How to Choose a Cutting Board

Introduction

A cutting board is a kitchen equipment that serves as a protective surface for cutting or slicing items. Cutting boards are typically made of wood, plastic, or cork. Glass cutting boards are also available, although while they are easy to clean, they can dull or damage knives when used. Selecting a cutting board is nearly as crucial as selecting your knives. You can greatly improve the efficiency of your chopping, slicing, and cutting by selecting the appropriate cutting board.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Cutting Board

Size

Size is an important consideration when selecting cutting boards. Cutting smaller items on a larger board works is easier, however, cutting larger items on a smaller board is not. The size of your cutting board is primarily determined by your budget, how you want to clean it, and the amount of storage space available. If you choose a plastic cutting board, make sure it will fit in your dishwasher.

How to Choose a Cutting Board

If you don't have a dishwasher or prefer a wooden cutting board, make sure you have a reasonable method for washing it after usage. Choose a board that is slightly narrower than the width of your sink to facilitate a rapid cleanup. The final consideration in deciding the size of the board is where you will store it. When you're not using your board, make sure it's stored somewhere clean and dry.

Cost

The plastic cutting board wins the pricing competition. High-quality wooden cutting boards are made of strong maple or other hardwoods. If money is a big concern, the plastic cutting board will almost always be the less expensive option.

Sanitation

There has been much disagreement over whether wood or plastic cutting boards provide greater sanitation. Wooden boards provide natural protection since germs may dislike the wooden surface and die if they stay after cleaning. Plastic boards, on the other hand, have a non-porous surface, which means juices cannot enter them.

How to Choose a Cutting Board

Furthermore, plastic boards can be sterilized in the dishwasher, which is likely to eradicate all microorganisms. Wood cutting boards should not be cleaned in the dishwasher or submerged in water. To clean a wood-cutting board properly, scrub it with hot, soapy water immediately after use.

Although the best cutting boards are still up for debate, every cutting board's sanitation depends on being cleaned correctly after every usage.

Aesthetics

A cutting board is a must in each kitchen; you may save room in the kitchen if a useful item can also serve as a decorative component.

How to Choose a Cutting Board

Good hardwood cutting boards are not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing. An attractive wooden chopping board is the epitome of "A good cook lives here." It doesn't appear like other cutting boards are as appealing.

Comfort and Safety

If we don't take safety precautions, our kitchen can be harmful. To stay safe, it is essential to be aware of the dangers and take the necessary precautions. Unnecessary knife cuts can result from a slick cutting surface. A cutting board needs to be strong enough to avoid slipping and resilient enough to endure unintentional falls.

It Must Be Simple to Clean

The general hygiene of the kitchen is greatly influenced by how clean a chopping board is. Bacteria and other infections might take up residence on the board's surface due to the cutting marks left on it. For your board to last a long time, regular cleaning is necessary. One way to get rid of an unpleasant smell from a cutting board is to sprinkle it with salt. To get rid of any last bits of smell, give the board a good wipe-down after applying the salt.

Cross-Contamination

The unintentional spread of microorganisms from one location to another is known as cross-contamination. Consequently, it's critical to remember that using chopping boards after being hurt is not advised. Use distinct cutting boards for raw meat, vegetables, and other food items to avoid cross-contamination; the most frequent cause of food poisoning is this. Use a sponge or a piece of paper towel to clean your kitchen counters instead of a cloth. Make sure to disinfect the counters after giving them a thorough cleaning.

Forms of Cutting Board

Edge Grain

Cutting boards with edge grain are constructed from wood that has been sliced perpendicular to the grain. This indicates that the board's top has lengthy wood fibers visible. Since edge grain boards are typically the least expensive, they are the most popular kind of wood-cutting board.

How to Choose a Cutting Board

Because the long woodboard fibres don't give much beneath the knife's blade, Edge Grain boards are more prone to retain scars from the blade. This is also the reason why Edge Grain boards are thought to be slightly more resilient to cuts than End Grain boards.

End Grain

Cutting boards with end grain are created by joining wood pieces with different cross sections. This indicates that the wood's rings are visible on the top of the board rather than its length when seen from the side. End grain boards are more expensive than edge grain boards, nearly typically due to their more complex construction and thickness.

End grain boards have fewer grooves in them because their wood fibres withstand wear and tear better than those of edge grain boards. An end-grain cutting board is more durable in that regard. Because the wood's fibres are more flexible, it is also kinder to blades. But if not properly cared for, an End grain board may be more vulnerable to moisture as multiple wood pieces are glued together to form one.

How to Choose a Cutting Board

An End Grain board's seams may eventually separate and form microscopic spaces where bacteria can grow if it is frequently kept damp. But regular conditioning with mineral oil or board cream helps stop moisture absorption and cracking on any kind of cutting board, end grain, or edge grain. It's just more crucial when using an End-grain chopping board.

Types of Cutting Board

Bamboo Cutting Boards

Bamboo cutting boards, like wood, are available in both end-grain and edge-grain forms. End grain is more expensive. Bamboo is tougher than wood, therefore it will dull your knife more quickly than hardwood boards. Still, they might be a wonderful cheap option if you desire the look of wood with the added benefit of sustainability.

How to Choose a Cutting Board

A bamboo board is lightweight but durable if properly cared for. You can find decent bamboo cutting boards for $10 or less, up to $150 for large ones.

Plastic Cutting Boards

Plastic cutting boards are available in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. They're not going to be family heirlooms, but they're a reasonably priced alternative that won't dull knives and, with proper care, won't warp or fracture. For a basic model, the budget is under $10, and for a high-end commercial model, up to $100.

A chopping board with numerous grooves provides additional hiding spots for bacteria. Thus, contrary to popular belief, wood cutting boards may possess superior antibacterial qualities, while plastic cutting boards are not as safe from storing bacteria.

How to Choose a Cutting Board

Every plastic is not made equally. For instance, conventional polyethylene (PE) is not as resilient as high-density polyethylene (HDPE). If the Cutting Board's description specifies the kind of plastic it is composed of, it is likely more durable than an ordinary, generic board.

How to Maintain Your Knives' Sharpness with a Cutting Board

How to Choose a Cutting Board

The plastic cutting board is the next best surface for a cutting board. These cutting boards are useful and reasonably gentle on knife edges. Plastic cutting boards may be cleaned in the dishwasher, unlike wooden ones. These cutting boards are reasonably priced and come in a variety of sizes.

Glass, marble, or ceramic cutting boards would be the last options. Knives just cannot cut through these extremely hard surfaces. Even the finest kitchen knives will become dull with frequent chopping and slicing on these boards.

Conclusion

Regardless of the meal you're cooking, using a chopping board to cut food is a vital step. Cutting boards are hand equipment that improves cooking efficiency and makes kitchen labor easier.






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