Beginners Guide to Wood Charcuterie Boards

For centuries, wood has been the go-to material for cutting food due to its widespread availability and gentle nature on kitchen tools. Cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and serving trays come in various shapes, sizes, and materials such as plastic, glass, steel, and marble, all of which are simple to clean. However, unlike wooden cutting boards that preserve the sharpness of your knives, non-wooden chopping surfaces can easily damage your blades because of their hardness. Although wooden boards may show signs of wear, they possess the ability to self-repair, leaving no visible scars on the surface. Additionally, wooden charcuterie boards are often crafted from leftover furniture pieces, reducing waste and providing an elegant presentation for food items such as desserts, salads, wine, and meats. Therefore, investing in a proper wooden cutting board that doesn’t stain or discolor like plastic ones is essential for maintaining your kitchen’s aesthetic and functionality.

Not all woods are created equal when it comes to cutting boards. Choosing the right type of wood is crucial for maintaining your culinary tools and keeping your kitchen hygienic. While both softwoods and hardwoods have their uses, hardwoods are generally preferred for cooking due to their durability and resistance to scratches, dents, and mold.

Hardwoods such as maple, walnut, cherry, beech, and ash are excellent choices for cutting boards because of their tight grain structure and antibacterial properties. Beech, in particular, strikes the perfect balance of hardness, preventing it from dulling your knives while still being affordable compared to other hardwoods.

Woodworking creates a significant amount of scrap wood, which is often too small for large projects like furniture but perfect for making cutting boards, charcuterie boards, and serving trays. End grain cutting boards involve arranging the ends of wood pieces together, requiring a specific type of adhesive. This method not only enhances the natural beauty of the wood but also increases its resistance to cuts and warping. While end-grain boards are pricier, they remain popular due to their unique designs.

In contrast, edge grain chopping boards, where the wood is cut lengthwise, are more economical and common in kitchens because of their simpler construction. Proper care ensures that both types of boards can serve you well for years.

Have you noticed the trend of custom butterfly joints in woodworking? These joints, also known as bow ties, dovetail keys, or Dutchman joints, are not just for aesthetics; they also strengthen and stabilize wooden structures, preventing splits and damage in items like picture frames, doors, and tables. Nowadays, these joints are gaining popularity in the woodworking community, available both locally and online. Custom wood cutting boards featuring these joints are becoming increasingly sought-after for their uniqueness and charm.

Wooden cutting boards are durable and long-lasting with proper care. Despite their tendency to crack and warp, they can last a lifetime if maintained correctly.

Avoid placing your cutting board in the dishwasher, as the heat and water can cause warping and splitting. Instead, wash it with mild dish soap and warm water, scrubbing gently. Bleach should be avoided as it can discolor and dry out the wood. The amount of water and scrubbing is more important than the soap itself for removing bacteria from the surface.

After washing, dry the board thoroughly with a towel and avoid soaking it in water. Let it air-dry standing up on both sides. For stubborn stains or odors, apply vinegar or lemon juice to neutralize organic residues.

Maintenance of wooden cutting boards involves regular oiling. To keep your board in top condition, treat it with mineral oil a few times a year. However, avoid using regular mineral oil intended for machinery, as it's not safe for food contact.

Specialized cutting board oil penetrates the wood fibers, sealing them against moisture and liquid absorption. Use a cloth or a new paintbrush to apply the oil, rather than your hands, to prevent splinters. Be cautious—natural oils like vegetable or olive oil should never be used as they can spoil and cause unpleasant odors.

Many warped cutting boards result from improper maintenance. Charcuterie boards, cutting boards, and serving trays make fantastic gifts for loved ones. As the holidays approach and shipping delays persist, consider purchasing a locally crafted wooden board to share delicious meals with those you care about.

^{(1) (2) (3) (4)} Elliot Bell, "How To Choose the Best for Your Cutting Board," Misen, August 04, 2019, misen.com/blogs/news/best-wood-for-your-cutting-board
^{(5) (6)} "Butterfly Joint," Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia, 13 February 2021, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butterfly_joint
^{(7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14)} "How to Oil and Maintain a Cutting Board," CuttingBoard.Com, www.cuttingboard.com/how-to-oil-and-maintain-a-cutting-board/