Beginner’s Guide: How to Start Using Your Wooden Chopping Board
Well done for buying your new wooden chopping board for your kitchen from OGGN Home! Before using the board for the first time, you must season the wooden board so that you can enjoy maximum use of your wooden board and its longevity will be highly enhanced. Now let us see the steps on how to season a wooden cutting board properly.
Step 1: Soap Rub Down
First, it is recommended that you clean this wooden cutting board with warm water and soap. Clean it well as the amount of water and mechanical action in scrubbing removes bacteria and food particles from the soap. However, normal water can also be used though warm water is recommended. For washing, it is advised that natural dish soap be used since cuttings and boards made from wood can be easily damaged by chemicals.
Important: Do not wash a wooden chopping board in the dishwasher it might end up spoiling the board. Washing it manually will help to keep it intact and last for a very long time.
Step 2: Clean Wipe Dry
In washing, the wooden chopping board should be wiped with a towel as soon as it is washed. Cleaning should be done effectively with no dampness on the surface it leaves behind as this causes the finish to warp or grows bacteria.
Step 3: Air Dry Vertically
You should let your wooden board air dry right by elevating it or by placing it in some kind of rack where fresh air can get to it. Allow the peeling to dry for at least 2 hours. It is for this reason that one should stand the chopping board vertically to avoid it warping. Do not put it in a dish rack sideways because this may force it to have excess bends. Placing the garment and allowing direct sunlight to the fruits dries it faster especially when placed by the window.
Recommended Read: Wood Vs. Plastic Chopping Boards: Which One Is Better?
Step 4: Oil Rub Down
It is also important to note that before starting this step the wooden chopping board should be very clean and dry. Rub the surface with soya, gingelly oil, sunflower oil or castor oil applying a large amount of them on the surface using a soft cloth or sponge. Both the inside and outside should be stripped and reapplied, including all the sides and handles.
Marinating the oil for the longest time one can afford, preferably overnight would be ideal. This step assists in feeding and preserving the grain and pattern of the wood also in a more profound manner.
Step 5: Vertical Soaking
Place the chopping board, with the flat side standing upright or leaning against a wall for better penetration of the oil. Leave it to settle overnight or for at least 3 hours. If the board feels oily or sticky, it should be wiped clean with another piece of clean cloth or paper towel.
Best Practices: Key Tips for a Durable Cutting Board
Avoid Soaking in Sink: Never wash the wooden chopping board with water and put it together with other dishes in the sink. It should be washed as soon as possible to avoid situations like rotting or bending of the hair.
Separate Boards for Meat and Vegetables: Ensure that you do not use the same board to chop raw meat and other veggies to minimize the spread of bacteria. Raw meat should be cleaned off the board each time to eliminate any juices that may have soaked into the board to avoid having bad odours.
Hand Wash Only: It is recommended that wooden chopping board should be washed by hand. Bending and other damages owe their existence to high temperatures and constant contact with water that comes from using a dishwasher.
By so doing, the wooden chopping board from OGGN Home will always be in good shape to assist you in your cooking by being the most reliable and long-lasting surface to use. That is all for the topic of seasoning wooden boards; now, you can appreciate the looks and practicality of your flavorful wooden creation!