If you want a piece of kitchenware that will protect both your countertops and your knives, consider investing in a butchers block. You will find large stationary butchers blocks as well as thick chopping boards that are glued in a butchers block pattern.
The best butchers blocks chopping boards are made of white maple. White maple is a closed grain wood that prevents absorption of any liquids that are left on the block's surface. Oak is an open grained wood and will absorb these liquids. White maple is not going to dull your knives and will resist nicks and cuts from them.
Since maple does not absorb liquids, it is resistant to bacteria. Juices from meats do not penetrate the wood to harbor germs. It is important that you keep your buchers block wiped clean of any liquids and after every use.
If you intend to use butchers block for cutting, it should only be treated with oil. Be sure that you only use mineral oil to treat the block. Vegetable based oils will turn rancid and make the block smell bad and give your food a bad taste.
Butchers blocks should be sanitized regularly. A solution of one tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water will provide all the sanitization that is needed. Always sanitize between meats and vegetables. Wipe the board dry after each use to prevent bacteria from being absorbed into the wood.
If your butchers block has started to show signs of wear, it can be resurfaced by sanding. Start with a course grit sandpaper to remove any deep cuts or gouges, and work your way to fine grit sandpaper that will restore the smoothness of to the surface of the butchers block. Wipe away any dust and re-oil the surface. - 30289
The best butchers blocks chopping boards are made of white maple. White maple is a closed grain wood that prevents absorption of any liquids that are left on the block's surface. Oak is an open grained wood and will absorb these liquids. White maple is not going to dull your knives and will resist nicks and cuts from them.
Since maple does not absorb liquids, it is resistant to bacteria. Juices from meats do not penetrate the wood to harbor germs. It is important that you keep your buchers block wiped clean of any liquids and after every use.
If you intend to use butchers block for cutting, it should only be treated with oil. Be sure that you only use mineral oil to treat the block. Vegetable based oils will turn rancid and make the block smell bad and give your food a bad taste.
Butchers blocks should be sanitized regularly. A solution of one tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water will provide all the sanitization that is needed. Always sanitize between meats and vegetables. Wipe the board dry after each use to prevent bacteria from being absorbed into the wood.
If your butchers block has started to show signs of wear, it can be resurfaced by sanding. Start with a course grit sandpaper to remove any deep cuts or gouges, and work your way to fine grit sandpaper that will restore the smoothness of to the surface of the butchers block. Wipe away any dust and re-oil the surface. - 30289
About the Author:
The recent proliferation of high quality butchers block boards and proven sanitary benefits are encouraging people to buy butchers block for use in home kitchens. Artisan made Maple blocks, which make the best butcher block counter tops and cutting boards are preferred.
