|
Sustainably- and locally-harvested Michigan maple and walnut, non-toxic wood glue, food-grade butcher block oil
This elegant cutting board was handmade here in Michigan by Alex Livieratos from sustainably-harvested maple and walnut (read more about the artisan and about our sustainably-harvested wood in the Green Screen comments to the left).
Classy, elegant, and durable, this wood cutting board will provide a lifetime of use if cared for properly.
ALL stages of this cutting board were done sustainably, by hand, from the cutting down of the tree, to the milling, planing, cutting- all meticulously and carefully performed with the utmost care for the environment in mind.
CLICK HERE to see all of our sustainable cutting boards currently available.
How to care for your cutting board:
All of our boards are treated with olive oil, mineral oil, and/or coconut oil before leaving the workshop. However, this coating will quickly fade away and need to be replaced. Though olive oil is fine for an initial coating on a tightly-grained, new board, it does have a tendency to go rancid if repeatedly used and allowed to absorb into the wood. We recommend one of the following oils for re-application 2-3 times per month, after washing: Mineral oil, beeswax, walnut, almond or coconut oil.
To clean your board: It is a good idea to clean your board after every use. Use a sponge with soapy, warm water, and wipe down until clean. Do not submerse your board in water or get too wet, as water will be absorbed by the wood and slowly wear down the integrity of your board. Definitely do not ever put your board in the dishwasher! Stand board upright to dry if it becomes too wet, and promptly oil once dry.
How much oil should you use? You can never use too much! If wood is allowed to dry out (as washing with soap and water tends to do), it is more likely to crack and split. Oil your board liberally and frequently, and never allow it to remain wet for any period of time. Food grade mineral oil is what many people consider the best oil for wood.
How to remove stains or odors from your board: sprinkle a liberal coating of salt onto the board and rub with half of a lemon, then rinse with hot water. Baking soda also works well to eliminate odors.
You can also use 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide to disinfect your board (instead of a bleach solution, which won't work as well on wood), if you are concerned about bacteria growth. Remember to oil after either of these procedures!
What about splitting? Because wood was once part of a growing, living organism, it is not unusual for cutting boards, especially those made of multiple strips glued together, to expand and contract due to changes in moisture levels (both internal and external). Most splitting should be slight and will most likely close up again over time.
Our wood has been barn drying for at least one year. The best way to prevent further changes in moisture that might cause splitting is through proper care of your board. Please oil regularly, following the instructions above, since this keeps the board from drying out (which is what ultimately causes splitting). Also try to keep your board from getting too wet, which results in excessive moisture changes- again, resulting in splitting.
Should you wish to fill minor splits in your cutting board, please use food-grade paraffin (wax). Melt the paraffin, and allow it to seep into the split. Once the paraffin has dried, scrape off any excess. The flexible nature of the paraffin will allow the wood to continue it's natural expansion and contraction cycles.
CLICK HERE to submit a review for this product!
|
Alex Livieratos has been creating wood designs since he was old enough to hold a hammer. Growing up immersed in a family business that made quality wooden restaurant furniture, Alex's designs have sprung from years of creative carpentry. Simple, elegant, and durable, these wood cutting boards will provide a lifetime of use, if cared for properly, and will add a touch of class to any home kitchen.