Wooden chopping boards are making a comeback to our kitchens. We’ve heard our grandmum’s chopping rhythms and watched the local butcher’s handy work during our childhood and they are also hard to miss if you’re a fan of the cooking shows. From butcher block cutting boards to sleek and light weight options, there are so many choices to choose from. Be it the buzz around you about this trend or the commitment you have towards your health and wellness, if you are wondering how to choose the best wooden chopping board. You’re in the right place.
When selecting a wooden chopping board, it’s really important to identify and understand the differences between the two major wood types: Hardwood and Softwood.
Hardwood:
Hardwood comes from deciduous trees that shed their leaves annually like- maple, walnut, cherry, oak, acacia, teak, mangowood etc., They are denser because of their tightly packed fibers-making it resistant to moisture and scratch. Because of this, they are also less porous. They are generally heavier and sturdier. They also have a darker colour and multiple grain patterns embedded within the boards. Most of them are plantation grown or reclaimed making it a sustainably sourced option. They are the best wooden vegetable chopping board material, because of their durability for daily activities.
Softwood:
Softwood comes from evergreen trees like- pine, cedar, fir etc., They are more open grained so they tend to be porous and absorbent. Because of their shorter lifespan and moisture retention characteristics. They dent, scratch much easier than hardwood. They are lighter and easier to move around, but less steady so they’re better for serving trays and decorative trays. They’re less stable than hardwood making them a less safer choice for day to day chopping boards.
Popular choices for Cutting Boards:
Acacia:
Acacia wood cutting boards are dense and richly grained hardwood. They are naturally water resistant and long lasting. And due to their nature they are very soft on the knives making them durable and lasting. A key feature of acacia wood chopper boards is that no two cutting boards are alike, due to the natural grain patterns. Unlike many other woods, it’s easy to sustainably source acacia. Home cooks who want an all rounder board, this is your ideal choice.
Mango:
Mango wood cutting boards are another sustainable alternative that's recently making waves in the modern kitchen. Sourced from old and mature mango trees that no longer bear fruit, this is one of the most eco friendly choices you can make. It’s lightweight yet sturdy for everyday cutting and serving. The beautiful golden hue is another stylish element you can add to your kitchen.
Maple- (Hard/ Sugar Maple)
Maplewood cutting boards are one of most sought after wood cutting boards in terms of its appeal and functionality.
It is tight and close grained making it a much safer choice. It’s known for its durability and gentleness on knives, even more than 200 strokes. It is the most used wood by professionals.
Walnut:
Black Walnut cutting boards are another chef’s favourite. They are known for its deep colours and luxury feel, it brings to the kitchen. They are slightly softer than maple and are much more expensive as well. If you prioritise luxury, walnut is your pick.
Cherry:
Cherry cutting boards have a very beautiful reddish hue and develop a beautiful bluish green tint over continuous use. They are much softer than walnut or maple and sometimes not an ideal choice for heavy chopping.
Teak:
Teak wooden cutting boards are slowly gaining traction in the food industry. It is predominantly used in furniture and is known to be moisture resistant. But it dulls knives faster than the above mentioned wood and is best recommended for outdoor kitchens.
Bamboo:
Bamboo is basically hardened grass that gives a wood-like feel. Bamboo wood chopping boards are usually marketed as a sustainable option, but then they are glued on heavily together and sometimes toxic substances like formaldehyde are used in the making process. If you’re looking for a low cost alternative, bamboo would be your go to. But is it a safe option? Definitely not!
If you are looking for a board that covers most of the kitchen tasks, go with Acacia wood cutting boards- they’re known for their durability, moisture resistant and long lasting. If you want a board that doubles as a serverware, opt for Mango wood cutting boards, they are lightweight, with a sustainable storyline and a nice aesthetic. But for a smart choice- try both. A proper kitchen has a primary heavy use chopping board like acacia and a secondary stylish option like mango, which can also be used for serving, charcuterie and cheese boards.
Here at Ireka Homes- we have the choicest wooden chopping boards. From chopping vegetables to serving cheese on a platter.We got you covered. Bring home a piece of us and let your kitchen tell nature’s story,