How to Use a Butcher Block

Butcher blocks are an essential tool for any kitchen. Handsome, durable butcher blocks aid in preparing foods cleanly and efficiently.

Benefits of Butcher Blocks
Butcher blocks not only save your countertops from wear and tear, they also provide a portable cutting surface. Many butcher blocks and cutting boards are designed to not dull your knife. Cutting boards are generally thinner than regular butcher blocks, but can be used as you would any butcher block. You can cut meat, cheese, vegetables, and bread with confidence on a quality butcher block made to resist warping - many with stabilizing rubber pads so they won't slip on your countertop.

Butcher Blocks for Preparing Smaller Foods
Smaller butcher blocks have cutting surfaces as small as 6 square inches and are perfect for preparing smaller food items like cheese or small fruits. All quality butcher blocks are an attractive addition to your kitchen or serving area. For instance, the Mini Cheese Butcher Block stands on four handsome legs, making it an eye-catching essential for serving a course of fruits and cheeses.

Using a Large Butcher Block
Larger butcher blocks give you the advantage of a large work surface. You can prepare large portions of meat for a dinner party, or chop up all of the ingredients for your favorite soup on the roomy work surface of your butcher block.

Butcher Block Tables
Some butcher block tables are designed and finished to be used just as you would any butcher block. They have a working surface which is perfect for chopping up any ingredients for meal preparation. Plus, with a butcher block table, you have the advantage of added storage space (many models have drawers or shelving beneath the work surface) and stylish decor that will be noticed immediately.

Routine Storage and Cleaning for Butcher Blocks
Between uses, it's best to store your butcher block so that moisture will not be trapped underneath it. When possible, store your butcher or cutting board on its side, releasing moisture and cutting bacteria growth. To sanitize your butcher block, apply a diluted bleach or vinegar solution (one teaspoon of bleach to one quart of hot water, or a one-to-five vinegar and water solution) to the cutting surface for 10 minutes, then rinse and allow to dry thoroughly.