CUTTING BOARD CARE
Care and Use of your Cutting Board
Below are some of the more frequently asked questions on the care and proper use of a cutting board to ensure a long life.
Your end grain cutting board will arrive oiled and waxed so you can use it right out of the box. You should, however, season your board a couple times during the first two weeks of having your board with Stags End cutting board oil. End grain cutting boards are more porous and can handle more oil than a typical wood edge-grain cutting board. There’s no such thing as too much oil, the wood won’t take on any more oil once it’s fully saturated. Just remember to wipe off the extra using a lint-free kitchen towel and to set your cutting board to dry on its edge to allow the air to flow evenly around the surfaces of the board. Stags End cutting board oil is food grade and safe for human consumption.
Your board is made of wood and the porous wood gets thirsty. Regular oiling is vital to the health and durability of your board. It prevents unwanted moisture where bacteria can thrive and protects your board from drying out which can lead to cracking.
It depends on how frequently you use your cutting board. If your are using it on a daily basis, you may want to oil it every couple weeks. If you’re only use it occasionally when you get inspired to cook, we suggest you oil it at least every 3 or 4 weeks or as soon as it looks dry. It is important that your cutting board retains its slick natural look like it was the first day you saw it. When in doubt, oil your board but only with food grade cutting board oil like the oil available from Stags End.
No…. No…. No, you can not. All vegetable-based oils contain various organic substances like olives, nuts, seeds, etc. and don’t provide all the needed nutrients for the wood. These types of oils are high in fat and once oxidized, will become rancid transferring an unpleasant smell into the wood. Oil specifically designed for treating cutting boards.
No! Do not put your Stags End cutting board (or any wood products) in the dishwasher. In addition, do not submerge your board in water or let it soak for any period of time. Doing so WILL DAMAGE your cutting boards construction or cause warping.
After each use, wash with a quality dishwashing detergent and warm water. Wet the surface, apply the detergent and wash. Rinse thoroughly. Do no leave hot water running over the surface for an extended period of time. Then use a solution of 1 tablespoon of Clorox to one quart of water which is sufficient to sanitize your cutting board. Spray this solution on your board, let it sit 5 minutes and then rinse. Or, you can mix a 1 : 1 ratio of vinegar and water. Spray on, let it sit for 5 minutes and then rinse.
Yes, in fact it’s recommended. Stags End cutting boards are designed to be double-sided and should be flipped occasionally to ensure that both sides are being worn evenly. If you added the rubber feet to your cutting board be sure not to cut the feet when preparing your food.
The best way to prevent warping is to hand wash your board and ensure that it is fully dry before storing it. Never wash your your cutting board in the dishwasher. Hand wash your cutting board with a mild dish soap and rinse well with hot water. Do not submerge the board in water or let it soak for any period of time. Doing so will damage the board construction or cause warping. As you wash your board, the wood will begin to soak up some of the water and could expand slightly. This is a totally normal process and the wood will naturally contract back to normal as it dries.
It is recommended to towel dry your board first and then allow it to air dry while standing on its edge for several hours or overnight. To ensure that your board dries evenly, set the board upright on its side (rotating sides occasionally) or place it in a drying rack so that all sides are equally exposed to the air. Do not set your board on its face to dry, or on a damp towel or drying pad, as the trapped moisture will damage and warp the board.
Do not use your Stags End cutting board in the oven or near a high heat source as this can weaken the joints and also cause warping.
Yes, however it is NOT RECOMMENDED. If you need to place a hot pan on the cutting board let the pan cool to at least 300 degrees before placing it on your cutting board. Let all meat rest a few minutes before you transfer it to your cutting board. Hot juices from oily meats in excess of 300 degrees can soak into the wood of your cutting board and could cause staining. Do not use your cutting board in the oven or near a high heat source as this can weaken the joints and cause warping.
No, just No! Serrated knives are designed like saws to tear through the crust of bread or meat. They will seriously scar any wood cutting board and, if cut deep enough, can cause the board to splinter. Always use a sharp, straight edge blade and you will be able to enjoy many years of use with your cutting board.
We would prefer you hang it as a show piece on the wall of your kitchen! (a couple spot lights would be a nice touch)
A more reasonable way to store your cutting board is on your countertop leaned against your backsplash or wall. This allows your board to fully air dry after each use which will prevent unwanted moisture that leads to bacteria growth. You could also store it in a cabinet or pantry space, once it is completely dry, as long as you store it standing it on its edge. Storing your cutting board laying down, in a flat position, could result in your board warping over time.
