Butchers-Block Countertops For All Your Kitchen Cutting Needs

One of the most useful pieces of kitchenware that you can buy is a butchers block. You may want to choose a large butchers block that is like a piece of furniture or you may prefer a smaller one that is more like a thick chopping board.

[I:http://healthyfoods.fivestarwayofliving.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/ArthurButler4.jpg]Butchers block is made of maple. Maple is the perfect wood for a cutting board or a butchers block. The wood is not so hard as to dull knives, but is hard enough to resist nicks and cuts from them. In earlier times, an apprentice butcher would buy a block that would last for his entire working life.

Maple helps to keep butchers blocks resilient to bacteria. Juices from meats or other items that are cut on the board are unable to penetrate the closed grain wood. You still should keep your block wiped clean after each use.

Butchers block cutting boards that have a urethane or varnish finish are only for decorative purposes. They will not stand up to cutting purposes. Instead, you want a butchers block that has been treated with mineral oil. Never use vegetable based oils to treat a butchers block.

Butchers blocks should be sanitized regularly. A solution of one tablespoon of bleach in a gallon of water will provide all the sanitization that is needed. Always sanitize between meats and vegetables. Wipe the board dry after each use to prevent bacteria from being absorbed into the wood.

If your butchers block has started to show signs of wear, it can be resurfaced by sanding. Start with a course grit sandpaper to remove any deep cuts or gouges, and work your way to fine grit sandpaper that will restore the smoothness of to the surface of the butchers block. Wipe away any dust and re-oil the surface.

The recent proliferation of high quality butchers block boards and proven sanitary benefits are encouraging people to buy butchers block for use in home kitchens. Artisan made Maple blocks, which make the best butcher block counter tops and cutting boards are preferred.