Butcher Blocks, Chop Blocks, and Cutting Boards

Edge-Grain Construction
Each lamination that makes up the butcher block is turned 90 degrees as it comes off the gang saw so that the strongest part of the wood is used to obtain the utmost durability. The strongest butcher blocks are constructed from sugar maple trees that grow in a range from the western Great Lakes to Nova Scotia, as well as in areas of Pennsylvania and Ohio. This maple has a tight grain and is known for its density and hardness.

When purchasing a chopping block or cutting board, consider counter space. Investing in a large butcher-block cutting board or chop block will add to your kitchen decor, especially if you keep it handy on the counter or kitchen island. Shape is a matter of preference and available space. Extreme thickness should be considered if it raises the cutting surface higher than you can comfortably reach. Kitchen Tools Cutting boards can be made of plastic, glass, or wood. Plastic is not resistant to the damage caused by knives. Glass cutting boards, though the easiest to clean, are damaging to knives. Wood has natural antiseptic qualities, and shallow cuts close automatically. Tight-grained hardwoods, such as northern maple, resist cuts and work best for cutting surfaces. Buy the best cutting board or chopping block you can afford, season and care for it, and it will last through generations.

Care of Cutting Surfaces
Bacteria and salmonella grow on plastic and glass cutting boards. A few drops of bleach in a cup of water kill bacteria on cutting surfaces. Heavily scored wood boards can be re-surfaced by using a scraper or plane. Wood cutting boards should never be placed in the dishwasher or left to soak in water. A light coating of a food-grade drying oil (linseed) beautifies the wood and protects it from water damage. Conditioning with vegetable or olive oils can cause the board to smell as the oil ages and sours.