Cutting Board 101

There are 3 basic types of cutting boards and a lot of confusion: Face grain, edge grain, and end grain

 Face grain shows the most grain and often are the most striking of all cutting boards. However, face grain boards will show knife marks faster than edge grain or end grain boards and are not recommended for heavy chopping use. 

 Edge grain boards will be tougher than a face grain board.  Edge grain cutting boards require less upkeep then an end grain cutting board. Since the grains of the wood are not exposed the wood will soak up less moisture, making it less likely to warp or crack if not oiled regularly. 

 End grain cutting boards are the most durable, are self-healing, have the ability to hide knife marks, and will not dull knives as quickly as plastic or glass cutting boards.   But, end grain boards tend to come with a higher price tag as end grain boards require more steps to produce. End grain patterns are unpredictable and can be difficult to match or replicate creating a more unique, one of a kind aspect. 

That comes down to the anatomy of the wood itself. A tree has tubes running vertically, called xylem. These tubes carry water and nutrients from the roots up to the rest of the tree. In a face grain cutting board, these tubes are lying flat, parallel to the floor. When you cut on this board, the knife is actually cutting these tubes. This increases wear on the knife and can allow bacteria to enter these tubes. In an end grain board, this tubes are stacked vertically. The knife actually cuts between the tubes, allowing them to spring back into position. This ensures the knife stays sharper longer and reduces the possibility of bacteria entering the tubes. 

With proper care, our boards will be here long after you're gone. So, what is proper care?

To Do:

• Handwash after use. 
• Dry with a clean towel
• Air dry upright
• Apply mineral oil periodically

Not to Do:

• Place in dishwasher
• Soak in water
• Condition with cooking oils
• Use for karate practice