We use a cutting board in the kitchen every day – for cutting bread, vegetables, meat, and in the evening for serving small snacks. Additionally, a cutting board is no longer just for preparing food; it also meets decorative needs. Available in many colors and shapes, they are a practical decoration for the kitchen. Let’s look at the pros and cons of cutting boards made from different materials and decide if wooden cutting boards are the best choice for your kitchen.
Wooden cutting boards
This is definitely the type of board we most often have in the kitchen. Wood, being a natural material, has antimicrobial properties. This means that bacteria are drawn into the wood, where they cannot reproduce and spread. Importantly, wooden boards also require proper care. Wooden boards are durable and easy to find. Much depends on the type of wood used. The most durable are made from ebony and coconut, and the most popular are beech, oak, acacia, and ash. What is very important and appreciated by chefs is that wooden boards do not dull knives. A downside of wooden boards is that they absorb smells quickly, which can be annoying when cutting onions. Wooden boards make a beautiful gift, especially if we engrave a personalized dedication on them.
Plastic cutting boards
Plastic cutting boards are cheap and light. Unfortunately, over time they don’t look as good as they did when new. Contrary to what you might think, plastic cutting boards are made from a very hygienic material that doesn’t promote the growth of bacteria. Only when deep grooves appear on the board’s surface do bacteria start to grow in them. They don’t have natural protection against cuts. Plastic cutting boards are soft and don’t heal themselves. After long use, they absorb smells, and bacteria grow in the grooves. When using plastic boards, it’s a good idea to buy them in different colors. This way, you can use different boards for cutting different foods, which prevents bacteria from raw meat from spreading to other foods. Plastic boards come in many colors and sizes, so you can choose your favorite. Remember, when cutting on such a board, you create microplastics that you then eat!
Glass cutting boards
The biggest advantage of a glass cutting board is its resistance to bacteria. Glass boards do not absorb moisture or odors. They are very hygienic and can be washed in the dishwasher! They have become popular recently, as dishwashers have started appearing in kitchens. Additionally, they are a decoration for the kitchen because they are easy to keep clean. They don’t absorb smells, so glass boards are excellent for cutting meat, fish, onions, and garlic. Unfortunately, the hard material they are made from dulls knives faster. It is better not to use ceramic knives on them. Also, glass is very delicate, so you need to handle these boards carefully. They can break or chip.
Bamboo cutting boards