Choosing a Cutting Board
Why do professional chefs favor teak wood cutting boards over the alternatives? Everyone has their own requirements when it comes to choosing a new cutting board. I, for example, look for a cutting board that requires the least amount of maintenance, while still looking sophisticated. Whether you are looking for a durable board that won't be abraded by sharp knives or an elegant board that will contribute aesthetically to the design of your kitchen, your expectations will be exceeded by a teak wood cutting board.
Teak has long been acclaimed for its ability to withstand harsh outdoor weather conditions, which is what made it the popular choice for usage in ships, decks and outdoor furniture. Due to its naturally-produced oil, the wood resists rotting and water stains without requiring much maintenance. As teak wood is becoming more accessible in the United States, it has emerged as a popular option for indoor furniture and, of course, cutting boards as well. People recognize teak its natural ability to protect itself, but purchase teak wood because it is so exotically beautiful compared to other wood alternatives.
Chefs prefer to use teak wood cutting boards because of its pliable nature. Teak is able to handle knife blades without leaving scars on the cutting board or dulling the blades. This is an important factor for those of us who like to cook often (and are constantly chopping!).
Once you have decided on the wood to use in your cutting board, you still have to choose a style. This entails not only looking at the various shapes and sizes, but the different wood grain constructions and the additional components. Additional components that I find the most useful are juice canals and cut outs. A juice canal around the edge of the cutting board keeps juices from spilling onto the counter and makes for an easy clean-up process. A bowl cut-out on a cutting board simplifies the transition of ingredients from the board to the salad bowl. As for different grain options, there are different styles depending on your preference.
Edge and face grain cutting boards feature wide lines of wood that stretch across the full length of the cutting board. These styles are often the preferred way to show off the natural beauty of the teak wood.
End grain cutting boards have a checkered appearance because they are made by combining the end pieces of the wood rails together. This gives the surface a more unique beauty as well as providing more protection from knives since the wood fibers of the end grain absorb the blade's impact. End grain is often the preferred style when functionality and durability are the main deciding factors.
Choosing a teak cutting board is an environmentally-friendly choice. Sustainable teak plantations are grown throughout Latin America, reducing the economical and environmental costs of purchasing teak wood from the depleted forests of Southeast Asia. In these plantations, teak is grown in similar conditions, without the need for fertilizers or irrigation, producing the same great quality wood.
Proteak is a popular provider of "conflict-free" teak wood to the United States. Their renewable plantations, located in Mexico and Latin America, produce sustainable, FSC-certified organic teak wood. With the teak from the renewable plantations, they are able to provide consumers with top quality cutting boards for all different style preferences.
Why Teak Wood?
Teak has long been acclaimed for its ability to withstand harsh outdoor weather conditions, which is what made it the popular choice for usage in ships, decks and outdoor furniture. Due to its naturally-produced oil, the wood resists rotting and water stains without requiring much maintenance. As teak wood is becoming more accessible in the United States, it has emerged as a popular option for indoor furniture and, of course, cutting boards as well. People recognize teak its natural ability to protect itself, but purchase teak wood because it is so exotically beautiful compared to other wood alternatives.
Teak Cutting Boards
Chefs prefer to use teak wood cutting boards because of its pliable nature. Teak is able to handle knife blades without leaving scars on the cutting board or dulling the blades. This is an important factor for those of us who like to cook often (and are constantly chopping!).
Once you have decided on the wood to use in your cutting board, you still have to choose a style. This entails not only looking at the various shapes and sizes, but the different wood grain constructions and the additional components. Additional components that I find the most useful are juice canals and cut outs. A juice canal around the edge of the cutting board keeps juices from spilling onto the counter and makes for an easy clean-up process. A bowl cut-out on a cutting board simplifies the transition of ingredients from the board to the salad bowl. As for different grain options, there are different styles depending on your preference.
Edge/Face Grain
Edge and face grain cutting boards feature wide lines of wood that stretch across the full length of the cutting board. These styles are often the preferred way to show off the natural beauty of the teak wood.
End Grain
End grain cutting boards have a checkered appearance because they are made by combining the end pieces of the wood rails together. This gives the surface a more unique beauty as well as providing more protection from knives since the wood fibers of the end grain absorb the blade's impact. End grain is often the preferred style when functionality and durability are the main deciding factors.
Sustainability
Choosing a teak cutting board is an environmentally-friendly choice. Sustainable teak plantations are grown throughout Latin America, reducing the economical and environmental costs of purchasing teak wood from the depleted forests of Southeast Asia. In these plantations, teak is grown in similar conditions, without the need for fertilizers or irrigation, producing the same great quality wood.
Proteak
Proteak is a popular provider of "conflict-free" teak wood to the United States. Their renewable plantations, located in Mexico and Latin America, produce sustainable, FSC-certified organic teak wood. With the teak from the renewable plantations, they are able to provide consumers with top quality cutting boards for all different style preferences.
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