The Truth About Cutting Boards

Not all cutting boards are made equal. In fact, there has been a long-standing debate in the food industry about what type of cutting board is the best to use- plastic, bamboo or wood? We happen to be slightly biased towards the latter but, in an effort to be fair, we took a closer look at each of these materials and what researchers have to say about them. 

It’s a common thought that plastic cutting boards are the most sanitary. However, studies have shown that plastic surfaces retain more bacteria than wood. As the plastic board becomes knife-scarred, it creates crevices that breed bacteria. While they are economic, they are not ideal for food prepping on a sanitary workspace.

Bamboo has rapidly become a top choice for the kitchen due to it's sustainable and renewable resource properties. But, what many don't know is that bamboo goes through an intense process of manipulation before it can be made into a cutting board. The bamboo fibers are flattened, compressed, and then finally glued with adhesives that contain toxic formaldehyde resins. Over time, the glue that holds these cutting boards together will begin to warp and can ultimately contaminate the foods being prepared. In addition, bamboo is harder than traditional wood, so it will dull your knives quite quickly. Bottom line- bamboo is a hard, durable surface for chopping but it isn’t worth risking the toxins that are locked inside. 

In contrast to both plastic and bamboo cutting boards, wood is self-healing and proven to have antibacterial properties. Because of this, wood is recognized as the best surface for cutting and chopping. For centuries, wooden cutting boards have been used to prepare food and etúHOME prides itself on producing the highest quality boards that are crafted the same way European artisans did long ago. Every cutting board we sell is handcrafted from wood that is reclaimed from European buildings that are slated for demolition. When you purchase an etúHOME board, you can be confident that no trees were harvested in their production. Our boards are a lifetime investment and to ensure that, we recommend hand-washing your boards with warm, soapy water and regularly applying food-grade mineral oil.

Start prepping your food on the best surface, purchase your own etúHOME piece now!