What are Cutting Boards?

A cutting board is a flat, sturdy surface used to cut different foods.  A cutting board is also called a chopping board.  Most cutting boards are made from wood or plastic, but they can also be made from marble, silicone, glass, or steel.  Cutting boards come in different shapes and sizes, but most are rectangular with a handle on one side.

What are Cutting Boards Used For?

Cutting boards are used as the surface to cut different types of foods into smaller pieces.  Cutting boards can be used to help slice a lemon and keep the juice on the board instead of on the kitchen counter.  When dicing meat on a cutting board, most of the bacteria and juice stays on the cutting board for easy cleanup.  Cutting boards can also be used as a strong surface to cut fruit, bread, and other foods like cheese or hard-boiled eggs.

What are the Different Types of Cutting Boards?

• Plastic
• Wood

Plastic:  Plastic cutting boards are usually cheaper to purchase than wooden cutting boards.  Most plastic cutting boards are dishwasher safe for easy cleanup.  Some plastic cutting boards are made of strong plastic, which is resistant to cuts but can dull knives quickly.  Other plastic cutting boards are gentler on knives, but are easier to scratch and cut deeply.  Because of the deeper cuts and scratches, plastic cutting boards may not be as sanitary and may need to be replaced more frequently.

Wood: Wooden cutting boards are usually more expensive than plastic cutting boards, but wooden cutting boards are usually sturdier and last longer.  Wood is harder to cut, but if you cut it while using it, wood self heals.  This means that the cuts on a wooden cutting board may seal up over time.  Wood is usually easy on knives.  Wooden cutting boards are not dishwasher safe and require some upkeep to maintain them.  Some need to be conditioned after being washed and dried to preserve their strength.

Recipes Using Cutting Boards

Fresh Fruit Salad

Enjoy a fresh fruit salad as a refreshing snack or meal. Wash blueberries and raspberries in a colander. Peel and slice a banana on a cutting board. Slice a dragon fruit in half, scoop out the flesh, and cut into smaller pieces. Wash and slice strawberries. Place all fruit in a bowl and enjoy.

Roasted Potatoes with Fresh Chives

Roast diced potatoes tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary. While the potatoes cool, chop fresh chives on a cutting board and sprinkle over the top.

Homemade Cheese Plate

Create a unique cheese plate with your taste buds in mind. Slice wedges of gorgonzola, cheddar, brie, and manchego. Serve cheeses on a clean wooden cutting board with crackers, assorted sliced meats, and figs.

Jalapeño Burger

Jalapeños add a touch of heat and extra added flavor to your regular cheeseburger. Layer your burger onto a bun with melted cheese. Slice off the stem of the jalapeño and cut into small slices. Sprinkle a few slices over the cheese. Make sure to wash your hands after touching the pepper! Add mayonnaise or ranch on the inside of the top bun and stack together.

How to make mouth watering hamburgers

Fettuccine Alfredo with Black Truffles

Jazz up your fettuccine alfredo with black truffles. Prepare the cream sauce and pasta and combine. Thinly slice a few black truffles and stir into the sauce.