Types of Chopping Boards
A chopping board, also known as a cutting board, is indispensable in the kitchen. There are different types of chopping boards based on the materials they are made of and the various sizes and colours available. They are used for multiple purposes when preparing dishes. Only the best type of chopping boards can offer significant improvements when dicing vegetables and fruits and even when carving or slicing meats. This blog will also explore the different types of chopping board materials, sizes, and colours.
Types of Chopping Board Materials
There are many types of chopping boards used for preparing foods. Every kind of chopping board has its advantages and disadvantages. By familiarizing yourself with the characteristics of each chopping board material, you can make an informed decision about which board is ideal for your needs.
Epicurean Chopping Board
An Epicurean chopping board is a composite product made of wood fibers and a binder (resin). It is highly durable, friendly to knives, and dishwasher safe. An Epicurean chopping board is considered eco-friendly since it is typically produced from recycled wood fibers and high-quality binders. Epicurean chopping boards do not stain or absorb odors and are a very sanitary addition to any kitchen.
Glass Chopping Board
Glass chopping boards are non porous, provide excellent sanitation, and are very easy to clean. They are very resistant to scratches and stains and will beautifully retain their looks for a lifetime. The major downside to a Glass chopping board is that it is very tough on knives and will quickly dull most blades. Glass is also extremely slippery, which can cause safety concerns while preparing food.
Bamboo Chopping Board
Bamboo chopping boards are one of the most common eco-friendly chopping boards. Bamboo is a self-regenerating and renewable resource, which means that it is one of the fastest-growing materials in the world. Bamboo chopping boards are extremely lightweight and robust and have natural antibacterial properties. The downside to a bamboo chopping board is that it is generally more rigid than traditional hardwood and will wear down most knife blades. This type of chopping board will also need to be oiled regularly to maintain its integrity.
Marble Chopping Board
Many people like marble chopping boards for their beautiful look and non-porous surface, which doesn’t allow bacteria growth. They are used in many cooking and are the best place to roll the dough and handle pastries; this is because marble has a smooth surface, and it also does not hold stains and smells very bad due to its non-porous nature. It is heavy and its usage can lead to chipping or cracking of the structure, though it is solid. Marble boards can, in fact, be somewhat abrasive and result in knives’ dulling at a much faster rate than other surfaces.
Plastic Chopping Board
It is hygienic and easy to clean, Fade-resistant and durable, and Easy to carry; it is inexpensive, attractive, and multipurpose. Plastic boards are small and portable, and thanks to their construction, they can be washed in a dishwasher. They are pretty sensitive to knives, ensuring that they are not blunted during the cooking period. However, they can become very narrow and take on a bowl shape as the years go by, and if not well cleaned, they may separate and grow bacteria.
Wood Chopping Board
One of the oldest and most recognizable options is a wooden chopping board as such boards are strong and dampen the knife blade. Softwoods like pine, cedar, redwood, spruce, willow, and fir are also preferred due to sights and sound technicalities as well as the natural sterilizing properties of woods like maple, walnut, and cherry. Some types of wooden boards, such as those used in toiletries, come with a need for periodic oiling to minimize the forming of cracks due to the effects of drying. They may not be as affordable as other fabrics, but their durability makes up for the extra cost.
Chopping Board Sizes
There are chopping boards of all different sizes for just about every type of cooking need and kitchen. Small chopping boards, usually around 8×10 inches, are great for small, simple chores like cutting up fruit or chopping fresh herbs. Medium chopping boards, around 10 x 14 inches, are the all-purpose option and can be used for the majority of food preparation in the average kitchen. Large chopping boards, around 15 x 20 inches or even more significant, offer plenty of room for prominent ingredients or several ingredients at once. Consider how much space you have on your counter and what kinds of foods you prepare most often when deciding on the best-size chopping board for you.
Chopping Board Colors
The color of your chopping board can perform utility along with visual appeal. You may use variously colored boards to denote different kinds of ingredients, avoiding cross-contamination of flavors. A red chopping board for meats, a green one for vegetables, and a blue one for seafood, for example. Additionally, a colorful chopping board can lighten up a kitchen counter that’s otherwise drab and dull. Many materials, especially plastic, are available in a multitude of color options, so you may select the one that best fits your personality and your kitchen’s décor.
chopping boards come in all sorts of colors, which can actually be pretty handy for keeping your kitchen clean and safe. They can be like a color chart that helps you avoid cross-contamination. It’s a simple and intelligent trick, really.
So, here’s the deal: assign specific colors to different types of food, and you’re golden. It reduces the risk of any unwanted mixing. Check out this easy color chart I’ve got for you:
– Red: Raw meat
– Blue: Seafood
– Green: Veggies and fruits
– Yellow: Raw poultry
– Brown: Cooked meats
– White: Dairy and bread
See, using this color-coded system means each chopping board has a designated purpose. It’s like a bit of a food safety and hygiene.
However, just as with every other thing we use in preparing our foods, even the chopping board we opt for can actually contribute quite a lot as well. It can be the choice of shape and features that complement your cooking or create a flat surface that works well for the efficient preparation of food.
Whether it is an entirely new look for your kitchen or brand-new equipment you wish to buy, the advice of a professional restaurant consultant is indeed wise. They can give a truly individual approach to the layout of the kitchen, equipment, and time management to succeed when it comes to cooking. With their help, one will be in a position to design a kitchen space with a style that suits a particular cooking style and functionality of a kitchen space.