Redwood cutting boards are one kind of cutting board that can be made from redwood lumber. The redwood is very strong, resistant and moisture proof wood.
Such cutting boards are preferred because of their beautiful appearance, natural color variances and less tendency to crack warps.
They make good additions in any kitchen, usually cut and chopped with fruits, vegetables, and other ingredients. When buying from sustainable sources of redwood is important due to the fact that redwood is a protected species.
Benefits of Redwood Cutting Boards:
Using a redwood cutting board has numerous benefits for you. Redwood is hard wood, thus redwood cutting boards have longevity capability.
They are resilient, durable, and do not crack or split under normal use. Redwood also has antimicrobial qualities hence making it superior compared to plastic and glass cutting boards.
Finally, redwood cutting boards add beauty to your kitchen as they have rich red color and beautiful grain patterns.
Types of Redwood Used for Cutting Boards:
Redwood Varieties:
Redwood cutting boards are typically made from two main varieties of redwood: Coast redwood (Sequoia Sempervirens) and Giant sequoia (Sequoidendron Giganteum).
Coastal Redwood is paler in color with straight lines for grains, on the other hand, Giant Sequoia is darker in color with more pronounced grains lines. These two types of redwood are very hard and compatible for cutting boards building.
Sustainably Sourced Redwood:
However, only redwood cutting boards derived from sustainable wood should be chosen.
Always seek for accreditations like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) or SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative), since they should be harvested sustainably and without leading to depletion of forests.
Different sizes and shapes of redwood cutting boards:
Standard Sizes:
Redwood cutting boards are available in various sizes. Standard sizes are small (12 x 8 inches), medium (16 x 12 inches), and large (20 x 14 inches).
These sizes are suitable for a daily, everyday cutting and food preparation.
On the other hand, there is also an option of custom sizes depending on one’s cutting board dimension needs.
Custom Sizes:
Many wood artists and woodworkers can make a redwood cutting board according to your tastes and needs. Whether you have to get around cutting boards or big wooden boards for entertainment purposes ,
you could be sure that there would be some handyman out there who would be willing to create a specific redwood cutting board for you.
Colors and Finishes of Redwood Cutting Boards:
Natural Redwood Color:
Redwood comes with different shades ranging from pale pink to a very dark red depending on the particular type of redwood as well as the age of the wood.
Warm tones and rich hue characterizes redwood cutting boards and shows the natural beauty of this tree. Due to this, redwood cutting board can age, creating character markings that add beauty to it with time.
Stained Redwood:
Therefore, some redwood cutting boards are dyed in order to modify or improve their original color.
The stains could vary from honey to mahogany, making it possible for you to find the appropriate shade based on your interiors.
Cutting boards made out of stained redwood may still bear signs of nature’s artistry, but are also unique.
Oiled Redwood:
Oiling is another common finisher for redwood cutleries. The surface of the plank is fed with food grade oils like mineral or beeswax hence it enhances the natural shade.
Secondly, oiling adds protection against moisture that may make the wood dry out and crack.
Care and Maintenance of Redwood Cutting Boards:
Proper care and maintenance is important to ensure that you have a durable and beautiful redwood cutting board for long. Follow these guidelines to keep your cutting board in optimal condition:
Cleaning and Sanitizing:
Following every use, wash you redwood cutting board using warm soap and water. Gently scrub off any food remnants using a soft sponge or cloth.
Do not let the board soak up water and never dip it into water because this will result in warping of the wood.
wash the board well and wipe it using a dry and clean towel. You may apply a solution of vinegar and water or food safe disinfectant spray to clean the board.
Oiling and Seasoning:
Frequent oil application ensures the wood is well-moistened as well as protected. Use a clean cloth/paper-towel soaked in food-grade mineral oil or beeswax to apply it on the board’s surface.
Let the oil soak into the wood for some hours or even overnight before wiping away any surplus oil.
It is possible to repeat this procedure every couple of months or when necessary in order to ensure that the gloss of the board does not vanish with time.
Best way to use redwood cutting board:
when using a good olive wood cutting board, observe these rules.
Use a non-abrasive cleaner:
Use non-abrasive cleaner, especially made for cleaning cutting boards for better cleansing of the board if required. Do not use bleach or any harsh chemicals that can deteriorate the wood.
Use one side for cutting:
Consider reserving one side as a cutting surface while the other is designated as a serving or display area so as to increase the durability life of the olive wood cutting board. This prevents over-cutting and thereby, damage to board.
Avoid acidic foods:
For example, olive wood should not be used to cut or prepare such acidic foods as citrus fruits or tomatoes. The acid may rot the wood and turn it brown.
Use the right tools:
Ensure you use a sharp knife and plastic chopping board to help prevent scratches on your Olive wood chopping board.
Sand and refinish:
When your olive wood cutting board develops unsightly marks such as scratches, or when it begins to dull in appearance, then lightly sand it, and re-apply a food-safe oil or wax in order to restore its good looks, and continue protecting it from damage.
With proper handling and adherence to these tips, an olive wood cutting board will serve you for a long time retaining its natural charm.
Redwood Cutting Boards vs. Other Wood Types:
Redwood vs. Maple Cutting Boards:
Chefs and home cooks prefer both redwood and maple cutting boards. Maple cutting board gives hardness and ability to withstand cut marks while redwood gives natural beauty and durability.
Redwood cutting boards are softer than knife blades allowing one not to keep sharpening them often.
However, the maple cutting boards could demand additional routine care in order to remain effective. In essence, it is a question of taste or depending on what one wants to achieve.
Redwood vs. Walnut Cutting Boards
Walnut cut boards are admired because of their natural dark colour and contrasting grain lines.
Walnuts are durable woods similar to red-wood, which can be used even when severely abused. Nonetheless, walnut cutting boards could be prone to knife marks or scratches unlike redwood.
Redwood and walnut cutting boards present different looks but make great tools for both home cooks and chefs.
Redwood vs.Cherry cutting board:
Redwood and cherry cutting boards are all distinct, each with its own special properties and merits.
Redwood cutting boards have become popular as they possess strong durability and natural ability to resist moisture and insects.
On the contrary, cherry cutting boards are highly valued because of their unique dark-brown color and natural feeling. Moreover, they are tough and boast of fine grain.
Redwood vs.olive wood cutting board:
Both types of cutting boards such as redwood and olive wood have their individual benefits.
They are known for their strength, lack of water absorption ability, and beautiful red color associated with redwood cutting boards.
However, people prefer cutting boards made of olive wood cutting board due to the special beauty of its ring and its inherent antibacterial qualities.
Selecting the Appropriate Redwood Cutting Board for You.
Home Cooks and Professional Chefs:
These are ideal chopping boards for home cooks as well as professionals. Redwood’s durability and beauty make it a common piece in every home cook daily activities.
Also, there are some specially made redwood cutting boards which offer professional chefs much wider surfaces and sturdier material requirements in comparison with a regular kitchen.
Cutting Board Thickness:
In the selection of a redwood cutting board, think of the width of the board. Boards of about 1 and a half to 2 inches thick provide more support and are not susceptible to warping later.
Lighter boards which measure at about one inch in thickness need greater attention since they have a tendency of warping.
FAQs:
What is the verdict regarding Redwood Cutting Boards and hot foods?
The redwood cutting board is not meant to put hot pot and pan directly into it. High temperatures may affect the wood by discoloration or warping.
When you set food that is hot on it, ensure that you use a hot pad or trivet to be safe and protect your redwood cutting board.
How long do olive wood boards last?
These redwood cutting boards require careful and constant maintenance if they are to stand the test of time.
Prolonging the life of a cutting board involves regular oiling, cleaning and keeping it away from excess moisture.
Nonetheless, a board will eventually suffer knife-marks or look worn out, like all other slicing boards would.
Why is my cutting board cracking?
The most likely cause of cracking cutting boards is repeated soaking and drying. Wood absorbs moisture, enlarges and desiccates shrink.
This leads to splitting of the wooden part of a cutting board over time. Cracking may also result from exposure to extreme heat that suddenly makes the wood expand or contract too fast.
Dried properly, avoid storing your cutting board at the doorstep or other humid places that can lead to cracking of the wood.
Also, it is important to use mineral oil or a food-grade conditioner on your cutting board in order to keep it moist.
Conclusion:
The redwood board offers natural appeal, endurance and functionality in one package. Redwood cutting boards have characteristic grain patterns and beautiful hues that make them stand out in any kitchen.
Having a perfect culinary experience regardless of whether you are a professional or amateur cook can be helped by choosing a redwood cutting board. Choose a redwood cutting based on its size, shape, color and ease of maintenance..
