Wooden chopping boards are an indispensable kitchen utensil. To protect the wood from damage and damage, it must be oiled regularly. In this blog post, we will discuss how to properly oil cutting boards, which oils are best, and how best to care for them to keep your favorite kitchen item looking good and lasting.
1. Why oil cutting boards?
A frequent question is: what should I use to oil cutting boards? It is important to use a high quality , food grade oil that will not runny and is chemically safe. It is also important that the oil has good adhesion to the wood. For best results, use a special cutting board oil designed for use on wood. It is also possible to use a special, mineral oil-based cutting board oil. In any case, you should use oils that are not suitable for food preparation , as these can make the wood porous.
2. Which oils are suitable for cutting boards?
To keep your chopping board beautiful and healthy for a long time, you should oil it regularly with a suitable oil. You can find out here which oils are suitable for this and how you have to oil your cutting board. Linseed oil, castor oil, jojoba oil, nut oil, olive oil or beeswax are best suited for oiling. It is advisable to use a standard oil to start with as these are relatively cheap. However, some oils can also cause a strong odour, so it is advisable to use a good quality oil. In any case, it should consist of natural ingredients and not contain silicone oils. Before you oil your cutting board, it is best to clean it thoroughly with warm water and washing-up liquid. Then let it dry well and then distribute the oil evenly over the entire cutting board. Then leave it on for a few hours and then wipe off the excess oil. This way your cutting board will keep its natural structure and you can enjoy it for many years.
3. How is the oil applied?
It's important that you use the right products to oil your cutting boards. You can choose from special cutting board oils, which mainly consist of linseed oil, pumpkin seed oil or olive oil. These oils are natural and rich in vitamin E, a natural antioxidant. They are also tasteless and odorless , making them ideal for use on wooden cutting boards. Although not strictly necessary, you can also oil your cutting board with a mixture of mineral oil and beeswax. This combination protects the wood from moisture without you noticing a strong odor. However, always try to avoid mineral oil and other synthetic oils as they can damage the wood and reduce the life of the cutting board.
4. When should you repeat the maintenance of the cutting board surface?
Clean your cutting board regularly and also oil it. Treating your cutting board with an oil will ensure it has a long and healthy life. After each cleaning, apply the oil evenly to your cutting board and buff it so that it forms a nice shiny protector. Repeat this process every 6 months to keep the board in good condition.
5. Conclusion
In order to keep your cutting board longer and to optimize the cutting properties, it is important to oil it. You can use a high-quality , food-safe oil such as linseed oil, walnut oil or olive oil. Before using the oil, you should thoroughly clean and dry the cutting board. Then apply the oil evenly with a clean cloth and leave it on for a few minutes. Finally, you can wipe off the excess oil with a clean kitchen towel. For best results you should lightly oil the cutting board after each use and oil it thoroughly once a month . In this way, your cutting board retains its best properties and you can enjoy it in the kitchen for longer.
