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Can You Use Cherry Wood for Cutting Boards?

Are you tired of boring cutting boards? When choosing the material for your cutting board, consider, safety, hygiene, and longevity. So can you use cherry wood for cutting boards? The answer is yes, it’s a good wood choice. It is a popular option among woodworkers and home cooks is cherry wood. Here I will show pros, cons, and considerations when using cherry wood cutting boards.

Key Takeaways

  • Durability: Cherry wood is durable, resistant to scratches, and ages beautifully with proper care.
  • Knife-Friendly: Softer than harder woods, it’s gentle on knife edges while still providing a sturdy surface.
  • Aesthetics: Warm, reddish-brown color with a grain that resists warping and cracking.
  • Food Safety: Safe and hygienic when treated with food-safe oil or wax.
  • Maintenance: Requires regular oiling and prompt cleaning to prevent staining and cracking.
  • Cost: More expensive than maple or walnut, but eco-friendly when sustainably sourced.

Understanding Cherry Wood

cherry cutting board half log

Cherry wood is a type of hardwood that comes from the cherry tree. It’s used in furniture, cabinetry, and other woodworking projects. Tis is due to its attractive appearance and durability. When it comes to cutting boards, there are a few key characteristics of cherry wood to keep in mind:

  • Hardness: Cherry wood has a Janka hardness rating of 950 lbf, which puts it in the middle range of hardwoods. It’s not as hard as maple or beech wood, but it’s still durable enough to withstand regular use in the kitchen.
  • Grain Pattern: Cherry wood has a tight, straight grain, which makes it less prone to warping and cracking than some other woods. This also means that it’s less likely to absorb liquids and bacteria than more porous woods.
  • Color and Aesthetics: One of the most appealing aspects of cherry wood is its warm, reddish-brown color. Over time, cherry wood develops a rich patina that adds depth and character to the wood.
  • Durability: While not as hard as some other hardwoods, cherry wood is durable and resistant to scratching and denting. With proper care and maintenance, a cherry wood cutting board can last for many years.

The Pros of Using Cherry Wood for Cutting Boards

There are several advantages to using cherry wood for your cutting board:

Aesthetic Appeal

As mentioned earlier, cherry wood has a beautiful, warm color that can add a touch of elegance to any kitchen. The wood’s natural grain patterns and the way it ages over time can make for a truly stunning cutting board.

Relative Hardness

While not as hard as some other woods like maple, cherry wood is still hard enough to be durable and withstand regular use. At the same time, it’s slightly softer than harder woods, which means it’s gentler on your knives. This can help prolong the life of your knife edges while still providing a sturdy surface for cutting.

Durability

With proper care and maintenance, a cherry wood cutting board can last for many years. It’s resistant to scratching and denting, and the tight grain helps prevent warping and cracking over time.

Food Safety

When finished with a food-safe oil or wax, cherry wood is a safe and hygienic surface for preparing food. It’s non-toxic and won’t leach any harmful chemicals into your food.

Sustainability

Cherry wood is a renewable resource. Many cherry wood products are made from sustainably harvested trees. This makes it an eco-friendly choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

The Cons of Using Cherry Wood for Cutting Boards

cherry cutting board with cookie doe

There are many benefits to using cherry wood for cutting boards. But there are also a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind:

  1. Porosity: Although cherry wood has a tight grain, it’s still more porous than some other woods like maple. This means that it can absorb liquids and bacteria if not properly maintained. Regular oiling and cleaning keep a cherry wood cutting board hygienic and in good condition.
  2. Cost: Cherry wood is generally more expensive than other woods commonly used for cutting boards, such as maple or walnut. This can make it a less budget-friendly option for some consumers.
  3. Maintenance: To keep a cherry wood cutting board looking and performing its best, it requires regular maintenance. This includes oiling the board to prevent drying and cracking. Also avoid harsh cleaners that can damage the wood.
  4. Potential for Staining: Cherry wood can be prone to staining, especially from colorful foods like berries or beets. Prompt cleaning can help minimize staining, but it’s still something to be aware of.
  5. Potential for Scratches: While cherry wood is durable. But it can still scratch and show knife marks over time. Yet, these scratches often blend in with the wood’s natural grain and can add to the board’s character.

Considerations When Using Cherry Wood Cutting Boards

If you do decide to use a cherry wood cutting board, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

Food Safety and Finishing

It’s crucial to choose a cutting board that has been finished with a food-safe oil or wax. Some common options include mineral oil, beeswax, or a combination of the two. Avoid boards finished with varnishes or other potentially toxic substances that could leach into your food.

Care and Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are essential to keep your cherry wood cutting board in top condition. Here are some tips:

  • Cleaning: Wash your board with warm, soapy water after each use. Avoid soaking the board or putting it in the dishwasher, as this can cause the wood to warp or crack. Instead, wipe it down with a damp cloth and dry it thoroughly.
  • Oiling: Regular oiling helps keep the wood from drying out and cracking. Apply a food-safe oil (such as mineral oil) to the board once a month, or more often if it seems dry. Let the oil soak in for a few hours, then wipe off any excess.
  • Storage: Store your board in a dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Avoid storing it flat, as this can cause warping. Instead, store it vertically or on a drying rack.

End Grain vs. Edge Grain

cherry cutting board

When shopping for a cherry wood cutting board, you may come across the terms “end grain” and “edge grain”. Here’s what they mean:

End Grain

These boards are made by cutting the wood across the growth rings. That way the ends of the fibers are exposed on the surface. End grain boards are often considered the best option for knife edges. The fibers are less likely to dull the blade over time. They’re also more resistant to warping and cracking.

Edge Grain

These boards are made by cutting the wood along the growth rings. This allows the long edges of the fibers to be exposed on the surface. Edge grain boards are less expensive than end grain boards. They’re also less durable and more prone to warping and cracking.

Proper Cutting Techniques

To prolong the life of your cherry wood cutting board (and your knives), it’s important to use proper cutting techniques:

  • Use a sharp knife: A dull knife requires more force to cut through food, which can cause more damage to the board.
  • Use a gentle touch: Avoid chopping or hacking at the board, as this can cause unnecessary wear and tear.
  • Don’t slide your knife across the board: This can dull the blade and cause scratches on the surface of the board.

Addressing Potential Problems

two cherry cutting board

Even with proper care and maintenance, your cherry wood cutting board may develop some issues over time. Here are some common problems and how to address them:

  • Stains: If your board develops stains, try rubbing the area with a mixture of salt and lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse and dry the board thoroughly.
  • Cracks: Small cracks can often be repaired with food-safe wood glue. Apply the glue to the crack, clamp the board together, and let it dry completely before using it again.
  • Mold: If your board develops mold or a musty smell, it’s time for a deep clean. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water, then scrub the board thoroughly. Rinse it well and dry it completely before oiling it.

Alternatives to Cherry Wood for Cutting Boards

Cherry wood can make a beautiful and functional cutting board. But it’s not the only option out there. Here are a few other woods commonly used for cutting boards, along with their pros and cons:

Maple

Maple is often considered the gold standard for cutting boards. It’s a hard, dense wood that’s resistant to scratches and moisture. It’s also less porous than some other woods, which makes it more hygienic. Yet, maple can be more expensive than other options, and its light color may not be as visually appealing to some.

Walnut

Walnut is another popular choice for cutting boards. It has a rich, dark color that can add warmth and sophistication to your kitchen. Walnut is also relatively hard and durable, although not quite as much as maple. One potential downside is that walnut is a softer wood than maple. It means it may show knife marks more easily.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a sustainable and eco-friendly option for cutting boards. It’s hard, dense, and resistant to moisture and bacteria. But, bamboo is also harder than most hardwoods, which means it can dull your knives more quickly. It’s also prone to splintering over time.

Teak

Teak is a tropical hardwood that’s known for its durability and resistance to moisture. It’s a good choice for outdoor use or for boards that will be exposed to a lot of water (such as in a busy kitchen). Yet, teak is also one of the most expensive options for cutting boards, and it can be harder to find than other woods.

Plastic/Composite

While not as attractive as wood, plastic or composite cutting boards can be a practical choice for some kitchens. They’re lightweight, easy to clean, and relatively inexpensive. They’re also more prone to scratching and staining than wood. Another drawback is they don’t have the same visual appeal.

Conclusion

So, can you use cherry wood for cutting boards? The answer is yes, with the right understanding and care. Cherry wood is a beautiful and functional option that can add warmth and character to your kitchen. It’s hard and durable, and it’s gentle on knife edges. But, it does need regular maintenance to keep it in top condition. Also it may not be the most budget-friendly option.

When choosing a cutting board, it’s important to consider your own needs and preferences. Think about factors like durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and budget. You can choose cherry wood, maple, walnut, or another material. The key is to choose a high-quality board that will meet your needs and last for years to come.

Ready to add a cherry wood cutting board to your kitchen? Do your research, consider your options, and choose the board that’s right for you.

Sources

Wikipedia

Leeknives.com

KJP Select Hardwoods

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