How to Cure a New Cutting Board
Wooden cutting boards are attractive and functional. They are also more sanitary than plastic boards, according to Dean O. Cliver, a University of California professor. To keep your wooden cutting board looking and performing its best, you will need to cure it before first use, and on occasion afterwards. A properly seasoned wooden cutting board will resist bacteria and food rancidity. It can also become one of your family's most treasured kitchen items. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Dish soap
- Vinegar
- Mineral, coconut, tung or almond oil, or beeswax
- Saucepan or microwave safe dish
- Dishrag or kitchen towel
Instructions
-
-
1
Clean your board. Using dish soap, wash the board in hot, soapy water. Set it aside to dry. The top surface should be quite dry before proceeding to the next step.
-
2
Choose an oil. Season your cutting board with a food-grade (humans can ingest it with no harm) oil, but avoid cooking or vegetable oils, which can turn rancid. Good choices include mineral oil, tung oil, beeswax, almond oil and coconut oil.
-
-
3
Warm the oil. Pour some oil into a saucepan and heat gently at a low temperature until it is warm, not hot. You may also do this in a glass dish in the microwave, but check carefully that it does not overheat.
-
4
Apply the oil. Using a clean dishrag or towel, rub the oil onto the cutting board, in the direction of the grain. Let the oil sit for a few hours.
-
5
Remove excess oil. With a new clean cloth, wipe away any excess oil.
-
6
Repeat the process. For best results, repeat Steps 1 through 5 two or three more times.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
You can find tung oil and beeswax at your local hardware store. Mineral, almond, and coconut oils are available at many grocery stores.
Even seasoned wooden cutting boards need maintenance. Clean after every use with soap and water, or by spraying with vinegar. Re-season periodically with oil, using the steps above.
Do not let water or other liquids stand on the board; this encourages bacterial growth. Always keep the board dry when not in use.
Composite wood cutting boards---those composed of layers of pressed wood glued together---should not be seasoned in this manner. They will not absorb the oil.
