Using a chopping board that has been seasoned before use will make meal preparation easier. If you want to avoid food adhering to your cutting board, seasoning is simple and effective.
People’s most common mistake when utilizing knives and cutting boards is storing them in an overly damp kitchen. It is because storing your tools in water can cause rust and corrosion.
An easy approach to increasing the life of a cutting board is to season it. If you want to understand more about why you should season your cutting board, check out this article.
Why I Season My Cutting Board?
Cutting boards come in various materials, but wood is the finest choice. Seasoning your wood cutting board is critical to maintaining its hygienic properties.
It is important to season it to prevent mold, bacteria, and mildew from growing on a cutting board. It is possible for the wood on your cutting board to corrode, change color, and rust if you do not season it regularly.
Sanitizing and washing your cutting board in regular use are the only things that can prevent this from happening.
Moreover, the main two reasons to season a cutting board are to improve the flavor of the food you’ll be putting on it and protect your food from bacteria. The second benefit is that it will extend the board’s life.
Benefits of seasoning a cutting board
Seasoning a cutting board refers to the natural age process when you use it for the first time. Seasoning a cutting board has numerous advantages, including the following:
- It becomes easier to clean when a cutting board is seasoned since the seasoning diminishes the board’s propensity to absorb liquids.
- Seasoning a cutting board also helps prevent bacteria from forming and makes it less stinky.
Ways to season a cutting board
To begin, you must remove the board’s protective layer. After that, add olive oil and mineral oil in equal proportions. Now, rub it into the wood using the paper towel you prepared earlier. Then, using a different paper towel, wipe away the excess oil.
To properly season your cutting board, you have to rub it with mineral oil. It’s also good to let it dry for a few hours. To remove any residual oil, wipe it away with a paper towel.
Finally, leave the cutting board overnight to allow the oil to absorb into the surface and become a part of it. This process will discourage the growth of bacteria on the board and keep it free from contamination.
In addition, food and bacteria won’t be able to stick to the surface as easily. A least once a month is recommended for seasoning your board. It would help if you conditioned your cutting board when you plan to do a lot of cutting with it.
Compared to the substantial time commitment necessary for the drying process, the seasoning stage is relatively quick. You should oil and dry your wooden cutting boards at least once a week if you’re a dedicated cook.
How does seasoning a cutting board works?
A quality knife and cutting board can aid in preparing large quantities of food. However, if you use the same cutting board and knife for each meal, you will need to frequently purchase new knives and cutting boards.
Therefore, seasoning a cutting board prevents it from sticking by creating a barrier between it and the meal. It simply takes a few minutes to season the cutting board, but it will be well worth your time.
A seasoning cutting board will also last longer than a non-seasoning cutting board. A well-seasoned cutting board, in especially, can help to ensure safe food.
How to take care of your cutting board?
For proper care, avoid putting your cutting board in the dishwasher. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine two cups of water, two tablespoons coarse salt, and two tablespoons baking soda. Microwave it for one minute on high.
Now is the time to add the cutting board to the mixture. Remove your cutting board from the mix after 15 minutes and brush. Dry with a paper towel after thoroughly washing it.
Now is the time to coat the cutting board with olive oil. There is no need to worry about what you put on top of it. After that, you’ll be able to store it for future use.
Tips for maintaining your cutting board in pristine condition:
- Be careful not to damage the cutting board by using abrasive cleaning products or sponges. Also, avoid using bleach to clean it; instead, use mild soap and hot water.
- Avoid cutting anything that could affect or damage the structure of your cutting board, such as metal or glass.
How do you season a wooden cutting board?
To begin, wet the board in white vinegar or lemon juice and scrub it well. Sea salt is the last touch. Use a new dishcloth or paper towel to wipe down the surface.
After that, apply salt and vinegar to the shelf and let it sit for 15 minutes to soak. You will finish up with a spotless cutting board.
What oil can I use to season a cutting board?
Mineral oil is the optimal choice for seasoning your cutting board. Mineral oil is a great option for odorless and oxidation-resistant hardwood cutting boards. It’s best to look for mineral oil that’s food grade and USP-labeled.
How many coats of oil do you put on a cutting board?
To effectively “season” new wood surfaces, apply two coats of finish and allow at least an hour to pass between each coat’s soak in time. Three to four applications are recommended for surfaces with a thickness of at least 1.5 inches.
Final Verdict
A cutting board is a must-have in any kitchen, whether outside or at home. Seasoning a cutting board is another great way to get the most. Seasoning a cutting board is a quick and easy task before using it in the kitchen.
The wood of a cutting board becomes dull, and its surface shows wear after repeated use. In addition, the food you are making imparts its tint to the board.
Regardless of the reason, a cutting board needs to be re-seasoned. Therefore, seasoning a cutting board is a good idea before using it.