Gentle on Knives: Not only is wood a pleasure to cut on, but wooden cutting boards made from woods like maple and walnut are much gentler on the blade of your knife than excessively hard woods, like bamboo, and plastics. A pro for bamboo boards is that it does not need chemicals to thrive or be harvested. Go with hardwood boards, and you can’t go wrong! However, bamboo has its flaws. Also, make sure you give the wood enough seasoning, you should apply several thin coats until the board will not absorb any more. Maple is available,... Oak cutting board. In general, wood is tougher than plastic, so knife scars don’t go as deep. Most chefs … It can leave a residue, and or, impregnate wood in not completely removed. This butcher block will make you the long-awaited experience of organized kitchen slaps. Wood binds up water, which bacteria needs to grow. Our final verdict? If you feel you need a little more cleaning power because you’ve been lax at seasoning your board, you could use a quaternary ammonium sanitizer, such as a solution of Mr. Clean and water (dilute it according to the instructions on the label). If you take care of your hardwood cutting board it should last you a lifetime. “Hardwoods like maple are fine-grained, and the capillary action of those grains pulls down fluid, trapping the bacteria—which are killed off as the board dries after cleaning,” says Ben Chapman, a food safety researcher at NC State. The only way to sanitize plastic is to put it in the dishwasher. On wood cutting boards, the bacteria sank "down beneath the surface of the cutting board, where they didn’t multiply and eventually died off." In regards to knives, a wood grain that is straight will often be better for your knives because there will be more consistent pressure along the edge of the blade when slicing and especially with chopping. Then wash it with warm soapy water (but never soak your board). Bamboo isn’t a tree. When you wash a bamboo cutting board you need not be as concerned with getting all the germs off, because the bamboo itself will kill them before you even start to wash it. There have been cases of bamboo cutting boards becoming more receptive for bacteria after years of use, and that’s something that won’t happen with hardwood boards. Yes, but the bacteria left in the crevices do not multiply like they do on a plastic board and if washed an cared for properly the bacteria die. The login page will open in a new tab. Or you can try an apple or potato – it sounds a little quirky but it makes sense after you read this about garlic odors. They’re made with renewable material, they are antibacterial just like wood, they’re pretty, and they’re inexpensive. Were plastic cutting boards really a better choice than wood? … Usability: Which one is better for general day-to-day use? The reason for this is if there are any bacteria in (or on) your raw meat you can transfer it to your vegetables, bread or whatever else you’re cutting up for dinner. If we had to list the main qualities of hardwood that make this wood type suitable for manufacturing cutting boards, here’s a short list of the advantages of hardwood cutting boards: Bamboo is also a renewable resource, and a lot of environmentalists often use it. The studies have found that hardwood cutting boards are actually more sanitary than plastic ones. Hardwoods (like this maple cutting board from Boos) are better at resisting bacteria. You are correct in saying not to soak it, but I wouldn’t use soap on wood. I like to do it first thing in the morning after my boards have dried all night. However, bamboo did not protect them as well, and boards that were more solid than wood or plastic, like glass or metal, did not protect knives at all. I used to have a wood cutting board, and will look to purchase another one soon. They’ve also tested unique sorts of wood which includes bamboo. As for the effect, boards have on knives, studies have found that hardwoods, as well as plastic, protect the sharpness knives. We don’t usually turn things into traditions that continue for hundreds and thousands of years unless they work. Long-time use also makes the bamboo boards more receptive to bacteria. The type of wood the cutting board is made from is also important, Heil says. But doesn’t a knife scar wood too? These are cheap, but they will also destroy your knives and….destroy your life. The best advantage of bamboo as a cutting board is its naturally antimicrobial properties. Unlike wood, Bamboo cutting boards don’t absorb water easily. The way the board is constructed and the wood it's made from can have an effect on how your knife holds up. Bamboo cutting boards, like this one from Greener Chef, are inexpensive and come from bamboo—a grass—which is more sustainable than wood. Current FDA regulations not only allow wood cutting boards in commercial kitchens, they don’t address the use of plastic equipment at all, let alone authorize it. Wood, yes. Namely, today we’re discussing the differences between cutting boards made of hardwood and those made of bamboo. There are a few things to be aware of when choosing bamboo, though. Testing Wood vs Plastic Cutting Boards. While I know it isn’t knife friendly, I use separate plates to cut up my meats/veggies. This type of cutting board is resilient and durable, as well as sanitary and knife-friendly. So which one is better? Being a lifelong teacher she is right at home teaching canning, dehydrating, pressure cooking, bread making and more. There have been a number of research performed with wood boards versus plastic that involve bacteria, testing for the level of sanitation, and the impact they have on knife sharpness. Bamboo is somewhat porous but is harder than wood. Want to use a wood cutting board because it’s more natural than plastic, but you’re afraid that it might not be the safest, most sanitary option? In addition, wood has the particular characteristic of producing antimicrobial components able to inhibit or limit the growth of pathogenic microorganisms.” Bamboo was found to have similar properties. It also requires oiling, because the bamboo can splinter when not cared for properly. Although bamboo boards can serve their purpose and are better than plastic or glass boards, we’d have to go with the safest option, and that’s choosing hardwood. Wood, Plastic, or Bamboo Cutting Board – Which Is Best? A prime culprit are some types of bamboo boards which have a straight consistent grain, but also have intermittent nodes. It’s usually made out of maple and walnut, although there are some that are made out of a different kind of wood such as pine and bamboo. I use lemon essential oil to disinfect all of my cutting boards. Bamboo is the choice of many environmentalists. We’re all well aware that wooden cutting boards triumphant over glass or plastic boards any day. G ood wooden cutting... Hard maple cutting board. I should have known, we humans are smart creatures. Basically, wood cutting boards kill bacteria. It all depends on your personal preference. Make sure to turn it on if you have trouble understanding my pronunciations. You should really take these same precautions no matter what kind of cutting surface you’re using. Plastic will work for some things. Furthermore, because it’s so cheap and fast growing, everyone is on the bandwagon to make a few bucks, so the origin and exact composition of the bamboo could be in question. So some people, especially manufacturers, tell you it’s a better solution than hardwood. Well, it’s a lot cheaper too, so don’t be fooled. Could you more easily clean bacteria off of a plastic board than a wooden board? Bamboo, yes. Jennifer Osuch is the author of the Preparedness Planner Series and is the co-founder of Seed To Pantry School, an online community of people learning and teaching to grow, cook and preserve food at home. So if you’re looking for the most natural solution then coconut oil will work, or you could use a combination of oil and beeswax. If you store it for a long time then you’ll want to use an oil that won’t go rancid like coconut oil. You can choose between maple, cherry and walnut boards that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. This goes for your knife, too. You can get decent bamboo cutting boards for $10 or less, all the way up to $150 for burly ones. The two types of cutting boards are easy to tell apart because end grain cutting boards have a distinct checkerboard pattern made from several wood “ends” being fused together. Best wood for cutting board Bamboo cutting boards. Bamboo is a fast-growing grass. The choice of a wood cutting board is usually down to the users’ preferences, but there are still several aspects that need to be taken into consideration. This is a key advantage to edge grain boards, since these kitchen items are going to be put through their paces with all of that heavy-duty chopping action. Wooden boards when washed with harsher chemicals can retain some of these chemicals which can later contaminate other food.Talking about the wooden cutting board, it is a renewable … Hardwoods have a tighter grain that pulls bacteria away from the surface, where it dies, while softwoods with a larger grain can be split and cause deep grooves where bacteria can seep in and thrive. Large wood cutting board with juice groove, Staatik’s MVP List of 2020 (Most Valued Products). Not all wood is created equal. I didn’t even include glass because it’s so bad for your knives. The use of bamboo in home interiors is nothing new. Edge grain cutting boards are much better than their face grained counterparts at hiding scratches and marks. Unlike wood, plastic has no inherent antiseptic properties. It’s been a favorite in Asian and African cultures for hundreds of years. Wood also contains antimicrobial compounds. Using Different Boards for Different Foods Download Article Select two cutting boards. The plastic is heated if you put it in a dishwasher, and it’s not uncommon to cut hot meat on a plastic cutting board. Without these “knife scars,” there are fewer places for bacteria to hide and grow. I also use coconut oil to condition my wood and bamboo cutting boards. A bamboo board is pretty lightweight but will last a long time if you care for it. The thing is that bamboo is so hard that it can damage your knife. As a bonus, a hardwood cutting board is easy to take care of, if you oil it regularly, it could last forever. After being a vegetarian for more than five years, bringing meat back into the kitchen was a little nerve-racking. Once the bacteria is trapped inside the wood’s … Just like wooden boards, they require maintenance. Though it may seem strange to be choosing a wooden cutting board that can’t be heat sterilized over a plastic surface that can, the proof is in the science. However, there are certain precautions you need to take. Maple and walnut are both technically hardwoods, so they're durable, but still soft enough not to do tremendous damage to your knives. For instance, bamboo is around 19% harder than traditional maple, making it not very knife-friendly. Plastic. Originally published in the Feb. 6, 1993 edition of Science News, a fascinating article on cutting boards describes research claiming that wooden cutting boards possess some sort of bacteria-killing properties, thus making them less likely to contaminate food than plastic or acrylic cutting boards. However, unlike wood, plastic boards do allow rinsing with harsher cleaning chemicals such as bleach and other disinfectants without any damage. A bleach solution consisting of 1gal. As long as you keep your board oiled this should be all you need and is the least toxic cleaning method. A hard grass, it is a sustainable, renewable resource that needs no chemicals to thrive or be harvested. End grain boards are a bit more expensive, but easier on your knives. You can disinfect with vinegar and hydrogen peroxide (3%). Edge grain boards … However, Material the reBoard. Wood vs. There have been several studies done with wood boards versus plastic that involve bacteria, testing for the level of sanitation, and the effect they have on knife sharpness. Hi Deborah, I’m not sure what you mean by Plastic, yes. To remove odors, scrub your board with half of a lemon and some salt. Some of the cutting boards on Amazon claim to be bamboo, but when you dig a bit deeper, you can see that they’re made out of 90 % low-quality wood and 10 % bamboo. Over time, any cutting board (plastic or wood) can trap bacteria in fissures and transfer them to food the next time you use it. OMG Jennifer, I am FOREVER on my coworkers about not soaking the plastic cutting boards we use at work due to cross contamination and what the plastic can pick up while soaking with dishes that have contained meat/salads/etc. After all, if there is a dangerous practice with food, people die. Maple and other woods are a safe option for inhibiting bacterial growth around food. For instance, numerous articles on the internet state that wood cutting boards are banned from commercial kitchens. A wood cutting board can be used to cut raw meat, vegetables, and fruits, bread or anything else you need cut. Please log in again. If you opt to buy a hardwood cutting board, we our boards here at Wood Cutting Boards are the ones to choose. Extra Large Organic Bamboo Cutting Board with Juice Groove. Once you’re finished using your wood cutting board, scrape the food particles off – especially if you cut raw meat. However, not all wood cutting boards are the same. If it’s older, well……. We only recommend products and services we have thoroughly reviewed and used. There are several differences between a wood and a bamboo cutting board. "Pathogens prefer plastic," the article declares. Moreover, bamboo cutting boards are tougher and … Bamboo, yes. The number one precaution is avoiding cross contamination. On the other hand, bamboo boards are eco-friendly since bamboo represents a renewable resource. Bamboo is still used today, and it’s also in high demand. You can use any natural oil, assuming you’re continually using the cutting board. As for the effect, boards have on knives, studies have found that hardwoods, as well as plastic, protect the sharpness knives. It finely cuts down all the… If the price and upkeep of wood isn’t a fit, but … They’ve also tested different types of wood including bamboo. To get your very own personalized hardwood cutting board, make sure to visit our product page to choose your favorite model and engraving today! Make sure your cutting board is completely dry before applying the oil. These are made in the USA from American-grown maple and are very nice. Cutting boards need be made out of hardwood, as opposed to softwood. The salt will draw out the moisture that is causing the odors. https://www.woodcuttingboards.com/news/hardwood-vs-bamboo.aspx Although you should always sanitize your cutting boards no matter what kind of food you prepare, I didn’t have to worry about cross-contamination from meat and a lot of the things I prepared I grew or cooked so I wasn’t worried about safety. Old or new, wood cutting boards add an extra line of defense to your kitchen. And, because bamboo boards absorb less liquid than wooden boards, many believe they are at least as sanitary as wooden boards. Strength A bamboo cutting board is a much harder alternative than a good quality wood board. Plastic cutting boards fall into an in-between space when it comes to safety. Hardwoods are actually tougher than plastic boards and thus don’t scratch as much. Why bamboo is better. We all know that plastic in the kitchen should be limited, especially when it is heated. If this is news to you, you can do a search for information about BPA and Phthalates leaching into our food, and you might throw out all your plastic. One study found that “In fact, [wood’s] rough or porous surface often generates unfavorable conditions for microorganisms. Instead, it’s part of the grass family, and boy, does it grow quickly. Bamboo has always been known to have many advantages over traditional woods. Plus, it is believed that hardwood boards are more durable. Wood fares better in the minimizing-damage-to-a-knife's-edge department—better than a lot of plastic options, better than composite materials, and infinitely better than glass or marble (please, never cut on glass or stone)—but not all wooden cutting boards are the same in this regard. When you’re cooking you should not cut vegetables on the same board that you previously cut raw meat unless the board has been sanitized. They come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses to fit your countertops, so you can be assured that you can fit at least part of the board into your sink for easy cleaning. This is not actually true (across the board, anyway, local regulations may differ). This post may contain special affiliate links which allow us to earn a small commission if you make a purchase, however your price is NOT increased. Wood, yes. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. They claim that bamboo cutting boards absorb less liquid than hardwood ones. These high price points have opened up the door for materials such as bamboo, which are relatively cheap in comparison while holding up just as well (if not better) than the classic hard woods. (Given that many other plants can be used as natural antibiotics, this is not entirely surprising.) Winner: Edge Grain. Boards made from edge grain have the more traditional cutting board look. Firstly, hard maple (or Rock Maple) is one of the most widely used wood. However, there’s an everlasting debate on this topic that we’re not going to get into. Hardwood is a renewable source, and you’ll often find a board made out of it. If you are cutting raw meat be sure to follow the instructions above for the different boards. Water resistant. Because of this, the … Jennifer is a homeschooling mom of 3 teenage boys, who along with her husband, Bill, all work together on the family business – Seed To Pantry School. In this case, it just took a little while for the science to catch up. Now, before you go throwing all your plastic or bamboo cutting boards away (we’ll talk about bamboo in a minute), let’s discuss….. Plastic cutting boards are easy to use in the kitchen, as they’re lightweight and … However, plastic boards don’t have any antimicrobial properties and were found to be less sanitary than wooden boards. I would definitely transition to wood, but if you have a newer plastic cutting board it’s not worthless. It’s super hard, harder than wood. Still, we can claim that the main advantages of bamboo cutting boards are: Both of these have their pros and cons, but the main differences are that hardwood boards are more knife-friendly, meaning they won’t dull the edges of your knife. After a plastic surface has many knife cuts it is difficult to disinfect without harsh chemicals, or putting it in the dishwasher and heating the plastic.