While most associate the term butcher block with a cutting board, it actually refers to a construction method. Wood is glued together and subjected to great pressure. This method was developed late in the nineteenth century and the original intent was indeed to produce a sanitary surface for use by butchers. Up until that time, they cut meat on tree slabs, which was neither sanitary nor safe since they were not very stable.
Two primary construction methods are used. One creates what is called the end grain block, with the wood grain set perpendicular to the top. End grain styles help knives stay sharper and are more difficult to nick or gouge. Edge grain styles are not as expensive, but are less durable. They are manufactured with the grain of the wood set parallel to the surface.
The block construction is used for cutting boards, counter tops, and free standing cutting tables. It is also used to make carts and table tops. Whether or not the block should be used for cutting depends on the finish applied. Those that are finished with a regular wood finish are intended for decorative use only. Those that are intended for use in food preparation are finished using a non-toxic oil. An acrylic sealant is sometimes applied for decorative use, but the finish is not intended for use when cutting.
Owners of products finished with a natural oil should apply new oil approximately every 3 months to protect the block. Clear mineral oil is commonly used, but cooking oils, such as olive or vegetable oils, should not be used. Such oils can make the block smell rancid and add unwanted taste to food.
It is almost inevitable that tops will be damaged with time. However, most blocks can be refinished many times. End grain types may be restored so many times that they may last a lifetime. Edge grains, although they normally can be restored, may have a limited thickness that restricts how often they may be refinished.
Undamaged wood butcher blocks are easy to sanitize. Once gouges and gashes appear, however, these can harbor germs and bacteria that can prove impossible to eradicate. Having the block sanded and refinished eliminates both the gouges and the bacteria. When the surface is undamaged, these blocks are considered perfectly safe to use in food preparation.
Two primary construction methods are used. One creates what is called the end grain block, with the wood grain set perpendicular to the top. End grain styles help knives stay sharper and are more difficult to nick or gouge. Edge grain styles are not as expensive, but are less durable. They are manufactured with the grain of the wood set parallel to the surface.
The block construction is used for cutting boards, counter tops, and free standing cutting tables. It is also used to make carts and table tops. Whether or not the block should be used for cutting depends on the finish applied. Those that are finished with a regular wood finish are intended for decorative use only. Those that are intended for use in food preparation are finished using a non-toxic oil. An acrylic sealant is sometimes applied for decorative use, but the finish is not intended for use when cutting.
Owners of products finished with a natural oil should apply new oil approximately every 3 months to protect the block. Clear mineral oil is commonly used, but cooking oils, such as olive or vegetable oils, should not be used. Such oils can make the block smell rancid and add unwanted taste to food.
It is almost inevitable that tops will be damaged with time. However, most blocks can be refinished many times. End grain types may be restored so many times that they may last a lifetime. Edge grains, although they normally can be restored, may have a limited thickness that restricts how often they may be refinished.
Undamaged wood butcher blocks are easy to sanitize. Once gouges and gashes appear, however, these can harbor germs and bacteria that can prove impossible to eradicate. Having the block sanded and refinished eliminates both the gouges and the bacteria. When the surface is undamaged, these blocks are considered perfectly safe to use in food preparation.
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