The Need for Food Safe Finishes:
To maintain items like dining tables, cutting boards, wooden spoons or salad bowls, it is important to finish them with non-hazardous products. These finishes are crucial for ensuring our kitchen tools are safe to come into contact with the food we eat. It is important to learn about what food safe wood finishes are, why they are important and some common types you can use at home.
What Are Food Safe Wood Finishes:
Food safe wood finishes are protective coatings applied to kitchenware, especially items made of wood that must be safe for contact with food. These finishes help to protect the wood from damage, prevent it from drying out, and extend its life. More importantly, they are safe for you to use and do not release harmful substances into your food.
Food safe wood finish are protective coatings applied to kitchenware especially items made of wood that needs to be safe to be in contact with food. These finishes help to protect the wood from damage prevent it from drying out and extend its life. More importantly they are safe for you to use and do not release harmful substances into your food.
How Does a Food Safe Wood Finish Help?
Wooden kitchen tools without a protective finish can absorb food particles, moisture and bacteria potentially leading to health risks over time. Applying a food safe finish helps seal the wood making it easier to clean and more sanitary. Without these finishes wood can also dry out and crack making it even more prone to harboring bacteria.
Common Types of Food Safe Finishes
Mineral Oil
One popular choice for a food safe wood finish is simply mineral oil. It is affordable and widely available. Mineral oil helps keep wood from drying out and cracking without leaving any harmful residues behind. It is perfect for items like cutting boards or wooden utensils because it is non-toxic, odorless, tasteless and won’t go rancid. It is ideal for items in frequent contact with food.
Danish Oil
This food safe oil finish offers a hard-wearing, water-resistant finish often used for kitchen furniture or countertops. It is best used for kitchen countertops and dining tables, as it enhances the natural grain of the wood.
Butcher Block Oil
Specifically designed for wooden butcher blocks, this oil typically combines mineral oil and waxes for a durable finish. It is specially formulated for high-use surfaces. It penetrates deeply and replenishes wood while providing a protective surface.
Tung Oil
Derived from the seeds of tung trees, it provides a tough and flexible finish that waterproofs the wood upon polymerization. This oil is best used for cutting boards, tabletops and serving trays.
Walnut Oil
Walnut penetrates deeply into wood and cures to a hard finish, providing a beautiful result. You can use walnut oil for wooden utensils, salad bowls and cutting boards.
Be cautious of walnut oil as it may cause reactions in those with nut allergies.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a solid option that repels water and provides a natural sheen. However, its shelf life is shorter, and it may require more frequent reapplication. This oil is ideal for wooden spoons and spatulas.
Teak Oil
Teak oil is a special oil made for dense teak wood. This oil enhances wood grain and durability and is often used on larger surfaces like dining tables. Teak oil is best used for outdoor dining furniture and chopping blocks.
Each oil has its respective benefits and considerations in terms of durability and water resistance. Always choose based on the intended use, exposure to moisture and potential food contact.
Conclusion
Applying these finishes is generally easy and does not require a lot of tools. You can simply wipe the oil on the wood’s surface, let it soak in and then wipe off any excess. For the best result it is a good idea to apply several thin coats allowing it to dry and be absorbed by the wood between each application.
Keeping your kitchen tools safe and in good condition is important and using food safe finishes is a key part of that process. Finishes like mineral oil, walnut oil or coconut oil are effective at protecting your wood kitchen items. Next time you are looking to protect your wooden kitchen tools consider one of these safe options to keep them looking great and free of harmful substances.