How to Season Cutting Boards

Introduction

A clean, well-maintained cutting board is not just a kitchen accessory; it's an essential tool for ensuring safe and effective cooking practices. However, among the various aspects of cutting board care, seasoning is often overlooked. Seasoning, the process of treating the surface of the cutting board with oil or wax, plays a crucial role in enhancing its durability, preventing damage, and maintaining hygiene standards. This guide explores the importance of seasoning cutting boards and provides practical insights on how to season them effectively.

Significance of Seasoning

1. Cutting boards crafted from wood, bamboo, or certain plastics are susceptible to absorbing odors, stains, and moisture, which can compromise their integrity and hygiene. Seasoning forms a protective layer that ensures a clean and durable surface for food preparation.
2. When acquiring a new wood cutting board, it's essential to initiate a thorough seasoning process, regardless of whether it's pre-seasoned. During transportation from the manufacturer to the store and then to your home, the board may undergo temperature fluctuations and exposure to varying environmental conditions, potentially affecting its moisture content and structural stability. Therefore, an extensive initial seasoning regimen is crucial to fortify the board and mitigate the risk of damage.
3. While shrink-wrapping offers temporary protection against moisture loss, unwrapping exposes the board to environmental elements, leading to potential drying out and cracking. For newly acquired boards, a proactive approach involves daily seasoning for the first week to maintain optimal moisture levels and prevent structural issues, such as cracks or warping, from developing over time.

Re-Oiling Your Cutting Board

1. Surface Examination Test
   Regular inspection of the cutting board's surface is essential to identify areas that appear lighter and drier than others, indicating potential moisture loss and the need for re-seasoning. Addressing these signs promptly helps maintain the board's integrity and prolong its lifespan.
2. Water Droplet Test
   An effective method for assessing the board's seasoning status is the water droplet test. You can determine the board's moisture-repelling capacity and decide if re-seasoning is necessary to restore optimal protection by observing whether water droplets bead up on the surface or are absorbed into the board.
3. The Stains, Colors, and Smells Test
   Unwanted stains, discoloration, or unpleasant odors on the cutting board signal potential hygiene concerns and indicate the need for re-seasoning. These visual and olfactory cues serve as warning signs, prompting timely intervention to maintain a clean and sanitary food preparation environment.

Choosing the Right Seasoning Oil

Selecting the appropriate oil for seasoning is a critical consideration in ensuring the efficacy and safety of the cutting board. While various oils are available, it's essential to opt for options that offer optimal protection without compromising food safety or board integrity.

Avoid using Oils Rich in Unsaturated Fats

• First, let's identify oils to avoid. Canola and olive oils oxidize fast when exposed to air. They quickly get sour and produce free radicals. As a result, you're left with a damaged surface and a deteriorating cutting board. This can compromise the quality of food prepared on your board.
• Keep in mind that anything on your board could potentially end up in your food. Don't put anything on your board that you wouldn't put in your mouth.
• Moreover, avoid oils with high antioxidant content, as they can hinder polymerization and lead to a sticky surface on your board.

Mineral Oil and Other Oils

• It's widely accepted that consuming unsaturated fats is detrimental to health, but there is more argument surrounding nut-based, mineral-based, and "mystery" oils frequently found on the market. Generally, oils that are low in density, colorless, and odorless are commonly categorized as "mineral oils." The majority of mineral oils are obtained as byproducts of distillation from petroleum and petrochemical compounds, which have various applications across different sectors.
• These oils are dominant due to their low production costs, despite being considered significant pollutants.
• Avoid using mineral oils such as tung, 'mystery,' or flaxseed for seasoning cutting boards. The thin sealant layer produced by mineral oil treatments makes the wood less water-resistant, similar to a plastic cutting board. Consequently, this prolongs the lifespan of germs on the hardwood surface. In essence, mineral oils counteract one of the primary benefits that wood-cutting boards offer for maintaining a healthy kitchen.

Coconut Oil Tops the List

• Coconut oil doesn't get stale because of its high saturated fat content and high quantity of medium-chain triglycerides.
• Coconut oil is stable even at high temperatures, making it suitable for cooking, and it's also appropriate for vegetarians. Combining it with the antibacterial qualities of coconut oil makes it an excellent choice, preventing harmful microorganisms from penetrating the wood fibers.

Materials Required

• Cutting board (wood, bamboo, or certain plastic boards)
• Mineral oil or other oils
• Warm water
• Clean, lint-free cloth or paper towels
• Fine sandpaper (optional)
• Mild dish soap

Steps to Season Your Wood Cutting Board

Step 1: Choose the Right Cutting Board

Cutting boards vary in material and composition, and the type of board you have will determine the most suitable seasoning approach. Wooden and bamboo cutting boards are ideal candidates for seasoning, while plastic boards may not require it as much.

Confirm that your cutting board is in good condition and free from any deep cuts or grooves.

Step 2: Clean the Cutting Board

Start by giving your cutting board a thorough cleaning. Use mild dish soap and warm water to scrub away any food particles, stains, or odors.

If your board has deep cuts or scratches, consider sanding it lightly with fine-grit sandpaper to achieve a smoother surface.

Step 3: Drying the Board

After cleaning, let the cutting board dry completely. Ensuring the board air-dries completely is crucial to prevent moisture from becoming trapped before applying the seasoning.

Step 4: Choose the Right Seasoning Agent

The two most common choices for seasoning cutting boards are food-grade mineral oil and beeswax. Mineral oil is an excellent option for wooden and bamboo boards, as it is odorless, tasteless, and safe for consumption.

Beeswax is another natural alternative that provides additional protection and imparts a subtle, pleasant aroma.

Step 5: Apply the Seasoning

Once the cutting board is dry, pour a small amount of the chosen seasoning agent onto the surface.

Use a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel to spread the oil or wax evenly across the entire board, including the sides and edges. Ensure to pay extra attention to any dry or rough areas.

Step 6: Allow Absorption

Allow the seasoning agent to soak into the wood.

This process might require several hours or even overnight. It's essential to give the cutting board ample time to soak in the oil or wax for optimal results.

Step 7: Wipe Excess

After the absorption period, use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe away any excess seasoning.

This step helps prevent oily residue on your food and ensures a clean-cutting surface.

Step 8: Repeat the Process as Necessary

For new or heavily used cutting boards, it's advisable to repeat the seasoning process several times to build up a protective layer. Regular maintenance, including reapplying the seasoning every few months or as needed, will assist in keeping your cutting board in excellent condition.

Additional Tips

• Avoid placing your wooden chopping board in the sink with other dishes and water. Always wash your cutting board immediately after use; soaking it in the sink can cause damage, leading to rotting or bending.
• Make sure to clean the board after cutting the raw meat. Even after seasoning, a wooden cutting board can readily absorb food materials. After each use, clean the board to prevent meat juices from seeping in and causing unpleasant odors. Always wash the board before cutting vegetables, fruit, or other materials to avoid cross-contamination.
• Handwash your chopping board. Avoid using the dishwasher, as it may cause wooden cutting boards to bend or become damaged.
• Avoid cleaning a wooden cutting board in the dishwasher, do not soak it in water for more than a few minutes.
• Assign distinct cutting boards for various tasks to avert cross-contamination: allocate one for meat, another for vegetables, and a separate one for fish.
• Thoroughly dry the board after washing it to prevent cracks in the wood.
• Choose boards crafted from tough, closed-grain maple wood.
• Top of Form
• If your board is excessively worn or has hard-to-clean grooves, it may be advisable to consider discarding it.
• To prevent cracking, dryness, and warping, oil the wooden cutting board monthly. Apply cutting board oil or food-grade mineral oil (excluding olive or avocado oil) using a paper towel or clean cloth.
• Spread the oil thoroughly on every surface of the board, ensuring complete coverage. Allow the oil to soak for a few hours or overnight, then wipe away any excess.
• Use a wooden cutting board for fruits and vegetables and a plastic cutting board for non-vegetarian items. Plastic cutting boards can be disinfected in the dishwasher and sanitized with boiling water. Cleaning wooden and bamboo cutting boards in the dishwasher may lead to splitting.
• After each use, delicately scrub the board with dishwashing liquid, rinse it thoroughly, and remove excess water with a kitchen towel. Hang the board to facilitate thorough water evaporation, which helps prevent mold formation. Alternatively, scrub the board with rock salt and half a lime, avoiding the use of dishwashing soap.
• To protect the board from moisture, apply a thin layer of oil to the dried surface. Regrettably, wooden cutting boards demand meticulous maintenance for long-term preservation. If mold develops, scrub it away using steel wool or sandpaper.

Conclusion

Seasoning your cutting board is a simple yet crucial step in maintaining a functional and hygienic kitchen. By actively following these steps, you safeguard your investment and guarantee a cooking experience that is both safe and enjoyable. Regular care and attention to your cutting board will pay off in the long run, providing you with a reliable and durable surface for all your culinary endeavors.