Mineral Oil for Culinary Cutting Boards and Wooden Utensils

In most kitchens you can find an array of cooking utensils including spatulas, spoons, strainers, cutting boards and eating utensils. Although many people don’t utilize wooden utensils, wooden cooking utensils are a great addition to any cook’s kitchen for its ability to withstand time and frequency of usage. Most wooden utensils like wooden cooking spoons and cutting boards are normally used without any prevention method to ensure that they can withstand the test of time and frequent use. Nonetheless, there is a great method to ensure that wooden cutting boards are protected from the use that may cause them to age.

Mineral oil is a great option to use when opting to protect wooden bamboo cutting boards from the excessive use that they undergo. Moreover, most people who utilize wooden cutting boards are not aware that constant usage of these materials will lead to cracks in the wood, thus ensuring the buildup of bacteria in the cracks. This is why it is pertinent to utilize mineral oil in order to seal the scratches before the wood begins to crack. Not only does mineral oil seal in cracked and damaged area of wooden cutting boards, but it also conditions and protects the wood from future damage.

The Sani Tuff rubber cutting board in the image to the right is made out of all rubber and can effectively prevent bacteria buildup because of it's ability to heal the cut marks. It is also very heavy rubber that stays in one place when you are chopping food and meat products. If there are too many scratch marks, the rubber cutting board can be sanded down with some fine grit sandpaper and brought back to life. Sani Tuff is what top notch restaurant chefs use for their cutting needs. Highly recommended cutting board to purchase if you do not want to get wood and bamboo.

Mineral oil for cutting boards is easily accessible and affordable and can be found in most drug stores and can even be purchased online. Mineral oil can range from three to ten dollars which is relatively cost effective. Please keep in mind that mineral oil for cutting boards must be food grade and food safe to prevent contamination of food after a cutting board has been oiled and utilized again. The healthiest cutting boards are the ones free of cracks to build bacteria buildup. The mineral oil should be warmed and gently rubbed onto the cutting board and allowed to penetrate for a few hours. After the oil has penetrated on the wood, it must be wiped off with a clean cloth.

A bit of elbow grease will help work that mineral oil into the wood of the cutting board. Use your hands along with a cotton or paper towel. Make sure the cloth or towel does not cling to the wood. Terry cloths are notorious for sticking to the wood when you rub mineral oil so avoid those.

1. First wash the cutting boards with soap and water and let them dry.
2. Use a towel to remove excess water.
3. Apply the mineral oil with a dry towel making sure the oil gets absorbed.
4. Leave the cutting board out to dry.

Make sure the mineral oil you are using is food safe, meaning you can consume the oil or it is edible.

In order to ensure that the mineral oil remains steadfast on the cutting board, proper maintenance and upkeep must be maintained. For instance, refraining from dishwashers is pertinent to prevent heat damage to the wood. Also it is important to reutilize mineral oil for wooden cutting boards every few months to maintain its longevity.

Wooden kitchen utensils including wood cutting boards are a great accessory to any kitchen; however, it is important to utilize food grade mineral oil to maintain the longevity of your cutting boards.