Here are the best practices for taking care of your beautiful charcuterie boards
Should you Oil Your wooden food Board?
The aim of oiling your board is to penetrate the wood and saturate the wood fibers, in order to stop any other liquids or moisture (blood, bacteria) from soaking into the board. Also, a well-oiled board will keep its shape when the wood fibers are saturated, so it will not expand and shrink compared to a board that is left to completely dry, then exposed to water.
how to clean a charcuterie board
Wash your board with warm water and soap and scrub well. Being generous with the amount of water and scrubbing is more important than soap in flushing any food & bacteria off the board. After washing the cutting board, air dry immediately on a raised rack or standing on a towel to allow airflow on both sides.
Cleaning and Washing Do Nots:
Do Not put the wood boards in the dishwasher. The heat and water will warp and splinter the wood. Only plastic, composite, or glass boards can go into the dishwasher.
Do Not fully immerse or let the board stand in water. The wood will absorb water and potentially warp.
Do Not use Bleach. This will stain the wood and/or excessively dry the wood.
Do Not put a wet board lay flat to dry. If the board dries only on one side, the wood will warp.
How to Apply Oil to wooden Boards
Only apply oil to boards that are completely dry. Generously apply the oil directly onto the board especially if it’s a new board or if the wood is especially dry. I recommend using a clean cloth, a new paintbrush, or a sponge designed for this exact purpose. Let the oil soak into the board for as long as possible; I suggest at least a few hours or overnight if possible. If you are restoring or seasoning an old, dry, or new cutting board, you may wish to repeat this process two more times.
Keep Grazing,
Karen
Karen Ormsby is the founder and owner of Oakford Gourmet Selections. Karen is an Australian native who brings her diverse and educated palate to creating beautiful, artistic and delicious charcuterie boards and grazing platters. Located outside of Salt Lake City, Utah, Oakford Gourmet Selections provides charcuterie and grazing catering perfect for any sized events including girl's nights, weddings, receptions, engagements, parties, networking events and more.
