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Whether you’re trying to go green or update your kitchen, plenty of eco-friendly bamboo cutting board options are on the market. They’re durable, beautiful and a great replacement for plastic cutting boards.
Plus, they can be refinished to make them look new again! Just rub some food-grade mineral oil and a cloth onto the board.
It’s Sustainable
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that puts less stress on the natural world than wood. It’s also durable and highly renewable.
A downside to bamboo is its hardness; it can wear down knives faster than a wood board. It also contains the mineral silica that can break into “fuzzy” splinters that may end up in your food.
To avoid these problems, you must always hand wash your bamboo cutting board and dry it thoroughly after each use. It’s also important to sanitize your bamboo board periodically with white vinegar or rubbing alcohol before using it again. If your bamboo board shows signs of wear, it can be refinished by lightly sanding the surface with fine-grit sandpaper. This will make it look and feel like new.
It’s Biodegradable
Bamboo is a renewable and sustainable grass that can be harvested without pesticides or chemicals. This makes it a more environmentally friendly option than wood cutting boards that require chemical-laden soaps and harsh dishwasher detergents. Bamboo also restores itself within three to five years, unlike hardwood trees, which take longer and must be replanted after harvesting.
Many bamboo cutting boards are marketed as eco-friendly, but you must be cautious about their manufacturing process. Some manufacturers glue the bamboo planks with an adhesive containing formaldehyde and melamine, which can harm your health. Be sure to look for a bamboo board that is food-safe and made of organically sourced materials. After each use, you should sanitize your board and keep it well-oiled with food-grade mineral oil.
It’s Water Resistant
Bamboo is dense, non-porous and has a natural antibacterial agent called bamboo kun that kills or prevents over 70% of bacteria that try to grow on it. Conversely, plastic will host many bacteria and germs that can lead to contamination and food-borne illnesses.
Bamboo cutting boards also have great water resistance, which is essential for a cutting board. A wood or plastic cutting board that absorbs too much moisture can crack, warp and even rot.
To maintain a water-resistant bamboo cutting board, wipe it down with hot, soapy water and dry it immediately. It’s also important to keep it oiled regularly with mineral oil. This will keep the bamboo hydrated and protect it from the sun’s harsh UV rays.
It’s Cheaper
Bamboo is a fast-growing and renewable material. It also requires a different level of maintenance than wood-cutting boards. Additionally, bamboo can restore itself within 3 to 5 years, unlike trees.
However, like other kitchen workhorses, bamboo can become unsanitary if not properly cleaned and cared for. This can happen if the bamboo board absorbs bacteria and water from raw foods, so it’s important to use proper sanitation and cleaning techniques. Bamboo is also less durable than traditional wooden cutting boards because it has a high silica content, which can damage knives and cause them to wear down faster. It can also break down into “fuzzy splinters” that can be transferred to food and cause injury or illness.
It’s Durable
Bamboo is an incredibly durable material. It can withstand the pressure and force of all types of food preparation. It can also be sanitized quickly and effectively. It is also easy to grow and requires no harmful pesticides or fertilizers.
Despite being highly durable, bamboo cutting boards have their drawbacks. Because they are a type of grass, they tend to be porous with small crevices and grooves that can harbor bacteria over time. These pores can then transfer into the foods you cut, which is unhealthy for your health. Regularly seasoning your bamboo cutting board is important to prevent it from becoming unsanitary. This process can be time-consuming, but it is worth it to protect your knives and your food
