The Reason Some Woods Are Better Than Others in the Kitchen

Cutting boards play an essential role in the average kitchen, and by far, wood cutting boards are the most preferred type among all types of cutting boards. However, not all woods are created equal. While there are thousands of tree species in the world, only a select few are consistently used to make quality wood cutting boards like those sold at woodcuttingboards.com.

The most common woods used to make cutting boards include walnut, maple, cherry, bamboo and teak, but what makes these woods so popular?

Durability

To increase the durability of the wood cutting board, it is important that they be made from wood that is tight and hard. Wood cutting boards are almost always made from woods that are classified under the hardwood category. To put it simply, hardwoods have a significantly higher density, which makes them harder and more durable. When wood cutting boards are not made from hardwoods, it is too easy for scratches and cuts, from the use of sharp knives, to forge an uneven cutting surface that will have the capacity to allow bacteria and water to enter the board — creating a bio-hazard — and diminishing the aesthetic appeal of the board.

Toxicity

Because these boards are used to prepare food for consumption, wood toxicity is also a concern. Some forms of wood toxicity can manifest itself in a number of ways, including sensitization, irritation, and in severe cases, poisoning. While the average wood cutting board user will not be exposed to wood dust, exposure to the chemicals, resins and oils found in more exotic woods could lead to an issue with contamination. A good example of high toxicity would be the rosewood, which is a rich, dark brown timber that is coveted for its hardness and beauty; however, many people are extremely sensitive to the oils that this timber leaches. In truth, there are not many trees that are considered toxic after the finishing process, but the fact that some people are more sensitive than others must be considered by the manufacturers of wood cutting boards.

Environmental concerns

With the growing concerns surrounding the environment, there is an increasing vigilance that is focused on monitoring the destruction of the natural habitat, which can disrupt the natural ecosystem. Other environmental concerns include deforestation, economic rights, sustainability and more. Watch-dog organizations, such as the International Union of the Conservation of Nature, consistently publish lists that identify the different tree species that are in danger. The growing number of trees that continue to make this list significantly reduces the options when it comes to choosing the type of wood for making these wood cutting boards. When it comes to the quality, all of the boards made by wood cutting boards are made from renewable and sustainable materials and processes, as to minimize the disruption to the environment. These boards are immensely durable and aesthetically pleasing. It is important when you are considering the purchase of a wood cutting board, that you consider the impact that the manufacturing process has on the overall ecological system. You should definitely be careful when boards are made from woods that you do not recognize.