Similar to a cast-iron pan, wooden and bamboo cutting boards need seasoning prior to the first use and later on a regular basis.
Seasoning stands for the application of a protective layer of suitable food-grade oil or wax. This is done to reduce the board’s absorption of water and increase its repellence.
By seasoning your bamboo cutting boards on a regular basis (ideally once per month) you will keep them shiny and water-repellent. The latter is significant considering that surplus moisture increases the risk of the board warping or cracking.
Bamboo cutting boards are awesome kitchen utensils. They’re versatile, eco-friendly, sustainable, and beautiful. Invest in one, care for it the right way, and it will last for a lifetime.
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Why Is a Bamboo Cutting Board a Good Choice?
Bamboo looks and feels attractive.
Its grain is fine and it boasts a light color. It matches any type of decor. It’s also resistant to staining, especially from acidic foods like tomatoes or meat. You can find them in many shapes and designs.
What’s more, bamboo offers exceptional durability. It’s actually stronger than most hardwoods or plastic. It’s actually similar to the strength of steel.
This is why bamboo boasts a high scratch resistance.
It’s great for slicing, dicing, and chopping. When taken care of, a bamboo board will last for a lifetime.
Bamboo may not be as gentle as some types of wood on blades, but it’s a close second. It won’t cause them to go dull fast as it’s the case with some other materials like marble or ceramics.
They’re also used around water because of their non-porous texture. This means they’re less likely to warp and crack like some types of wood. Still, to keep them in top shape, wash them by hand instead of in the dishwasher.
Bamboo is also praised for being eco-friendly and sustainable. It’s renewable and doesn’t need pesticides for its growth or artificial irrigation. This grass can grow up to three feet on a daily basis.
How to Season Bamboo Cutting Boards?
Seasoning is essential for the long lifespan of the board. It will help keep the board in shape and increase its resistance to water.
To season the board, it would be ideal to do it once per month or biweekly if the board is frequently used. For this, you need food-grade mineral oil.
Apply several drops of it and then rub it well into the board, using a clean cloth. Repeat the same on the borders and on the other side of the board. After it’s all oiled, leave it to dry, ideally overnight.
The next morning, use towel paper or a clean cloth to wipe off any oil or wax that hasn’t been absorbed.
Always wait for the board to dry entirely afterward before resuming use. Avoid using vegetable oils for seasoning of boards-these oils can go rancid and begin to release an unpleasant smell!
Remember, there’s no precise schedule for maintaining your bamboo cutting board. Different factors play a role, including how aggressively and how often the board is used and washed. If you notice the board is looking dry and ashy, it’s time for seasoning.
A nourished bamboo cutting board has a satiny and slightly oily feel when you touch it with your finger.
How to Use a Bamboo Cutting Board?
This board doesn’t just make an awesome surface for food prep and chopping, dicing, and slicing, but it offers other, versatile uses.
Here are some of the best ones:
- Bamboo cutting boards make great trivets for hot pans and pots. This is because of their heat resistance. With this in mind, when there’s no trivet nearby, put that hot cup of coffee or hot pan on your bamboo cutting board without fearing damage.
- Bamboo boards make stylish food serving boards. They will present the charcuterie in a lovely manner and leave your guests satisfied.
- Leave it standing on your kitchen countertop and you have a stunning, natural decor. Their natural, light color and fine grain rarely go unnoticed.
How to Wash a Bamboo Cutting Board?
When you clean your bamboo cutting boards properly, you help prolong their lifespan. It’s best to do it in the sink and gently scrub it with soapy water and a sponge.
For stubborn stains, using a diluted bleach solution can also help. Remember to clean and sanitize both sides of the board. After the rinsing, leave the board on a rack to dry.
But, first, pat it dry with a clean cloth or towel paper to remove as much moisture as possible. On the dish rack, always set the board upright to optimize the airflow and release, rather than trap moisture inside the board.
Disinfection of your bamboo cutting board is also important.
White vinegar does this job pretty well. Wipe the whole board with diluted white vinegar after washing it and then rinse it once more before drying.
If there are stronger stains or smells, mix a tsp of bleach and two quarts of water. Follow the same procedure as the one with vinegar.
If you prefer natural options, lemon juice and salt are excellent. Sprinkle salt over the surface and use half a lemon to work the salt into the board.
The salt will remove stains and food remains from any cracks or indentations while the lemon will leave a lovely scent of freshness. Rinse it off well after this step and set it to dry.
Bamboo Cutting Board Is Easy To Maintain
Bamboo cutting boards need to be seasoned so that their water resistance is kept optimal and they stay in good shape. Seasoning stands for oiling the surface, monthly or biweekly, using food-grade mineral oil.
By increasing its resistance to water, you’re preventing higher moisture and the risk of cracks and warps in the board.
Bamboo cutting boards are easy to wash and require regular sanitization with products you already probably have in your kitchen like vinegar and lemon.
Indeed, bamboo cutting boards offer plenty of benefits, so seasoning them regularly prolongs their lifespan!
