Randy Chandler
A cheese board is a great way to display and serve cheese, whether it's for a party or a romantic night in. But how do you keep your cheese board in top condition? One of the most important things you can do is oil your board. Oiling a cheese board has many benefits: it keeps the board from drying out and cracking, extending its life and
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What You'll Learn
Food-grade mineral oil is a popular choice
Mineral oil is derived from petroleum and is non-toxic and non-drying. It is often used to maintain wooden kitchen items such as spoons, bowls, cutting boards, and butcher blocks. Regular application of mineral oil helps prevent wooden cheese boards from becoming dry and brittle, which can lead to cracking. The oil also acts as a barrier to liquids, preventing the absorption of germs and bacteria.
To apply mineral oil to your cheese board, start by ensuring that the board is clean and thoroughly dry. Use a clean, soft cloth or paper towel to apply the oil in an even layer over the wood. Leave the oil to soak in overnight, or for at least a few hours. This will help protect the board and maintain its durability and appearance.
In addition to food-grade mineral oil, other options for oiling cheese boards include beeswax, fractionated coconut oil, hemp oil, flaxseed oil, and food-grade wax. These products can be used to hydrate, shine, and waterproof the board, providing extra protection and a longer lifespan. However, it is important to choose non-toxic, food-safe oils that will not turn rancid over time. Proper care and maintenance of your cheese board will ensure a safe and attractive surface for serving cheese and other foods.
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Fractionated coconut oil is a good multitasker
Coconut oil is a multitasking tropical fat with several health benefits. It is rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) that can have powerful effects on your metabolism. Fractionated coconut oil is made from regular coconut oil through a process called fractionation, which separates the different types of fats found in the oil. This results in an ultralight oil that stays in liquid form even at cooler temperatures, such as in the fridge.
Fractionated coconut oil is a great multitasker with a wide range of uses. Firstly, it is an excellent choice for oiling cheese boards and maintaining wooden kitchenware. By sealing the pores of the wood, fractionated coconut oil helps prevent cracks, maintains the wood's natural colour, and provides a smooth, polished finish. It also acts as a barrier against moisture and stains, keeping the wood lustrous and durable.
Secondly, fractionated coconut oil is widely used in skincare and cosmetic preparations due to its ability to penetrate the skin effectively. It is a popular carrier oil for essential oils in aromatherapy and massage therapy. The oil has emollient properties, softening and hydrating dry skin without leaving a greasy residue. It also contains antioxidant and antibacterial components, promoting skin health and helping to dissolve waterproof makeup gently.
Fractionated coconut oil is also beneficial for hair care. The nutrients in the oil can nourish and moisturize hair, reducing frizz and promoting softness and shine. It can be used as a leave-in conditioner or a hair mask.
Additionally, fractionated coconut oil has been known to have appetite-reducing properties due to its medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) content. Studies suggest that MCTs can help reduce hunger and calorie intake, enhance exercise performance, and promote brain function.
With its versatility and numerous benefits, fractionated coconut oil is indeed a multitasking superstar.
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Beeswax is natural and has a honey scent
When it comes to cheese boards, oiling them is essential for their maintenance and longevity. The most commonly used oil for this purpose is food-grade mineral oil, which is colourless, odourless, and easy to find. However, another option is beeswax, a natural product with a pleasant honey scent.
Beeswax is a natural wax produced in the hives of honey bees. It has a warm honey or honeyed fragrance, which is subtle and inviting. This natural scent is enhanced when beeswax is burned, emitting a sweet aroma that creates a cosy atmosphere. The honey scent is a preferred alternative to synthetic fragrances, which can be overpowering.
Beeswax is a popular choice for maintaining cutting boards and cheese boards. It can be used to hydrate, shine, and waterproof these surfaces. When applied to a cheese board, beeswax helps to seal the pores of the wood, making it more resistant to bacteria and stains. This natural wax also restores the wood's colour and gives it a smooth, polished finish.
To create your own blend for treating a cheese board, you can combine one part beeswax with four parts mineral oil. This mixture will provide the benefits of both ingredients, including the hydrating and protective qualities of beeswax and the moisture-resistant properties of mineral oil.
Beeswax is a versatile and sustainable product that is highly regarded for its natural properties and pleasant scent. When used on a cheese board, it not only enhances the appearance and durability of the wood but also imparts a subtle honey fragrance, making it a unique and appealing choice for those seeking natural and aromatic options.
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Linseed oil is an option, but prone to rancidity
Oiling a cheese board is essential to maintaining its durability, appearance, and safety. The right oil can prevent the wood from drying out and cracking, keep it looking rich and lustrous, and seal the pores of the wood to prevent bacteria from penetrating.
Linseed oil, derived from flaxseed, can be used on a cheese board in a pinch. However, it is prone to rancidity, which can cause the board to develop an unpleasant smell over time. Linseed oil is also known to be an allergen for some people. Therefore, it is important to select an oil that is non-toxic, food-safe, and not prone to rancidity for your cheese board.
Fractionated coconut oil is a popular choice for oiling cheese boards. It is created by heating and processing coconut oil to remove long-chain fatty acids and lauric acid, resulting in a colorless, odorless, and tasteless product that remains liquid even at refrigerator temperatures. This type of coconut oil has a long shelf life and is suitable for maintaining boards, countertops, and other wooden tools that come into contact with food. It can also be used as a dietary supplement, in hair and skin care, and as a cooking oil.
Another commonly used oil for cheese boards is food-grade mineral oil, also known as liquid paraffin. This oil is colorless, odorless, flavorless, and inexpensive, making it a popular choice for wooden kitchen items. It is important to ensure that the mineral oil is food-grade, as other varieties are not safe for human consumption. Mineral oil can also be combined with beeswax to create a board balm or butter that hydrates, shines, and waterproofs the cheese board while minimizing the appearance of cut marks.
In summary, while linseed oil can be used on a cheese board, its tendency to turn rancid may affect the smell and usability of the board over time. To maintain the quality and safety of your cheese board, it is recommended to choose a food-grade oil with a longer shelf life, such as fractionated coconut oil or food-grade mineral oil.
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Oiling prevents cracking and warping
Oiling a cheese board is essential for its maintenance. Regular oiling prevents the board from drying out and cracking. The oil seals the pores of the wood, making it harder for bacteria to penetrate. It also restores the wood's natural colour and gives it a smooth, polished finish.
Wooden boards can dry out and crack over time, especially if they are washed with water and not dried properly. Oiling helps to prevent this by providing a protective layer on the surface of the wood. This layer also creates a barrier between the food and the wood, helping to keep the board clean.
The type of oil used is important. Food-grade mineral oil is a popular choice as it is non-toxic, odourless, and flavourless. It is also inexpensive and widely available. Other options include fractionated coconut oil, which is colourless, odourless, and tasteless, and does not go rancid. Beeswax is also commonly used, either on its own or mixed with mineral oil or coconut oil. It is important to avoid using oils that can go rancid, such as olive or vegetable oils, as they can cause the board to smell unpleasant.
To oil a cheese board, start by cleaning the board thoroughly and ensuring it is completely dry. Then, using a clean cloth or paper towel, apply the oil in an even layer over the wood. Allow the oil to soak in overnight, or for at least a few hours, before wiping away any excess.
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Frequently asked questions
Food-grade mineral oil is the most commonly used oil for cheese boards. It is inexpensive, easy to find, and has no colour, odour, or flavour.
Fractionated coconut oil is another good option. It is also colourless, odourless, and tasteless, and it remains liquid even when refrigerated.
Other options include beeswax, hemp oil, flaxseed oil, and walnut oil.
You should oil your cheese board at least once a month to keep it in good condition.
Oiling your cheese board will keep it from drying out and cracking, extending its life and
First, make sure your cheese board is very clean and completely dry. Then, using a clean, soft cloth or paper towel, apply the oil in an even layer over the wood. Leave the oil to soak in overnight, or for at least a few hours. Finally, give the board a quick wipe the next morning to remove any excess oil.
