Pros and Cons of Bamboo Cutting Boards

Bamboo cutting boards are great for dicing up food to prepare your favorite meals. While there are other options for cutting boards, such as wood or plastic, bamboo cutting boards are always a great addition to your collection of cookware. However, before purchasing a bamboo cutting board you should be aware of both the positive and negative benefits to using a bamboo cutting board.

There are many positive benefits to using a bamboo cutting board. They are one of the most sanitary of cutting boards because of their hardness and denseness. Few knife marks are formed when using a bamboo cutting board. This means there are less ridges that will be formed over time which means there will be less ridges for the bacteria from the food to get caught in. These boards are also more sanitary than other cutting boards because they are naturally water resistant which helps with keeping the bacteria from building up. While the boards are hard they are still soft enough that they won’t damage your knives.

Bamboo cutting boards are much lighter than wood cutting boards which means they are easier to manage while you are cooking and they can be made much thinner than wood cutting boards which means they are easier to store. There are also various styles and sizes of bamboo cutting boards making them easy to fit into the décor of any home.

If you are interested in an environmentally friendly product bamboo cutting boards are the way to go. Bamboo is easily grown and can be quickly harvested. They are made out of grass and are biodegradable so they are environment friendly. Another plus to bamboo being such an easy commodity to produce means the boards can be inexpensive to buy, however, the price range of them does vary.

While there are so many positive benefits to having a bamboo cutting board there are also a few negative drawbacks that come with it. The boards have to be maintained properly from the very beginning as well as continuously, at least once a month, or else there is the possibility of them cracking, shrinking, or absorbing more water over time. Before their first use they need to be cleaned with hot soapy water and then wiping down with mineral oil. This process needs to be done at least once a month to ensure your board lasts over time.

Another drawback of using a bamboo cutting board is the way they can be manufactured. Bamboo cutting boards contain glue to hold them together. Some, not all, are used with adhesives that can be toxic. Make sure to check out the bamboo cutting board that you are looking to purchase to be sure you are getting one that is safe and non-toxic.

Other cutting board options such as wood and plastic, while not completely poor choices, do not stand up to the positive benefits of using a bamboo cutting board. Bamboo cutting boards are a great choice as an addition to your collection of cookware and once you choose the size and style that will fit your cooking needs the cooking possibilities are endless.