The Best Cutting Board Oil

Buying Guide

Whether you’re a professional chef or a beginner cook, a wooden cutting board is an essential kitchen item. Not only are wooden cutting boards versatile cooking tools, they also bring a rustic aesthetic to the kitchen. In order to keep your wooden cutting board in good shape for a long time, it’s important to use a cutting board oil on it.

Keep in mind that you cannot use your cooking oils on your wooden cutting board. You may keep olive oil, vegetable oil or avocado oil in your kitchen for cooking, but you’ll need to add a different oil to you pantry specifically for your cutting board.

Mineral oils are the best choice for cutting boards because they are odorless, flavorless and colorless. The cooking oils in your pantry become rancid when they are exposed to oxygen, so they are not a good choice for spreading over your cutting board. Mineral oils, on the other hand, are resistant to oxidation. This means that when they come in contact with oxygen or water, they will not spoil.

If you don’t use a cutting board oil on your wooden cutting board, it’s likely that the board will become dry and splintered. Wood is naturally porous, so it absorbs the oil you rub on it. The oil keeps the wood soft and supple, adding a glossy sheen to your cutting board, and it acts as a mild water repellent, ensuring that the board doesn’t warp, split or build up a layer of bacteria.

Using cutting board oil on your wooden cutting board also ensures that it doesn’t stain. Some foods, like beets or wine, can permanently stain your wood, so the oil helps to keep it looking clean.

• When you’re looking for a cutting board oil to add to your kitchen pantry, pay attention to the type of oil. Always opt for a food-grade mineral oil, and avoid any natural oils such as corn, olive, peanut or vegetable. These oils will eventually start to oxidize and will release a foul smell as they go rancid.
• Keep in mind that you also should not use mineral oil that is not food-grade, as it is not safe to use in the kitchen. Food-grade mineral oil is always flavorless, odorless and colorless, so it will not affect the taste of the food you chop on the cutting board.
• If you have any food allergies in your family, be sure to check that the mineral oil has not come into contact with any allergens, such as peanut oil or walnut oil.
• While food-grade mineral oils are great for cutting boards, you can also use them elsewhere in your kitchen. Many cutting board oils are perfect for oiling up wooden countertops or butcher’s blocks, salad bowls, utensils and other items.
• If you want to avoid a slippery mess in your kitchen, opt for a cutting board oil bottle that is easy to open, pour and use. This way, you won’t end up with drips along your bottle or countertop. Look for a squeeze bottle or a push applicator cap, as these will provide ease of use.
• Not all cutting board oils have the same instructions. Be sure to read the directions carefully before using so you’ll know to apply the right amount of oil for the right amount of time.