How to Season Your Wood Cutting Board- Why It’s Important, and What Oils to Use

Have you wondered how to season your wood-cutting board?

 The name might throw you off a bit, but this has nothing to do with herbs and spices! 

You must put oil on the board to maintain its beauty and benefits. 

This is a key responsibility when you have a wooden board. 

Seasoning the wood board is simple, but it has many positives. 

When you do it, it adds years of life to the board and ensures no bacteria on the board.

 It also makes it look good!

Read on to find out how to properly season your wood-cutting board. 

Properly Caring for Your Cutting Board 

Wood boards are one of the best cutting board materials compared to others on the market, as they are the safest (bacteria does not survive on them) and safer on your knives. 

Plus, it looks gorgeous. 

It would be best to gently scrub your board with a soft sponge and hot soapy water. 

You can use a mild, unscented (if possible) dish soap that does not contain bleach or other chemicals.

 Even if you only use one side of the board, you must always wash both sides to prevent it from drying unevenly, which can cause the wood to warp. 

After washing, you often have to season your board. 

You must put oil on the wood’s surface to elevate its benefits and longevity. 

Treating wood cutting boards with the right kind of oil is something you must do regularly if you have this amazing kitchen item.

 You can do it once a month or whenever it looks dry or needs some shine. 

The actual oiling is easy, but you cannot use any oil. 

You must always opt for food-grade oils, which means they are safe to put on the board. 

Avoid high-fat oils at all costs! This will turn bad and ruin your board. 

oil applied to the wood cutting board

(oil applied to the wood cutting board)

Using the Right Kind of Seasoning Oil 

Choosing the right kind of seasoning oil cannot be very clear. 

There are ready-made ones on the market, but if you like DIY methods, then there are natural oils you can use. 

Oils High in Unsaturated Fats 

You cannot use vegetables, coconut, or olive oil on a wooden board. They have too much fat, which will become rancid

This means it will cause a nasty odor, bringing this taste to your food. It will also increase bacteria growth. 

cooking oils

(cooking oils)

Mineral Oil and Other “Mystery” OIls 

Pure mineral oil comes from distilled petroleum when all the toxins and bad stuff are removed. 

Do not use ‘mystery’ low-quality oils containing toxic chemicals. 

Always opt for high-quality mineral oil that is made for oiling wooden boards. 

Fractionated Coconut Oil 

If you want a natural and easy way to oil your board, fractionated coconut oil is your best friend! 

This is coconut oil without any of the fats. 

This oil moisturizes your board, so it does not crack or get bacteria.

 Using a teaspoon of coconut oil or simply pouring it on the board would be best.

coconut oil

(coconut oil)

How to Season Wood Cutting Board?

Seasoning your wood board will be so easy with the following steps. 

Choose the oil you want to use; it can be store-bought or one of the above, and warm it up on the stove. 

Then proceed to the following steps. 

Clean Your Board 

Scrub your board as usual with a cloth soaked with dish soap

Wipe the board and then rinse properly. 

Do not leave your board soaking under water; then your board will warp!

Begin the Oiling 

Pour the oil on the board. Use your hands or a clean cloth/brush to get the oil into the board’s grain.

 If your board is new, put some extra oil to break it in.

 Please leave it to dry overnight. Please do not use it before then. 

Remove Any Excess Oil 

After that, use a clean cloth to wipe any oil on the surface. 

Leave it to dry again, and then you can use the board. 

It is up to you how often you want to oil the board. 

But don’t put it off too long, especially if you use your chopping board often.

 You may want to do it at least once a month or every two months to keep it at its peak. 

using the cutting board

(using the cutting board)

The Use of Beeswax 

This is the wax that comes from bees when they make honey. 

This amazing natural oil is also perfect as a wood board seasoning oil, making your board water-resistant.

 It is also food-safe and keeps the wood grain dark

Beeswax is solid, so you cannot use it alone. 

So, for easy use, you can mix it with mineral or coconut oil, which also amplifies the benefits of beeswax. 

This is how you use beeswax:

  • Two parts of mineral oil for 1 part of beeswax, and this combo will improve water resistance. 
  • Four parts of coconut oil for 1 part of beeswax will prevent bacteria and keep the board moist so your board does not crack. 

You must always rub the oils along the grain and leave it to dry for at least 5 hours. 

Conclusion

Now you know how to season your wooden cutting board and which oils are the best. 

Owning a wooden board comes with responsibilities, and oiling it will ensure you receive all the benefits of it.

All in all, seasoning your board protects your food from any bacteria and cross-contamination.