Why put the cutting board in the refrigerator?…
Cutting boards are valuable allies in the kitchen. They are suitable for cutting meat, fish, vegetables and fruits, but are not safe from germs and bacteria. They therefore require regular maintenance. In addition to careful cleaning, chefs even have the habit of storing them in the refrigerator. A fairly unusual habit, but which remains hygienic and above all relevant. Here are some tips and tricks to better maintain your cutting boards!
Why put the cutting board in the refrigerator?
Do you swear by your wooden board which makes your life easier as soon as you enter the kitchen? We understand you very well, it is indeed difficult to do without it. But casually, with her culinary talents, she sees all the colors. Good care is therefore essential. Besides admitting it, we tend to secretly rinse it and put it back in its place before the next use.
With wear and tear, tell yourself that it is no longer as hygienic as you thought. Take a closer look: do you see small cracks, stubborn stains and discolored areas? Be careful, this is a red alert! The abundant liquid and dried food residues provide a particularly favorable environment for fungi and bacteria. Yes, although it looks clean to the naked eye, you might be shocked with a magnifying glass!
The danger in this story is that every time you use it, you transfer these microbes into the food you prepare. And your health is in danger! This is why it is important to take some basic precautions: this of course requires thorough and sufficient cleaning. But not only. Even after careful cleaning and washing (with warm water and detergent), the moisture that hits the wood during washing attracts bacteria. To stop their development, low temperature is a very effective solution. This is why chefs have a very clever little trick: they keep the wooden boards in the freezer. The cold prevents the growth of microorganisms on the surface and inside the utensil.
Note: Before putting your boards in the refrigerator, remember to rub them with lemon juice, which has the dual effect of disinfecting and deodorizing them.
How to properly clean a wooden board without damaging it?
After each use, you must wash your cutting board: hot water and dish soap. And drying is also essential. However, careful cleaning ensures optimal disinfection to drive away germs and bacteria.
Here are the steps to follow:
- First, wipe off the crumbs then clean the board with a damp sponge and a little dishwashing liquid. Rub well on both sides.
- Sprinkle it generously with salt then pour the lemon juice over it. Gently scrub this mixture again with your hand or with a dish brush. After a few minutes, continue rinsing. This not only eliminates unpleasant odors, but also food residues that attract germs.
- To properly disinfect your cutting board, white vinegar remains your best ally, it quickly kills all bacteria. Soak a sponge with product and gently rub it over the entire surface of the utensil on both sides. Leave it on for a while then rinse it off. White vinegar is a very powerful antibacterial disinfectant!
What oil should I use to care for wooden cutting boards?
In addition to keeping a wooden cutting board clean, it is also important to preserve the wood so that it always remains in perfect condition. Vigorous rubbing is not necessary, a little oil is enough. Once the wood is impregnated, it is immediately protected by a protective layer. What type of oil to use? Choose an odorless oil, such as almond oil (unless you are allergic) or grapeseed oil. Mineral oil is also suitable for maintaining wooden boards. On the other hand, it is better to avoid olive oil because its consistency can make it sticky and greasy.
Is wood more hygienic than plastic?
Most kitchens are equipped with several wooden and plastic cutting boards: As you probably know, to avoid cross-contamination, it is not recommended to use the same board for cutting meat, chicken, fish, fruits and vegetables. Every food family should have their own! Professionals recommend using wooden boards because they are more hygienic and safer than plastic ones, of course when properly cleaned.
For what ? Quite simply because bacteria are generally more likely to settle on the surface of plastic boards, as small food residues can easily get stuck there. It is therefore an environment favorable to the proliferation of fungi and other harmful micro-organisms which can be transferred to your food during cooking.
Where to store your cutting boards?
As we mentioned above, storing them in the refrigerator would ideally be a good habit. However, if you don’t have space, you need to store your boards in practical and accessible places, without clutter.
- Store them in a drawer.
- Arrange them in a cabinet using a sliding cutting board storage rack for easy access and save cabinet space.
- Place towel racks under shelves to keep them upright. If you place them horizontally, you risk damaging your wooden boards.
- You can also convert a lower cabinet into a pull-out drawer with dividers to store vertically for good organization.
- Hang them on the wall or on the side of a piece of furniture using a hook.
