What is the Best Oil for Wood Cutting Boards?
What is the best oil for wood cutting boards? If this is the question you’re asking, you’re in the right place!
Wood has been used for cutting board creation for centuries. And for good reason – it’s durable, beautiful, and easy to clean. But not all wood is created equal.
Hardwoods like acacia, maple, walnut, and cherry are ideal for cutting boards because they’re strong and dense. Softer woods like bamboo are more prone to damage and scarring.
When it comes to oiling your cutting board, the best option is food-grade mineral oil. This type of oil is odorless, colorless, and tasteless, so it won’t affect the flavor of your food. Plus, it’s easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
In this post, we cover why you should use food-safe mineral oil for wooden cutting boards. We’ll also teach you how to oil a butcher block cutting board and answer some of the most common questions about oiling wood.
Keep reading to learn all about cutting board care now.
Food Safe Mineral Oil for Wooden Cutting Boards
Food-safe mineral oil is the best oil for wood cutting boards. It’s odorless, colorless, and tasteless, so it won’t impact the flavor of your food. Plus, it’s easy to find and relatively inexpensive.
While some decide to use other oils like coconut or olive, we don’t recommend using these oils on cutting boards that will come into contact with food. Even though these oils are safe for human consumption, they tend to go bad and this can impact the durability of your cutting board.
This is why we recommend using food-safe mineral oil for wooden cutting boards.
How to Oil a Butcher Block Cutting Board
To oil a butcher block cutting board, start by cleaning it with warm water and dish soap. Then, dry it thoroughly with a clean, dry towel.
Next, pour a small amount of food-grade mineral oil onto the board and use a clean cloth to spread it evenly. Be sure to cover the entire surface, including the sides and edges.
Finally, allow the board to sit for at least an hour before using it. This will give the oil time to soak in and protect the wood.
If you’re using your cutting board regularly, we recommend oiling it once a month. However, if you don’t use it often, once every few months should suffice.
Loving this post? Make sure to read our other article about the best wood for cutting boards before you leave!
Oiling Wood Cutting Boards FAQ
What should I oil my cutting board with?
Food-safe mineral oil is the best oil for cutting boards. It’s also called liquid paraffin. While you’ll likely find this product under various other names and brands, keep in mind, that mineral oil is exactly what you need.
Can I use olive oil to treat my wood cutting board?
Keep your olive oil for cooking. While it will give your wood cutting board a nice shine, using cooking oil – including olive oil, coconut oil, and vegetable oil – is problematic because these tend to rot the wood.
What is the best oil to use on wooden chopping boards?
Mineral oil is by far the best wood to use for wooden chopping boards. This oil resists oxidation and is odorless, ensuring your board stays in excellent shape.
What do you use to seal a wooden cutting board?
Sealing wooden cutting boards requires monthly maintenance with oil. You’ll seal it monthly with mineral oil. However, you may also try using oils like tung or linseed oil to make the wood harder and seal it from the inside out. Mineral oil and walnut oil only focus on the surface of your wood cutting board.
So, What is the Best Oil for Wood Cutting Boards
Oil your wooden cutting board with food-grade mineral oil to keep it in excellent condition. Be sure to clean it first with warm water and dish soap, then dry it thoroughly before applying the oil.
Mineral oil is the best oil for wooden cutting boards. If possible, choose food-grade mineral oil as this will protect your board while giving you an excellent shine.
That’s all for now. Have any questions about cutting boards? Feel free to reach out!
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