A charcuterie board is essential for both appealing and practical meal presentations. But with time, it is also prone to degradation, much like other wooden objects. To preserve charcuterie boards' appearance, use, and lifespan, it's essential to know what oil to use on charcuterie board and how to oil them correctly.
Why Is It Necessary to Oil Your Charcuterie Board?
Wooden charcuterie boards are prone to many issues, including their susceptibility to collecting food residue and their potential for mold growth. Dry wood fibers can cause a board to splinter or trap excess moisture, which might lead to warping. These problems can all be solved by periodically applying oil to increase the life of the charcuterie board. Applying oil brings the following benefits:
- Prevent warping and cracking: Wood is prone to warping and cracking because it is pushed to expand or shrink when exposed to moisture and water from food or cleaning. The additional oil creates a barrier that prevents other liquids from penetrating the wood.
- Enhance appearance: Oiling the wood will bring out the beautiful details in its grain, which will improve the board's appearance overall. Additionally, oil boards help maintain their brightness after extended usage and lessen the apparent presence of any scratches or knife marks.
- Protect from stains and odors: Oil protects your wood by preventing food stains, getting rid of residual smells, and making the atmosphere unfriendly to microorganisms.
What Oil to Use on Charcuterie Board?
Not all oils can be used for charcuterie boards. So “What oil do you use on a charcuterie board?”
Types of Oils to Use
What oil to use on a charcuterie board?
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- Food-grade mineral oil is an easily accessible, tasteless, odorless, and transparent oil that is safe to come into contact with food. Because of its price and efficacy, it's a well-liked option. You may easily find this oil online, in large retailers, and at drugstores. Recall that not all mineral oils are suitable for human consumption; only food-grade mineral oils are.
- Cutting board oil: These are often mixtures of mineral oil and organic substances such as carnauba or beeswax. Compared to pure mineral oil, they provide a little shine and a little extra protection. To ensure safe use, use a cutting board oil that is food-grade and FDA-certified.
- Fractionated coconut oil: Lauric acid and long-chain fatty acids are extracted using DIY fractionated coconut oil; these substances solidify at normal temperature. The natural substitute for mineral oil is this liquid coconut oil. It is ready to use, suitable for food, and has a subtle, fading coconut smell.
- Beeswax: Another well-liked option for maintaining charcuterie boards is beeswax. It is a naturally occurring wax with several uses that is made in honey bee colonies. A cutting board may be made hydrated, shiny, and waterproof with beeswax.
- Lemon Juice: One of the simplest fixes, if your board starts to smell, is to cut a lemon in half and rub it all over the board. The organic substances (fats and bacteria) that create stains and odors are reacted with and oxidized by the ascorbic acid in lemons. Any soluble components must also be eliminated due to the natural lemon oil.
Should Read: Crafting Perfection: Choosing the Best Finish for Charcuterie Board
Types of Oils to Avoid
Avoid using vegetable oil for oiling a charcuterie board
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- Vegetable oil: These oils, which include canola, olive, maize, and sunflower oils, can go rancid over time, giving off an unpleasant smell and perhaps drawing in germs.
- Nut oils: Almond and walnut oils can grow rancid and cause allergies in certain people, just like vegetable oils do.
- Frying oils: Not suitable for use with food, these oils are made for high-heat frying and may leave a sticky residue on your board.
- Paint or varnish: These items have the potential to detract from the dish's appearance and flavor. Besides, the substances in this oil can also be toxic to humans.
How to Oil a Charcuterie Board Correctly?
Apply a small amount of oil to the wood charcuterie board
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First of all, you need to prepare some items for oiling:
- Oil or wax you choose
- Soap
- Clean lint-free cloth (microfiber cloths are ideal)
- Sandpaper (optional, for very dry boards)
The section with the step-by-step instructions on "How to oil a charcuterie board" is the most fascinating now.
- Clean and dry: Firstly, you need to know how to wash a charcuterie board. Give your charcuterie board a good wash in warm, soapy water, then allow it to air dry entirely. If your board has rough places or is really dry, you may also lightly sand it. Remember to wipe away any dust with a clean cloth.
- Apply and buff oil: Use your hand or a paper towel to apply a small amount of oil to the wood charcuterie board. Gently buff the oil in a circular motion, guaranteed to cover the entire surface. Don't forget to dry the edges.
- Buff off excess: Leave the board to absorb the oil for a minimum of 30 minutes, or even overnight for a deeper treatment. After that, rub away any extra oil that could have accumulated on the surface using a fresh towel.
A Few Tips for Using Charcuterie Boards
Apart from being aware of which oils are appropriate and inappropriate to use, you need also consider the following:
- Keep your charcuterie board out of the water. The wood may distort as a result of this.
- Rinse your board carefully after washing it in warm, soapy water after each usage. Let it air-dry completely before storing.
- Depending on usage, re-oil your board every few weeks or months.
- Store whatever oil or wax finishing products are in cool, dark places.
- To stop boards from warping, don't stack them on top of one another. Consider hanging or putting your cutting board vertically to make the most of the available space.
Above is useful information about what oil to use on charcuterie board, you can now turn your board from useful to gorgeous. Take a look at our dining table legs if you wish to upgrade your gorgeous kitchen. Contact us via phone at (323) 990-2487 or by email at customerservice@flowyline.com today for assistance in choosing the best product for your DIY project!
