Cutting Board: All You Need to Know!

• They are inexpensive cutting boards that are also dishwasher-safe. 
• Plastic chopping boards can also come in different sizes, colors, and shapes depending on your preferences. 
• You are also readily available in lots of shops. 

Cons

• Plastic cutting boards are more prone to scratches compared to other variants. 
• If not cleaned properly, bacteria can accumulate in the dents which can be harmful to your food.  
• Avoid keeping them in the dishwasher for too long to avoid warping. 

Bamboo

Bamboo cutting boards are one of the most ecological boards you can use. 

Pros

• It is sustainable and manufactured with renewable resources. 
• Bamboo does not absorb liquid so it can resist cracking and warping. 
• Bamboo cutting boards can last longer than wooden chopping boards. 

Cons

• Practice caution in using it because any scratches may be hard to detect.
• It also needs regular cleaning seasonings to retain its quality. 
• Bamboo cutting boards are not dishwasher-friendly too.
• They also tend to be more expensive than other chopping boards. 

Glass

To achieve an aesthetic vibe for your kitchen, this glass cutting board may be the finishing touch that you need!

Pros

• Glass boards use tempered glass for a clean and sleek design.
• They can withstand thermal shock and repel odor and stains. 
• Glass cutting boards are also easy to clean and sanitize. 
• They are affordable board options.

Cons

• It may not be recommended for rigorous cutting because of its fragility and evasive surface.
• If not used with caution, it may lead to accidents. 
• You also need to prepare for the sound it will produce when your knife hits the glass surface. 
• The hardness of the glass can result in chipped knives. 
• They can break easily.

Granite

Granite cutting boards are some of the underrated yet reliable and practical kinds of chopping boards.

Pros

• It is durable and perfect for heavy-duty cutting. 
• Granite cutting boards come in different designs that you can match with your kitchen’s aesthetic.
• You can also use them when working with dough. 
• It can be utilized as a serving plate for events. 
• Granite cutting boards can also be used for baking.

Cons

• It can be quite expensive but it is also an investment because of the quality of the material used.
• If used frequently, its hard surface can cause knives to become dull. 
• It is made from non–renewable resources. 

Silicone

If you’ve never heard of silicone cutting boards before, this is your lucky day!

Pros

• Silicone boards are less harmful to your knives. 
• Some of them can be foldable and convenient to pack or carry around. 
• Its material makes it less prone to scratches and bacteria.
• You can easily sterilize it in the microwave. 

Cons

• Frequent use can leave knife marks on the silicone cutting board. 
• Clean it thoroughly to remove the plastic-like smell.
• It can retain food odor so wash it properly. 

Rubber

In case you’re looking for knife-friendly cutting boards, this rubber board may be for you. 

Pros

• Rubber chopping boards can prolong the life of your knives. 
• It is resistant to slipping and moving.
• You can easily and quickly clean it after use. 
• It has a nonporous material. 

Cons

• Rubber cutting boards are prone to knife scratches. 
• It is not suitable for high temperatures. 
• They can be heavy in weight.

Cutting Board Comparisons

Now that you’re well acquainted with the different kinds of cutting boards, let’s do comparison tests to help you decide. 

We’ll evaluate the cutting boards according to the following criteria: price, longevity, durability, maintenance, and aesthetics. Consider factors that you want to prioritize when buying yours.

Wooden vs. Bamboo

Wooden and bamboo cutting boards may seem the same but don’t let their looks deceive you!

Bamboo cutting boards are less expensive but wooden chopping boards are great for regular heavy-duty use. 

Wooden ones are also easier to maintain but bamboo variants are more appealing and less prone to scratches and dents from knives. 

If you need something for long-term use, wooden cutting boards may be the best option for you but if you want one that’s affordable and stylish, go for the bamboo version. 

Glass vs. Granite

Both glass and granite cutting boards are attractive in design but how do they differ in other factors?

For a cutting board that goes well with any kitchen design, you can definitely go for a stylish glass board. It’s also more affordable than granite chopping boards. It also has a clean and polished look to it. 

On the other hand, granite chopping boards can be more costly but it is because of their durability and low-maintenance feature. You can simply wipe it off to remove dirt and food residue. 

Silicone vs. Plastic

Two of the most portable cutting boards are silicone and plastic boards. But how do they test other factors? 

When it comes to the price, plastic cutting boards are the most affordable options. They are also more readily available than any other kind of chopping board which makes them practical choices!

However, silicone chopping boards are also top competitors because they are easy to maintain, more portable, knife-friendly, and durable. Silicone chopping boards can also be good investments in kitchen materials. 

The Most Hygienic Chopping Board

Unhygienic cutting boards can increase toxicity and contamination so choose a board that’s easy to clean, disinfect, and sanitize. Safety first, right?

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the wooden cutting board is the most hygienic chopping board because of its natural anti-microbial properties. It is also not prone to knife dents so it will not collect bacteria. 

Have you been avoiding using wooden chopping boards for meat? You have nothing to worry about because its non-porous quality makes it safe to use for preparing meat! 

You can even use two separate chopping boards for meat and fish on one hand and fruits and vegetables on the other. 

Best chopping boards for meat, fish, and poultry

The best cutting board options for meat, fish, and poultry products are wooden and plastic cutting boards. Above all, the plastic chopping board is non-porous which makes it less prone to bacteria. 

Meanwhile, wooden boards are also great options, especially if you’re using pressure on the knives to cut the meat. Scrub it thoroughly after use to remove juice or residue. 

Best chopping boards for fresh produce

Plastic cutting boards and bamboo chopping boards are great options for preparing fresh produce such as fruits and vegetables. They are easy to clean and can help you prepare different kinds of produce. 

For plastic chopping boards, you can select ones that are green in color because some plastic board brands assign uses for the colors. 

How To Clean Your Cutting Board

In order to keep your family safe from bacteria and contamination, ensure to maintain the cleanliness and quality of your cutting board by cleaning!

Now, each kind of chopping board is to be cleaned in a specific way so here’s a guide on how to clean each of them. 

Wooden

The wooden cutting board may be the most hygienic one but it still requires cleaning. 

Using warm water and soap, clean the wooden cutting board with your hands and let it dry completely. Every once in a while, use oil to seal the wood and increase durability.

Use cornflower oil or olive oil or chopping board oil to hydrate and seal in order to prevent drying and cracking.

Don’t expose it to heat and water for a long time because it can deteriorate its quality and shape. Remember that no rigorous scrubbing is required for this kind of chopping board. 

Plastic

The great thing about the plastic cutting board is that you can put it in the dishwasher and let the dishwasher do the work. It can also be hand-washed with warm water and soap. 

In addition, you can hand-wash and use the dishwasher for your chopping board alternately to retain its structure. In case there are tough stains on the board, scrub it with baking soda, salt, and water. 

Bamboo

Use a microfiber cloth, dishwashing soap, and warm water to clean the bamboo cutting board. Rinse it with water immediately and pat it with paper towels until dry. Let it air dry. 

For stains, sprinkle it with baking soda and wash it after 5 minutes. In order to deodorize, use half a lemon and scrub it on the surface, sides, and edges of the bamboo cutting board. After that, rinse and pat dry before storage. 

Glass

The glass cutting board is one of the easiest cutting boards to clean. Therefore, simply use hot water and soap to clean it thoroughly. The hot water also works to kill bacteria for sanitation. 

Similarly, you can pat it dry with a paper towel or cloth or air dry it at room temperature. Scrubbing is not necessary for a glass chopping board. Ensure that it can withstand the heat of the hot water to prevent cracking. 

Granite

For the cleaning solution, combine water, white vinegar, and dish detergent in a spray bottle. For instance, this solution can remove grease and bacteria from the granite cutting board. Therefore, keeping you safe and healthy!

Always shake the spray bottle before use and let it disinfect the granite chopping board for a few seconds before wiping it with a damp sponge. 

Rubber

Scrub the rubber cutting board with dish soap and hot water. Its non-absorbent surface helps with scrubbing and drying. Accordingly, it’s best not to use a dishwasher to clean it to protect it from heat. 

When to Replace Your Cutting Boards

Cutting boards are long-lasting but sadly, they can’t last forever. Replacing your chopping board is extremely important because damaged boards tend to attract more bacteria and it could possibly lead to contamination, food poisoning, and food-borne diseases. 

Wooden

Warped or hollowed wooden cutting blocks should be replaced already. For instance, open seams between the boards can lead to bacteria build-up which could potentially contaminate your food. 

If you use it every day, you can replace it every year but if you use it at least twice a week, you can use it for years. 

Plastic

Deep knife cuts and grooves on a plastic cutting board are signs that they should be replaced. Prolonged dishwashing of chopping boards can also cause warping and an uneven surface. 

Scarred chopping boards can accumulate bacteria while warped ones are unstable and unsafe to use. Depending on how often you use it, replace your plastic cutting board about 3 to 4 times a year. 

Bamboo

Similar to wooden chopping boards, bamboo cutting boards should also be replaced once there are warped, hollowed, and cracked. Depending on how often you use it, replace it once a year. 

Glass

Chipped or broken glass chopping boards should be replaced immediately. They are unsafe to use as they can cause injuries during use. Dispose of them properly by wrapping them in sheets of newspaper. 

Granite

Granite cutting boards are the most durable of the chopping boards and you don’t really need to replace them until it breaks. However, what you need to replace are dull knives as a result of using the granite chopping board. 

Silicone

Silicone chopping boards with deep dents from knives and warped surfaces should already be replaced to prevent bacteria buildup. A lot of silicone cutting boards are knife-resistant but it’s best to replace this every year if you use it every day. 

Rubber

Heavily stained and deeply cut rubber chopping boards are recommended for replacement at least once a year. Maintain it well to use it for a longer period of time. 

How to Maintain Chopping Boards

Before preparing food, ensure that your cutting board is clean and sanitized. Clean it with water and soap and pat it dry before preparing other types of food. 

chopping boards need cleaning especially after you chop raw meat, fish, poultry, or seafood. You can also disinfect it with a cleaning solution for safer food preparation. Use unscented cleaning products for chopping boards. 

Once you see signs of deep knife cuts, broken wood, chipped and broken glass, and strong stains replace your chopping board. For everyday use, it is suggested to replace it every year. 

Conclusion

The cutting board you should choose depends on how you intend to use it and how often you plan on using it.

Thus, create your own criteria of what you’re looking for in a chopping board and use it to select which one is best for you!

Remember that chopping boards are investments and safety nets for you and your family. Using it properly can save you from illnesses and food poisoning, this is especially important when you are preparing food for a baby. 

Clean and maintain it well to make it last longer. Use the best cleaning materials to ensure it is safe from bacteria, foul odor, and discoloration. It is highly recommended to use at least two chopping boards for raw meat and fruits and vegetables. 

As a matter of fact, being healthy and safe starts with a clean board for chopping up your ingredients! Above all, a clean and intact chopping board keeps you safe and healthy.

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