One of the most useful pieces of kitchenware that you can buy is a butchers block. You may want to choose a large butchers block that is like a piece of furniture or you may prefer a smaller one that is more like a thick cutting board.
The best butchers blocks are made of white maple. This is the perfect wood for either a work surface or a butchers block. The maple is not going to dull the blade of your knife, nor will your knife damage the maple. In fact, the wood is so resilient that most butchers can work their entire lifetime with only one block.
The hardness of maple makes butchers block resistant to bacteria. The meat juices cannot penetrate the wood to form a breeding ground for germs. Just be sure that you keep your butchers block wiped clean.
If a butchers block is to be used as a cutting board, it should only have an oil finish. Other finishes will be damaged by your knife. The board should be re-oiled regularly, using only mineral oil. Mineral oil is available in the pharmacy or hardware store.
Butchers blocks should be sanitized regularly. A solution of one tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water will provide all the sanitization that is needed. Always sanitize between meats and vegetables. Wipe the board dry after each use to prevent bacteria from being absorbed into the wood.
Oil finished butchers blocks can be resurfaced by sanding. This should not be necessary until after several years of use. Most butchers blocks are thick enough that the small amount of thickness lost to sanding does not affect their use. After progressing to fine grain sandpaper, wipe away all the dust and re-oil the surface of the block. A buchers block should last a lifetime.
The best butchers blocks are made of white maple. This is the perfect wood for either a work surface or a butchers block. The maple is not going to dull the blade of your knife, nor will your knife damage the maple. In fact, the wood is so resilient that most butchers can work their entire lifetime with only one block.
The hardness of maple makes butchers block resistant to bacteria. The meat juices cannot penetrate the wood to form a breeding ground for germs. Just be sure that you keep your butchers block wiped clean.
If a butchers block is to be used as a cutting board, it should only have an oil finish. Other finishes will be damaged by your knife. The board should be re-oiled regularly, using only mineral oil. Mineral oil is available in the pharmacy or hardware store.
Butchers blocks should be sanitized regularly. A solution of one tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water will provide all the sanitization that is needed. Always sanitize between meats and vegetables. Wipe the board dry after each use to prevent bacteria from being absorbed into the wood.
Oil finished butchers blocks can be resurfaced by sanding. This should not be necessary until after several years of use. Most butchers blocks are thick enough that the small amount of thickness lost to sanding does not affect their use. After progressing to fine grain sandpaper, wipe away all the dust and re-oil the surface of the block. A buchers block should last a lifetime.
About the Author:
The recent proliferation of high quality butchers block boards and proven sanitary benefits are encouraging people to buy butchers block for use in home kitchens. Artisan made Maple blocks, which make the best butcher block counter tops and cutting boards are preferred.
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