It's true that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover... When it comes to cutting boards, however, feel free to get downright discriminating, because there's a lot you can tell about a cutting board just by how it looks. Armed with little more than a modest cutting board education and a discerning eye, you can pick the best quality boards out of a lineup.
Hardwoods
Cutlery And More
It's roundly agreed that hardwood cutting boards are the best option for serious cooks (who tend to appreciate a sharp knife). Plantation teak, walnut, maple and cherry are not only the top performers where knife wear is concerned, they also happen to be the most beautiful materials available.
Hardwoods, unlike glass and other rigid materials have the ability to both stand up to rigorous slicings and dicings, but yield ever so slightly to let knife blades pass without unnecessary dulling. Think about it, stone countertops may look nice, but you don't see many granite butcher blocks. Cutting boards have to be both extremely sturdy and yet forgiving at the same time, to preserve your cutlery. Because let's face it, a knife with dull blade is just a flat piece of metal with a handle.
Another reason chefs prefer hardwood boards are their natural anti-microbial properties. Unlike plastic, wood cutting boards don't harbor bacteria in their grooves or knife marks, improving food safety. In fact, a study conducted by UC Davis concluded that wood cutting boards trapped bacteria and killed it rather than letting it reproduce.
End Grain
The way a cutting surface is constructed can be just as important as the material it's made from. And in keeping with this post's theme, construction is yet another area in which you can let your eyes guide you to quality. While beauty lies in eye of the beholder, I'm willing to bet that most beholders favor the look of an end grain board's checkered pattern... just do a quick Google search and you'll see what I'm talking about.
For centuries, end grain construction has been the hands-down favorite among chefs because it greatly limits the wear and tear on their sharp knife blades. Much like splitting the end grains of a log, each time your knife cuts across the checkerboard of end grain blocks, the fibers separate allowing the knife to pass through with minimal friction.
Add to that the beauty of exotic hardwoods like plantation teak, and you've got a stunning pattern of blocks that showcase the contrasting colors inside the wood. Since the end grain pattern shows a horizontal cross section of a tree, end grain boards show of the tree's rings.
Sustainability
Though there are few choices when it comes to sustainably harvested hardwoods, the most aesthetically pleasing is also the most readily available. Plantation teak offers the most sophisticated and contrasting grain patterns available. Likewise, these boards offer the legendary durability and long-life that teak is famous for.
Natural oils contained in the teak wood repel moisture, warping, cracking, etc. That's why teak has earned its reputation as one of the longest lasting wood around. FSC certified teak cutting boards are available, helping you feel good about your beautiful cutting board each time you use it.
Special Price!!! Chicago Cutlery Woodworks 14" by 20" Bamboo Board
Nov 06, 2011 23:23:20
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Chicago Cutlery Woodworks 14" by 20" Bamboo Board Feature
- Easy to clean
- Won't dull knives
- Slice, Dice, Chop, Prepare, and Serve
- Transport food from cutting to cooking
Chicago Cutlery Woodworks 14" by 20" Bamboo Board Overview
In keeping with its commitment to sustainable initiatives, the Chicago Cutlery® brand, one of the first names in cutlery, now offers a stylish line of two-toned bamboo cutting boards. An , renewable resource that regenerates without replanting, bamboo is the smart alternative to traditional woods used in these accessories. Bamboo, a perennial evergreen—technically a grass—is one of the world’s fastest growing woody plants, with an accelerated growth rate that can exceed three-feet a day. Harder and denser than most hardwood boards, bamboo withstands the sharpest knives. And the boards are so attractive, they’re ideal for serving cheeses, canapés and more. Chicago Cutlery Woodworks 14" by 20" Bamboo Board is constructed of 100% Bamboo. The reversible board reduces food contamination so you can use one side for meats and the other side for fruits and vegetables. This cutting board has multiple functions, it can: protect counters from sharp knives, be used as a serving board, and transport food from cutting to cooking. The Woodworks Bamboo Cutting Boards are easy to clean. Hand wash with soapy water. For tougher jobs sprinkle salt on 1/2 of a lemon and use as a scouring pad. Use food safe mineral oil or wood conditioning oil to seal and preserve the wood. For best results dry standing up overnight.SAVE NOW on the special offers below!
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