How To Season A Wooden Cutting Board? 2023’s The New Ways
A wooden cutting board is a kitchen essential for any home cook or professional chef. Furthermore, it adds a warm and natural aesthetic to any kitchen, providing a stable surface for chopping, dicing, and slicing.
However, a wooden cutting board can quickly become worn out, stained, and warped without proper care and maintenance. One crucial step in maintaining your wooden cutting board is seasoning it. But do you know how to season a wooden cutting board? Seasoning a wooden cutting board involves treating it with oil to help preserve its natural beauty and protect it from damage.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of seasoning your wooden cutting board, including the materials you’ll need, the steps involved, and some tips for keeping your cutting board in top condition. This guide is helpful if you’re a seasoned or beginner chef. So let’s get started.
Why Season a Wooden Cutting Board Necessary?
Seasoning a wooden cutting board is necessary for several reasons:
Protecting the wood:
Seasoning helps to protect the wood from moisture, which can cause it to swell, warp, or crack over time. It is significant for cutting boards frequently exposed to water and other liquids.
Preventing bacterial growth:
Wood is a porous material that can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned and maintained. Seasoning creates a barrier on the wood’s surface, making it more difficult for bacteria to take hold and grow.
Enhancing the appearance:
Seasoning can also improve the appearance of a wooden cutting board, giving it a warm, rich color and a smooth, polished surface.
How To Season A Wooden Cutting Board
Seasoning a wooden cutting board prolongs its life and protects it from damage. Here are the steps to properly season a wooden cutting board:
Step-1: Put the cutting board in warm soapy water
Many home cooks choose wooden cutting boards because of their aesthetic value and durability. To properly season a wooden cutting board and keep it in tip-top condition, thoroughly clean it with warm soapy water. It will help to remove any bacteria or food particles that have remained.
Step-2: Sand the cutting board
You can lightly sand the board using fine-grit sandpaper. That helps to remove any rough spots or splinters and creates a smooth surface for oil to penetrate.
Step-3: Dry the wooden board thoroughly
It is essential to thoroughly dry the wooden cutting board after washing it with soap and water. Wipe the board with a soft cloth and let it air dry on both sides. If the board is still damp, use a paper towel to absorb excess moisture. Avoid using heat to dry the board, which may cause the wood to crack or warp.
Step-4: Rub the board with mineral oil
Once the wooden cutting board is clean and dry, rub it with mineral oil to keep it from drying out and cracking. Use a clean rag and pour a little bit of oil on it. Rub the oil all over the cutting board and get into the crevices. If any excess oil is on the board, wipe it off with a clean rag after 15-20 minutes. Reapply the oil every couple of weeks to keep the cutting board pristine.
Step-5: Allow the oil to sit overnight
Once the entire surface of the cutting board is covered with oil, allow it to sit overnight. That will ensure the oil penetrates the wood properly and gives it enough time to dry. Additionally, the seasoning process should be done a few times over a few days. It will provide maximum protection and ensure the wood remains healthy and well-maintained.
Step-6: Reapply oil as needed
To keep wooden cutting boards in good condition, they must be maintained. To season a wooden cutting board, start by washing it with warm water and mild soap. Once dry, rub the board with food-safe mineral oil. Let it sit for an hour, then rub in a thick layer of beeswax to seal the board. Finally, buff the board with a microfiber cloth—reapply oil and wax as needed to maintain the board.
Setp-7: Repeat
Repeat this process every few months to keep the cutting board well-maintained.
Wooden cutting boards should never be put in the dishwasher, which can lead to warping or cracking. Instead, wash it with warm soapy water and dry it thoroughly after every use.
How Often Should You Season a Wood Cutting Board?
Cutting boards made of wood should be used often to keep their quality and make them last longer. How often you need to season a cutting board depends on how often you use it and how often it gets wet.
Generally, if you use your cutting board daily, you should season it every three to four weeks. If you only use it occasionally, you might only need to season it every three to six months.
Here are some signs that you should season your cutting board:
- The surface looks and feels dry and rough.
- The wood appears faded or grey.
- The board has a musty smell.
What Is The Best Oil To Season A Wooden Cutting Board?
The best oil to season on a wooden cutting board is either a mineral oil safe for food or a natural oil made from a plant, like coconut oil, grapeseed oil, or walnut oil. These oils can be used on food and won’t go bad or leave a sticky film on the board.
When you want to season a wooden cutting board, you should first clean it well. Then, use a clean cloth or paper towel to spread a thin layer of oil over the board. Let the oil soak in for a few hours or overnight, then use a clean cloth to wipe off any extra oil before using the board again. It’s also a good idea to add oil to your cutting board every so often to keep it looking good and make it last longer.
Can I Use Olive Oil To Season A Wooden Cutting Board?
Yes, you can season a wooden cutting board with olive oil. Using oil for seasoning a cutting board protects it from moisture and makes it last longer. Olive oil is a good way to season a cutting board because it is easy to find, cheap, and safe for food.
Follow these steps to season your cutting board with olive oil:
- Clean the cutting board: Before you season your cutting board, ensure it is clean and free of debris or food particles. To clean it well, mix warm water and dish soap together.
- Apply Olive oil: With a clean cloth or paper towel, spread olive oil over the board. Cover all edges and cracks of the board.
- Let the oil soak in: Give the olive oil at least 30 minutes to soak into the wood. You can leave it on longer if you want, but 30 minutes should be enough time for the oil to soak into the wood.
- Wipe off any extra oil: After the oil has had time to soak in, use a clean cloth or paper towel to wipe off any extra oil. You want to leave just enough oil on the board to keep it from getting wet, but not so much that it feels oily when you touch it.
- Repeat as needed: Your cutting board may need to be seasoned with olive oil every few weeks or months based on how often you use it.
If you do these things, you can keep your cutting board in good shape and make it last longer.
Tips for Maintaining Your Wooden Cutting Board
Maintaining a wooden cutting board is vital for both hygiene and longevity. Here are some tips to help you keep your wooden cutting board in good condition:
- Use hot water and soap to clean the cutting board after each use.
- Regularly disinfect your cutting board with a solution of one part vinegar to four parts water or one tablespoon of bleach to one gallon of water. Rinse the board with hot water and dry it after letting the solution sit for a few minutes.
- To prevent drying and cracking, wooden cutting boards must be oiled regularly. Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax can condition the board. Use a soft cloth to apply oil or wax and let it soak overnight.
- Avoid heat and moisture. Keep your cutting board away from stovetops and ovens, and don’t soak it in water.
- To prevent food poisoning, use individual cutting boards for each type of food you plan to prepare.
- Over time, your cutting board may develop scratches and stains. Remove stains and smooth the board’s surface with sandpaper or a sanding block.
Following these tips will help your wooden cutting board last for years.
People Also Ask
What is the best way to season a wooden cutting board?
The best way to season a wooden cutting board is to apply a thin layer of food-grade mineral oil or a mixture of mineral oil and beeswax to the board’s surface. Wipe off any excess oil before using the board after letting it sit for a few hours or overnight. You should repeat this process periodically, based on how often you use the board. Avoid using vegetable oils or other types of oil that can turn rancid over time and potentially contaminate the board.
How do you apply oil to a wooden cutting board?
Rub a few drops of oil into the wood with a clean cloth. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the board. Allow the oil to soak in for 10-15 minutes before wiping off any excess with a clean cloth. Maintain your cutting board by doing this every few weeks.
Does the type of wood affect the seasoning of a cutting board?
Yes, the type of wood affects the seasoning of a cutting board. Hardwoods like walnut, oak, and teak are known to be durable and absorb oil well, while softwoods like pine and cedar are less stable and may not absorb oil as well.
Final Thought
Seating a wooden cutting board is a simple but essential step in caring for kitchen tools. By doing what this guide of how to season a wooden cutting board says, you can keep your cutting board from getting wet, drying out, and making it last longer. Remember to season your cutting board with oils that are safe for food, like mineral oil, beeswax, or coconut oil. Don’t use vegetable oils or other cooking oils that can go bad over time.
Also, you should clean your cutting board well after each use and not let it soak in water or go through the dishwasher. Instead, clean it with a damp sponge or cloth and mild dish soap, then let it dry naturally before putting it away in a cool, dry place.
Your wooden cutting board can last for many years with the right care and maintenance. So take the time to season your cutting board today and enjoy the benefits of a well-cared-for kitchen tool.
