Best Cutting Board Material for Raw Meat
April 05, 2019A cutting board is one of any chef’s most critical cutting tools. Investing in a good, durable one makes cutting more comfortable and enjoyable. But when it comes to cutting boards, there are many food preparation surfaces you can choose from.
Some of these are plastic, wooden, stainless steel, and glass. While almost any of these will make a good choice for chopping and dicing, when it comes to meat preparation, all cutting boards are not created equal. This is especially true if you’re looking to use a separate cutting board for meat to prevent cross-contamination and stop the spread of bacteria. With that in mind, we have identified the best cutting boards for meat preparation.
- A double-sided wooden cutting board
When it comes to meat preparation, a wooden cutting board is hard to beat. One argument that is often made in favor of plastic boards is that they can be cleaned and disinfected more thoroughly than wood. But this idea is wrong. While wood absorbs residual food-borne bacteria, it traps the bacteria inside where it is unable to multiply and eventually dies. Such bacteria don’t come out even if the wood is sliced open.
By contrast, plastic cutting boards can only be truly cleaned and sanitized when new. As they become old and develop cut marks on the surface, they become difficult to disinfect. This is because they hold bacteria in crevices that are hard to reach. Unfortunately, unlike wooden boards, plastic boards do not possess any natural antimicrobial qualities that can kill such bacteria.
One example of a reliable cutting board you can trust for the meat job is the Every Day Cutting Board by Vie Belles. The product is a double-sided tool that has been forged from a combination of maple, black walnut, and oak wood to increase aesthetic appeal, stability, durability, and to prevent food from being stuck in the block.
- Bamboo cutting board with protective mats
Like wooden cutting boards, bamboo cutting boards are naturally antimicrobial and highly durable. The Seville Classics Bamboo Cutting Board, for instance, features seven mats for different types of food to prevent cross-contamination and make cleaning easier.
- Plastic cutting board
Plastic cutting boards are among the best you can buy for meat. If you prefer a plastic cutting board, you would want to consider those that are designed to resist scarring and deep scratches. Those that come with added antimicrobial protection are also a good option. This way, you won’t have to worry about bacteria developing over time.
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