Purple heart wood is tough and compact which has a beautiful striking purplish hue initially which later turns into a darker purple brown shade.
It doesn’t easily decompose, cannot absorb water, and is impervious to insects. Though dense, it may make knife blades dull and work on this wood might be a challenge.
Because of this, special attention must be paid to preventing cracks, splitting, or other crack-related issues when using a purple heart wood cutting board to avoid damage.
Also, it should be noted that these items should be kept away from sources of harsh light. Doing so will help prevent them.
Understanding Purple Heart Wood Cutting Boards:
The properties of purpleheart wood suit it especially for such purposes as cutting boards and other kitchen utensils. Its high hardness and density helps resist knife marks and stand the abuse.
Wood contains some oil, that is why it acts as natural antimicrobials. However, these traits make it purplish and necessitate additional attention compared to other wood boards that have undergone processing.
Unique Characteristics of Purple Heart Wood:
The purple hard has unique colors because it contains high amounts of photogenic pigments. These pigments when exposed to light give the wood a bright purple or violet tone.
The russet browns fade over many years. Cutting boards should be stored in a way that limits exposure to bright light so as not to destroy the colorful purple hues.
Too hard wood:
Purple heart wood is also very hard and ranks among the hardest of woods across the globe.
It has a junk hardness rating of more than 2,500 lbf; denting and knifing marks cannot be evident on this solid wood floor. It is also dense which adds to durability and weather resistance.
Although this high density offers a great deal of strength to the wooden parts making up the purpleheart material, it is also relatively brittle compared to other types of wood.
Over time, this could include applying too much pressure or dropping the board and lead to cracks occurring or even fractures if they are sufficiently severe. Wood may also gain slight amounts of natural surface checking when it dries out.
Different types of the purple wood cutting board:
The various types of Purple Heart wood cutting board are often categorized based on their styles, mixed material compositions, and additional options. Here are a few examples:
Purple Heart and Maple Striped Cutting Board:
The striped patterns of the white hard maple are combined with elegant purple heart wooden.
Purple Heart and Walnut Cutting Board:
Such a cutting board is made of the mixture of Purple Heart, walnut, and at times, maple. It is known for contrasting colors and attractive designs.
Cheese Cutting Board made from Walnut, Purple Heart, Hard Maple, and Cherry:
They constitute the small-sized boards suitable for cheese and charcuterie, with combinations of various wood types, lending them distinct beauty.
Inlaid Purple Heart Cutting Boards:
The distinguishing features for some Purple Heart boards come in the form of inlays, which incorporate various wood strip designs that are mixed to come up with beautiful patterns.
Purple Heart Cutting Board with Silicone Feet:
The silicone feet are put at the bottom of the cutting for extra security and to avoid sliding.
Different colors of purple heart wood cutting:
The wood commonly referred to as Purple Heart is naturally purple in color and may appear in an array of shades ranging from dark violet to lavender.
The beauty of this particular coloration in combination with the strength of the wood ensures that this is one of the most desirable woods for making beautiful and distinctly different looking cutting boards.
On the other hand, Purple heart cutting boards present many colors of other woods when combined with others.
Take for instance, maple is a usually lighter and creamy color, which provides a stark and interesting pattern against it’s design of chequerboard or streaking.
Likewise, walnut’s dark brown creates a stark contrast that makes the deep purples stand out even further when mixed with Purple Heart.
Such cutting boards, especially Purple Heaters, can also come in more varied colors, such as Padauk and cherry. Padauk has a reddish orange appearance and cherry wood appears as red-brown.
Utilizing the same woods for a cutting board creates a stunning mixture of colors with the addition of Purple Heart.
Finally, the color of Purple Heart wood changes over time. The colored wood darkens with exposure to UV light which causes it to become more and brownish-purple.
The patina that occurs naturally on this cutting board is considered a desirable feature that enhances its appeal with age.
Different shape and size:
The purple heart wood is available in different patterns and sizes giving one ample options for purposeful use.
Rectangular Cutting Boards:
Rectangular shape is one of the most popular ones for cutting boards. Such can be in small forms like those of tiny cheese boards or even large ones like that of a small kitchen counter.
The size of a cutting board may range anywhere from fourteen inches by twelve inches and around three-quarters of an inch thick up to thirty five inches by twenty four inches and one and half inches in thickness.
Square Cutting Boards:
Some other items like square boards can also be seen and they are quite useful for some things. These are usually available in standard sizes such as 8”x8”, 12”x12”.
Round Cutting Boards:
It is possible to make round cutting boards that are used as serving or display boards, which are also known as platter out of this wood.
They can come in different sizes, however they’re generally made portable for convenience of serving.
Unique Shapes:
There are special shapes in some of “Purple Heart” cutting boards. For example, some boards would incorporate rounded rectangles in order to introduce style alongside aesthetics.
Why Special Care is Needed for Purple Heart Wood Cutting Boards:
While its hardness provides many benefits, purpleheart wood’s tight grain also presents some care challenges not found with softer woods.
Oils and moisture tend to sit on top of the wood rather than absorbing readily. Food particles, juices, and grime can more easily adhere and build up.
Without proper ongoing cleaning, purpleheart boards become prone to deep staining, discoloration, and bacterial contamination.
Grease and dirt trapped in the tough grain provide breeding grounds for microbes. The increased moisture then encourages warping, cracks, and deterioration.
Therefore, consistently cleaning and re-oiling purpleheart cutting boards plays a vital role in preserving their integrity and extending their lifespan.
Specialty mineral oils and gentle abrasives are needed to penetrate the tight wood grain for thorough cleaning.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Purple Heart Wood Cutting Boards:
Cleaning purpleheart cutting boards does not require extensive efforts, but it does demand using specific methods tailored to the wood’s density.
Having the right supplies and techniques makes the process quick and efficient.
Materials Needed for Cleaning
Gather the following recommended cleaning supplies before beginning:
- Soft sponge or cloth
- Stiff nylon bristle scrub brush
- Mineral oil (food-safe)
- Gentle cream abrasive cleanser
- Dish soap (unscented)
- Small container for oil application
- Clean towel
- Avoid abrasives that are too harsh like steel wool or wire brushes. Also skip vegetable and olive oils which can turn rancid.
Detailed Instructions on How to Clean the Board:
Set aside approximately 10-15 minutes for adequate cleaning. Work in a well-ventilated area and allow the board to dry completely before reusing.
Remove Loose Debris:
Gently brush or wipe away any food particles, juices or oils sitting loosely on the board’s surface. This lifts off any grit or grime before deeper cleaning.
Scrub With Abrasive Cleanser:
Apply a small amount of soft abrasive cleanser like Bon Ami onto the wet board. Use a firm brush or sponge to work the cleanser over the entire surface and into crevices. Scrub for 2-3 minutes.
The abrasion from the cleanser will lift stain residues from inside the wood grain without damaging the board. Rinse thoroughly after scrubbing.
Wash With Dish Soap:
Once abrasive scrubbing removes set-in oils and stains, wash the board with warm water and a small amount of dish soap to remove any lingering debris and cleanser.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing at this stage. Also rinse away all soap residues thoroughly.
Dry Completely:
Use a clean towel to dry the board. Allow to air dry for 30-60 minutes afterwards. Trapped moisture can damage tight-grained woods.
Re-oil With Mineral Oil:
Finally, apply a thin layer of food-safe mineral oil evenly across all surfaces of the board. Hard woods require extra protections against moisture loss.
Let the oil soak in for up to 24 hours before reusing; then buff away any excess oil with a clean cloth. The board is then ready for service again.
How to Deal with Stains and Odor:
As a dense, closed-grain hardwood, purpleheart resists stains and odors very well. However, prolonged use can still allow some absorption of juices, oils, and food particles into the wood.
Additionally, some strong foods like garlic and onions contain sulfur compounds that can leave lingering odors.
Here are some tips for cleaning and deodorizing purpleheart boards.
Common Sources of Stains and Odors
Some common culprits that can stain and smell up cutting boards include:
Foods with Strong Odors:
Garlic, onions, some spices, and ripe fruits release sulfur compounds and essential oils that not only have pungent aromas, but also get trapped in wood pores. Over time, this causes discoloration and makes the board smelly.
Pigmented Foods:
Beets, cherries, blueberries, pomegranate, and other colorful fruits and veggies contain pigments that can lightly stain the wood or leave visible residue.
Oils and Acidic Foods:
Olive oil, coconut oil, butter, lemon juice, tomatoes, wine vinegars can leave oil stains or react with wood components leading to discoloration or lighter spots. Prolonged contact accelerates this damage.
Meat and Fish Juices:
Raw meat, fish, and poultry exude blood, fats, proteins and other substances that can soak into a wood board and spoil, causing stains and unpleasant smells if left for too long.
Safe and Effective Cleaning Methods:
Here are some safe, simple, and proven ways to effectively clean and deodorize purpleheart cutting boards:
Daily Handwashing:
After each use, simply wash the board with hot water and mild dish soap using a soft brush or sponge to lift debris stuck in grooves. Avoid harsh scrubbing at angles that go against the grain. Let it air dry completely before stacking or storing to prevent warping.
Deep Cleaning with Salt or Baking Soda:
For periodic deep cleaning, sprinkle some coarse salt or baking soda onto the board and scrub with half a lemon. The abrasive crystals lift stains from pores while the citric acid freshens the wood. Rinse and dry thoroughly afterwards.
Deodorizing with Vinegar:
White vinegar kills lingering odors that regular washing fails to eliminate. Mix equal parts vinegar and water and wipe down the board. Let it sit briefly before a final rinse and drying. It balances pH levels and dissolves stuck-on gunk.
When to Replace Your Purpleheart Wood Cutting Board:
With proper care, a quality purpleheart cutting board can serve well for many years. However, all wood boards do deteriorate and require replacement at some point for safety and performance.
Signs That Your Board Needs Replacement:
Watch out for these visible signs that indicate your cutting board is no longer fit for service:
Deep Grooves and Furrows:
Thin remaining thickness between severely worn and widened cuts can harbor bacteria and make the board more prone to cracking and splintering.
Permanent Stains and Discoloration:
If the wood has become excessively discolored despite cleaning attempts, it means the material has degraded and can no longer be restored.
Visible Scratches and Gouges:
Deep scars and scratches make the surface uneven and difficult to clean properly. Bacteria can harbor in these abrasions and transfer to foods.
Warping and Cracking:
Excess drying causes wood boards to warp, split or crack. If unable to lay flat, a board can wobble during use and shouldn’t be used further.
FAQs:
Is purple Heart wood good for cutting boards?
Yes, purple heat is good for cutting boards.
Is purple Heart real wood?
Yes it is a really durable and hard piece of wood.
Conclusion:
The purple heart wood cutting board is not only necessary for cooking, but it also brings class and a dash of exotics into every kitchen interior. Purple in colour and remarkably hardy – this pouch can hold up for years under abuse.
Each board is a masterpiece in itself that features a special grain structure, thus transforming any kitchen into an individual art gallery. It guarantees food safety while prepping because of its strength and innate resistance to bacteria.
The Purple Heart Wood cutting board is a cost-effective option for consumers although it has a marginally higher price tag, it offers functionality, style and durability.
