subject: Finding The Right Cutting Board [print this page] When you are choosing a cutting board, there are many things to consider. You may be concerned about cost. You may worry about how to clean your cutting board properly. You may wonder which cutting board will last longest. Here are a few things you should know before deciding which board is for you.
Glass boards are gorgeous to look at and definitely durable. They provide a fantastic way to protect your counter from the heat of pots and pans and are easy to sterilize. However, a glass board can be brutal on your knives, creating pits and grooves that can make your job cutting on them tough too.
Plastic boards are an excellent choice for those wanting variety, durability and ease of cleaning. Plastic boards come in a variety of color, hardness and thickness. They are also available in a number of different sizes. If you are going with plastic boards for all your cutting needs, color code them so that you know which board is used for what. Get a green board for your produce and bread, a brown board for your raw meat, seafood and poultry, and another for dairy products and cooked foods. This will ensure that you never have to worry about cross contamination of your foods.
The wooden board is considered to be the classic. It looks great, and can last a long time. However, it can be hard to keep clean and to care for. While bamboo boards are gaining in popularity, they are more expensive than many hardwood cutting boards.
No matter what kind of board you use it is important to always make certain to properly clean your boards and knives. This will prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and help you enjoy your food and home much more.
When sanitizing your boards, both plastic and glass which do not fit into your dishwasher, you can make up a sanitizing solution. Put a tablespoon of chlorine bleach which has no scent into a gallon of fresh water and then it into a spray bottle. First spray the solution liberally on the board and let it sit for a few minutes. Then rinse with clean water and let it air dry.
