Cutting Board: All You Need to Know!

A kitchen is never complete without a cutting board or chopping board.

It seems like a simple kitchen tool, but can you imagine chopping your fruits, vegetables, and meats without it? The cutting board plays an important role in food preparation and safety.

Buying a cutting board seems like an easy task, but there are different factors you must consider.

For example, you need to think about the type of chopping board that suits your kitchen needs, which boards are the most hygienic, and how you properly clean the chopping board.

Well, worry no more because here’s an all-you-need-to-know article on different cutting boards! 

What is a Cutting Board?

A cutting board is a sturdy kitchen tool used for food preparation. They come in various shapes, colors, sizes, materials, and prices.

It’s placed on a flat surface or kitchen counter for cutting meats, vegetables, fruits, and more!

Uses

Every food you eat enters your body, so it is you need to prepare food in a safe, clean, and neat area.

As its name suggests, a cutting board is a board or block, a kitchen essential commonly used as a protective work surface for chopping, mincing, slicing, breaking, placing, and cracking food items.

Likewise, its purpose is to help you prevent contamination by reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses and poisoning. 

It also protects your kitchen counter from the friction and impact of knives and other kitchen utensils. Above all, cutting boards are truly useful, practical, effective, and durable kitchen essentials!

I often use my chopping board for preparing ingredients for:

• Mashed Potatoes
• Crispy Fried Fish
• Yam Storage
• Fried Chicken Gizzards
• Broccoli
• Fruit Salad
• Pomegranates

By having a clean cutting board, you are helping yourself and your family eat cleaner, safer, and yummier food!

Types of Cutting Boards

Hold on, don’t choose your cutting board yet! Check out these kinds of cutting boards to know which one works best for you.

Wooden

Wooden cutting boards are some of the most commonly used in the world. 

Pros

• It has a classic, timeless, and solid appearance that makes it a popular option. 
• The wooden cutting board can also be a long-lasting investment in the kitchen.
•  It gives you stability when cutting or preparing food. 

Cons

• You need more effort to maintain these because they are not dishwasher-friendly. 
• They also need additional protection from scratches. 
• These can also be heavier and more expensive compared to other materials.

Plastic

If you want to purchase a cutting board on a budget, then this plastic board might be for you!

Pros

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

Cons

• These are more prone to scratches compared to other variants. 
• If not cleaned properly, then they may have bacteria and dents.
• Do not keep them in the dishwasher for too long to avoid warping. 

Bamboo

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

Pros

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

Cons

• It may be hard to see the scratches on the bamboo cutting boards.
• It also needs regular cleaning seasonings to retain its quality. 
• Moreover, bamboo boards are not dishwasher-friendly too.
• They also tend to be more expensive than other chopping boards. 

Glass

For an aesthetic option, you might want to consider the glass variety.

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 also affordable board options.

Cons

• It may not be suggested for chopping dense food because these tend to be fragile.
• If not used with caution, then it may lead to accidents. 
• It may have an unpleasant sound every time your knife hits its 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 also 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. 
• This can also be used for baking.

Cons

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

Silicone

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

Pros

• Silicone boards are less harmful to your knives. 
• Some of them can also 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 material.
• 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 material 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.

Comparisons

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

Criteria	Wooden	Bamboo	Glass	Granite	Silicone	Plastic
Price		✅	✅			✅
Durability	✅			✅	✅
Maintenance	✅			✅	✅
Aesthetic		✅	✅	✅	✅

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!

Criteria	Wooden	Bamboo
Price		✅
Durability	✅
Maintenance	✅
Aesthetic		✅

Bamboo cutting boards are less expensive, but wooden ones are great for regular heavy use. 

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

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

Glass vs. Granite

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

Criteria	Glass	Granite
Price	✅
Durability		✅
Maintenance		✅
Aesthetic	✅	✅

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. 

Silicone vs. Plastic

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

Criteria	Silicone	Plastic
Price		✅
Durability	✅
Maintenance	✅
Aesthetic	✅

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, portable, knife-friendly, and durable.

The Most Hygienic Cutting Board

Unhygienic cutting boards can increase toxicity and contamination, so choose one 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 option 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. 

For meat, fish, and poultry

The best 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 ones are also great options, especially if you’re using pressure on the knives to prepare the meat. Scrub it thoroughly after use to remove juice or residue. 

For fresh produce

Plastic cutting boards and bamboo ones 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 buy 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 to prevent drying and cracking.

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

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 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. After that, rinse and pat dry before storage. 

Glass

The glass cutting board is one of the easiest ones to clean. Use hot water and soap to clean it thoroughly.

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

Mix water, white vinegar, and dish detergent in a spray bottle. Always shake the spray bottle before use. 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, then 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 three to four 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 they break. 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. 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. 

Cutting 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

Whenever you clean your kitchen and your cutting boards, remember to clean other kitchen tools as well. For instance, you can try my burnt pot cleaning hack to cook safe and yummy food!

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 cutting board and use it to select which one is best for you!

Remember that cutting boards are investments 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 suggested 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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