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TIPS AND ADVICE ON SEASONING A WOODEN CHOPPING BOARD

When you buy a wooden chopping board it is wise to get off to a good start by seasoning it before use.

If you give your chopping board regular proper care and attention it will serve you well for many years.

The seasoning or help to stop your board from absorbing bacteria and food odours. Treating the surface will help guard against germs at the growth of mold.

You will need to use an oil that can be applied repeatedly in order to fill the wood pores and prevent liquids, oils and food particles from seeping into the wood.

You should not use cooking oils, olive oils or vegetable oils as they will eventually create a stale smell.

There are however other oil options which are ideal chopping boards.

FOOD GRADE MINERAL OIL - A food grade mineral oil as it is cheap and effective and can be bought at any decent hardware store.

The mineral oil should be wiped into the surface of your chopping board and it will soon start to soak in. What the board stops absorbing oil you can wipe off the excess with a dry cloth. You do not need to worry about applying too much oil to your board - just make sure that you don’t apply too little.

BEESWAX - This can be added to mineral oil and walnut oil to give your chopping board a really tough finish. Beeswax is grateful waterproofing and sealing and will also protect your board from use and wear. The service will also become and smooth to the touch. Preparation involves putting a cupful of mineral oil and half a teaspoon full of beeswax in the microwave for about 45 seconds. It should be applied to your board while still warm and anything you don’t use should be thrown away. If you’re feeling really enthusiastic you can add a top coat of beeswax to your board to really at the professional touch. This helps to prevent bacteria and moisture from infiltrating the board. Finally it can be rubbed with a cloth until shining.

Buy beeswax for your chopping board at Amazon

COCONUT OIL - Food grade coconut oil or butter is also excellent for seasoning chopping boards and cutting boards. It is a very stable type of oil and will not give off the rancid smell which are generated if you use vegetable and cooking oils for seasoning a board. Coconut oil is high in saturated fats and will last more than two years before going off. It only needs to be stored in the fridge if you live in a very hot climate. Buy coconut oil at Amazon

WALNUT OIL - Walnut oil is also excellent for seasoning a wooden chopping or cutting board. It sets really hard after soaking into the board and conditions it beautifully. Just remember to be careful if anyone in your household has a nut allergy!

When treating your board the oil should be warmed slightly and applied with a clean, soft cloth. You should try to work the cloth in a direction of the grain and apply five or six coats the first time you season your board. After each treatment you should wait four or five hours hours before wiping off excess oil from the board. If your chopping board is subjected to regular and heavy use you should oiling it about once a month.

This is the oil the experts use for maintaining butchers blocks and chopping boards. It’s produced by Catskill Craftsmen Inc, a company that began operations in 1948 and has certainly stood the test of time, fitting the bill perfectly for all your wood care and preservation needs in the kitchen.

The best oil around for your chopping boards and butchers blocks

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Butchers Block Oil

Perfect for keeping your chopping board or butchers block in tip-top condition. Seals and Protects. Prevents drying or cracking. Food safe. 8 fluid oz.

£4.95