A butchers block is one of the most useful pieces of furniture for your kitchen that you can buy. If you have room, you may want a large buchers block that is freestanding. If not, you may choose a countertop model. Either will offer many advantages over traditional cutting boards.
The best butchers blocks are made of white maple. This is the perfect wood for either a cutting board or a butchers block. The maple is not going to dull the blade of your knife, nor will your knife damage the maple. In fact, the wood is so resilient that most butchers can work their entire career with only one block.
Since maple does not absorb liquids, it is resistant to bacteria. Juices from meats do not penetrate the wood to harbor germs. It is important that you keep your buchers block wiped clean of any liquids and after every use.
Butchers block work surfaces that have a urethane or varnish finish are only for decorative purposes. They will not stand up to cutting purposes. Instead, you want a butchers block that has been treated with mineral oil. Never use vegetable based oils to treat a butchers block.
Butchers blocks should be sanitized regularly. A solution of one tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water will provide all the sanitization that is needed. Always sanitize between meats and vegetables. Wipe the board dry after each use to prevent bacteria from being absorbed into the wood.
If your butchers block has started to show signs of wear, it can be resurfaced by sanding. Start with a course grit sandpaper to remove any deep cuts or gouges, and work your way to fine grit sandpaper that will restore the smoothness of to the surface of the butchers block. Wipe away any dust and re-oil the surface. - 32406
The best butchers blocks are made of white maple. This is the perfect wood for either a cutting board or a butchers block. The maple is not going to dull the blade of your knife, nor will your knife damage the maple. In fact, the wood is so resilient that most butchers can work their entire career with only one block.
Since maple does not absorb liquids, it is resistant to bacteria. Juices from meats do not penetrate the wood to harbor germs. It is important that you keep your buchers block wiped clean of any liquids and after every use.
Butchers block work surfaces that have a urethane or varnish finish are only for decorative purposes. They will not stand up to cutting purposes. Instead, you want a butchers block that has been treated with mineral oil. Never use vegetable based oils to treat a butchers block.
Butchers blocks should be sanitized regularly. A solution of one tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water will provide all the sanitization that is needed. Always sanitize between meats and vegetables. Wipe the board dry after each use to prevent bacteria from being absorbed into the wood.
If your butchers block has started to show signs of wear, it can be resurfaced by sanding. Start with a course grit sandpaper to remove any deep cuts or gouges, and work your way to fine grit sandpaper that will restore the smoothness of to the surface of the butchers block. Wipe away any dust and re-oil the surface. - 32406
About the Author:
The recent proliferation of high quality butchers block boards and proven sanitary benefits are encouraging people to buy butchers block for use in home kitchens. Artisan made Maple blocks, which make the best butcher block counter tops and cutting boards are preferred.
