Traditional hardwood cutting boards are a mainstay in the kitchen, whether it is a modern style or an older one handed down from one generation to the next. The kind of hardwood used for butcher block style cutting boards has been rock maple, a hardwood with the ability to withstand a lot of cutting with very sharp knives. The end pieces are often made into a cutting board that will last years because the wood cells move aside just a bit as the knife enters, then they move back. Rock maple chopping boards are water resistant and usually at least two inches in thickness because they tend to last longer then thinner boards.
Although rock maple is the preferred choice for hardwood cutting boards, other hardwoods are often used, some are native North American species others come from far away countries. These hardwoods include cherry, ash, birch, oak and mahogany for the native species. Exotic hardwoods used for cutting boards include ironwood, bamboo, yellow or purple heart or African paduak. Bamboo is often used as an individual cutting board for vegetables and fruit instead of meat. The main quality of a good hardwood cutting board involves how the grain of the wood lies when it is arranged. The end pieces have the best cutting surface so often cutting boards are made with end pieces that are fastened together with a food safe adhesive then sealed.
Professional chefs often prefer hardwood cutting boards which can be found in many different shapes, which include holes for holding or hanging and most of them have a groove for juice to drain so it does not impede the knife blade as the meat, fruit or vegetable is chopped or cut into precise sections when being prepared. A well made cutting board is invaluable to a good cook as they use it every day.
It is a good idea when considering a hand made hardwood cutting board to ask the woodworker or shop owner what type of wood is used and if there are any sealers or stains in it. If so, it might be better to purchase a board that is meant for cutting use instead of for decoration as some of the ones made from cheaper woods are.
One important item to think about when you have purchased your cutting board is the proper way to clean and care for it in order to make certain it lasts for years. A good quality, well kept and cared for hardwood cutting board, like a good well seasoned cast iron skillet is liable to last for years. Make certain you do not clean it in the dishwasher, instead wash it by had with mild soap and warm water then dry quickly. Do not leave it uncleaned after cutting meat, clean quickly so you will not be cross contaminating your cutting board with raw meat juices then vegetables or fruit.
After years of use, a cutting board will gain a patina or wear surface of it's own that adds to the charm and appeal of using it, much like a favorite piece of wooden furniture will. There are a lot of places to find hardwood cutting boards but the butcher block style of hardwood cutting board remains the standard against which others are measured.
