Unless you are a chef or a culinary professional, you might find it hard to choose between butcher block boards and wood cutting boards. Though they seem similar, they differ in many different ways and each have a different purpose. If choosing a cutting board from a sea of different types and models proves to be very challenging for you, this article will help you make the best choice for your kitchen needs.
The use of butcher block boards goes eons back, with ancient Chinese and Europeans utilizing tree stumps and logs as surfaces for cutting meat. As time passed, butcher blocks have been standardized to meet the following specifications:
If your cutting board doesn’t meet the following specifications, it’s safe to say that it’s not a butcher block. As the name suggests, this board is perfect for chopping, carving, slicing and dicing any type of meat, where a cutting board is used for produce.
There are so many benefits that come with using butcher block boards. For one, they are very sturdy and always ready to use. Whether you’re tenderizing meat or slicing it into strips, the stability of a butcher block allows it to stay in place without the need to hold it.
Even with its stability, sturdiness and readiness, one of the best things about a butcher block board is the juice groove around the edges. This reduces cleanup time by eliminating juicy spills and messy counters from cutting both raw and cooked meat. This allows the chef to continue with their dish instead of worrying about the mess it is making and trying to keep their station clean and tidy the whole time.
With many butcher blocks and cutting boards out there, you might find it hard to pick the best product for your needs. However, you should remember the following tips on choosing which one to use:
Make room for two.
Butcher blocks are made for meat, where cutting boards are made for produce. Most cutting boards are meant to cut meat on and even though you might think it’s fine, you could end up destroying it if you force the issue. Additionally, using one surface for both food items could cause cross-contamination and spread several food-borne illnesses.
Quality is always better than quantity.
Check your butcher block boards carefully. Make sure that it is of the finest quality and good ergonomic design. You are better off paying top price for the best butcher block and having it last you several years than paying for a pricey board that will need to be replaced frequently.
When it comes to purchasing butcher boards, go for high quality at affordable prices – just like the ones we offer. Make sure to check out our store to choose from our various models and wood types. Start cutting your meat properly with your very own butcher block today.
Other articles we think you may find useful:
Caring for a Butcher Block Board
The Difference Between End Grain and Edge Grain Butcher Blocks
