If you’re like most people who love spending time in the kitchen, you probably own a cutting board. Cutting boards are one of those essential tools that often go unnoticed, yet they have a long history. In fact, pull-out cutting boards were originally designed for baking bread.
A cutting board provides a clean, stable surface for chopping, slicing, and dicing ingredients. While the first pull-out boards were primarily intended for bread preparation, bakers would use them to knead dough and shape it into loaves. After kneading, the same board served as a surface for the dough to rise before being baked in the oven.
Today, cutting boards are used for a variety of food preparation tasks far beyond bread. They’re perfect for prepping meats, vegetables, fruits, and more. Cutting boards come in different materials, including plastic, bamboo, and wood. Among these, wood boards—especially those made from maple—are often considered the best choice for many reasons.
Maple is a dense hardwood that withstands knife cuts, resists bacteria growth, and is incredibly durable. Compared to plastic or bamboo, maple boards are easier to maintain. Scratches and grooves on other boards can trap bacteria, making them less hygienic over time.
Proper care is key to extending the life of a cutting board. After use, sprinkle some baking soda or kosher salt, rub it with half a lemon, and scrub the surface. Rinse with hot water and dry with a clean towel. Applying food-grade cutting board oil periodically prevents the wood from drying out or cracking, keeping it safe and long-lasting.
Cutting boards have evolved in shape and function over the years. Whether you’re a home cook or a professional chef, they remain an essential kitchen tool. A well-maintained cutting board provides a safe, fresh surface for food preparation and can last for many years if properly cared for.
For those interested in home baking, making bread at home is a wonderful way to explore this essential kitchen tool. The rise in home baking, especially during the pandemic, has introduced many people to the joy of baking bread. Countless recipes and tutorials are available online, such as those on YouTube by Becca Beach.
Becca Beach is a passionate baker who shares tips and recipes with her audience. In her video Homemade Bread – SUPER Easy and Delicious!, she demonstrates how simple it can be to bake fresh bread at home. Baking bread yourself can be both fun and rewarding. I’ve done it many times and enjoyed every moment. Homemade bread not only tastes amazing but is healthier and often more cost-effective than store-bought options. You control the ingredients, avoiding preservatives and additives commonly found in commercial bread.
While cutting boards were originally created to assist with breadmaking, their role in the kitchen has expanded tremendously. To ensure your cutting board remains a safe and durable kitchen tool, clean and maintain it properly. If you want to explore home baking, start with a high-quality maple wood cutting board and follow online tutorials. This combination will help you perfect your breadmaking skills while enjoying the full experience of creating something fresh and delicious from scratch.