← Glossary
Cutting Board
A surface used for cutting, slicing, and preparing food items safely.
Cutting Board: The Foundation of Safe Preparation
A cutting board serves as the essential surface for safe food preparation, protecting both the knife edge and the user during cutting operations. The choice of cutting board material significantly impacts both safety and knife maintenance.
Material Options
Different materials offer distinct advantages:
- Wooden boards: Self-healing surface that protects knife edges
- Plastic boards: Easy to sanitize and dishwasher safe
- Bamboo boards: Sustainable option with good edge protection
- Composite boards: Engineered materials with specific properties
Construction Types
Boards vary in construction:
- End-grain: Wood fibers oriented vertically, self-healing surface
- Edge-grain: Wood fibers aligned horizontally, durable surface
- Face-grain: Wood surface flat, economical option
Size Considerations
Board size should accommodate the intended tasks:
- Small (8x10 inches): Basic prep work
- Medium (12x18 inches): General kitchen tasks
- Large (18x24 inches): Professional or extensive prep work
Maintenance Requirements
Proper maintenance varies by material but generally includes regular cleaning, sanitizing, and conditioning for wooden boards to maintain safety and longevity.