5 Reasons to Use a Cutting Board in the Kitchen

Did you know that cutting boards date back to ancient Mesopotamia? The oldest record of them is a clay tablet that shows an adult male using a flat surface and a sharp instrument to cut something. Today, cutting boards are essential kitchen accessories, and every kitchen should have at least two.

Reasons to Use a Cutting Board

Many Material Options

Cutting boards can be made of many materials. However, the best and most durable one is hardwood. This is a broad category that includes maple, teak, walnut, beech, cherry and ash trees. They’re all some of the most durable hardwoods and can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. All of these different options mean that you have a choice in colour, design, style, thickness and much more. 

There are also 2 types of grain you can choose from, edge grain and end grain. The end grain cutting boards are made so you can cut in the same direction as the grain of the wood fibres. These cutting boards are more durable and easier to clean. The edge grain boards can dull your knife faster because you’ll cut opposite the wood fibres. However, this doesn’t mean that the board will get damaged faster. 

Another great option for your kitchen might be the flexible and practical cutting mat. This product is made of flexible plastic, and it can be the perfect cutting assistant. Once you’re done chopping on it, you can easily fold it and transfer the food into a bowl or a pan. They’re also very simple to clean, a splash of warm water and soap will do.

These mats often come in sets. Each set contains 3–4 or even more mats, and they’re all different colours. They’re colour-coded, so you can know which mat to use for fruits, which one is for veggies and which one is for meat, poultry and fish. Overall, these mats are a safe surface to work on. Plus, you can take them anywhere with you because they fold.

Durable and Versatile

Wooden cutting boards are very durable cutting options. They can withstand a lot of wear and tear without cracking, chipping, warping or expanding. However, you have to be careful how you handle them. It means they need proper care and maintenance. Although not as durable as wood, plastic cutting mats can also last quite some time with good care. 

Also, cutting boards are very versatile. You can find them in many shapes and sizes. This makes them suitable for many cooking needs – from chopping onions and carrots to dicing meat and filleting a fish. You can also use them as a serving platter and serve cheese, charcuterie or other appetizers.

Functional

Cutting boards, and especially plastic cutting mats, are gentle on the knives. If the cutting surface is softer, the knife it’s less likely to get dull over time. This means less maintenance and less sharpening. This is an important thing if you’re investing in a high-quality set of knives and you don’t want to compromise their longevity.

Another great thing about them is that wooden cutting boards have anti-bacterial properties. Wood has natural enzymes that will deal with harmful bacteria on their own. So, if you want a safer space to prepare food, for a wooden chopping board. A plastic cutting mat is also a good option because it’s very easy to clean and won’t allow the buildup of bacteria.

Aesthetics

Chopping boards aren’t just practical. They can also be a wonderful accessory in the kitchen. A nice finishing touch that decorates the countertop and completes the decor. With its light and creamy colour maple will give you a timeless appeal. A walnut cutting board can bring luxury and richness. The brown tones and darker streaks are the perfect combo. If you want to add some character and warmth, go with a cherry board. The reddish-brown tones will deepen over time and make it more stunning.

Customisation

Wood is highly customisable, and cutting boards aren’t an exception. You can have many things engraved, names, quotes, dates, and even recipes. You can add groves to catch the meat juices, holes to hang them on the wall or customise the handle length so you’ll be more comfortable using it.

How to Choose a Cutting Board

Quality

Quality should be your top priority. You don’t want to invest in a board that will crack or break after a few weeks. The kitchen cutting board shouldn’t damage your knife as well. It should be spacious and thick and give you a big working surface. Just like with anything else in life, invest as much as you can, and find a reliable supplier with high-quality products.

Convenience and Maintenance

There are two types of wooden boards to choose from: end grain and edge grain. End grans will let you cut along the wood’s fibres. They’re also known as butcher blocks. They’re also easier to clean and slightly more durable. Edge grain boards are cheaper, can dull knives and are more susceptible to water damage. But they’re less likely to warp and expand.

Style and Design

Besides the quality aspect of the boards, and the materials they’re made of, another important factor to consider is their style and design. The board’s aesthetics can significantly improve the kitchen’s interior. Plus, if it looks nice, you can use it as a serving platter when you have friends and family over for drinks.