The natural beauty and practicality of wooden cooking equipment have made them a popular choice. But can wood prevent the spread of bacteria? Wooden utensils have been hypothesized to retard the spoiling of food and the spread of bacteria, however this claim has not been verified.
Nonporous Wood Apart
The resistance of hardwood surfaces to microbial assault is a crucial factor in their use. This is especially true in the kitchen, where the humidity level is almost always high and the countertops are constantly becoming wet. It is well-known that many types of microorganisms, including bacteria, flourish under damp conditions. Fortunately, wood is an adsorbent, meaning it can take up atmospheric moisture without fostering microbial development.
While it's generally agreed that wooden countertops in the kitchen are a wonderful idea, the quality of the wood itself should not be overlooked. Plastic cutting boards are less expensive, but they don't do as good a job of preventing the spread of harmful bacteria. Using high-quality materials is key to avoiding this problem.
While some germs were found to thrive on plastic chopping boards, a new research from the University of Wisconsin found that wood had the most impact. Furthermore, incubation for only a few minutes resulted in the death of the vast majority of the bacteria.
Wood's Natural Antimicrobial Properties
The food business has relied on wooden touch surfaces for quite some time. However, concerns regarding its sanitary potential have been highlighted because wood is an organic material. Researchers have looked into the antibacterial properties of wood to find the solution to this issue.
Although several studies have demonstrated that some types of wood have antibacterial characteristics, others have demonstrated that these qualities do not provide protection against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens. However, the results of these analyses provide insight into how well wood performs as a sanitary material.
Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture and inhibits the growth of microorganisms. This quality also aids in keeping food free of harmful bacteria. Hygienically crucial environments, such as hospitals, can also benefit from using wood as a touch surface.
Despite these advantages, wood surfaces are constantly at danger due to the presence of germs. Bacteria growth on wooden spoons and other kitchen implements is widespread. These germs can be discharged into the environment when the wood is broken.
Food Flavor and Aroma Preservation
Wooden cooking tools are a wonderful addition to any kitchen. They last longer than metal, won't scratch your hands, and have a more comfortable grip. However, they may provide challenges when it comes to sanitation. The following are five suggestions for optimizing the use of wooden implements.
There are essentially two kinds of wood, and you need to be aware of both. The first is a hardwood with very tight grain that does not readily accept stains or smells. However, a coarse wood will readily absorb a large quantity of liquid.
Baking soda and water can be used to clean and disinfect wooden cooking implements. It does its job by neutralizing weak organic acids and attracting moisture to the wood.
Food-grade mineral oil is another viable option. This will not only provide an innocuous-looking, non-toxic surface, but it will also inhibit the growth of germs.
Linseed oil may also be used for this purpose, and it will give the implements a distinct golden hue. You should be careful with the Linseed Oil variant since it dries out.
Wooden Utensils Are Naturally Antibacterial
Using wooden cooking implements is a terrific way to bring the outside inside. They're preferable than plastic and metal cutlery in many ways. They won't damage your non-stick pans or soak up any of that delicious bacon grease. However, they must be cared for as well. If not, they can serve as a perfect environment for germs to multiply. Fortunately, this problem may be mitigated by treating and oiling the wood.
Mineral oil is fine for use on wooden cutlery because it is non-toxic. This will feed the wood's natural fibers, allowing it to retain more moisture. After applying oil, waiting for it to dry is essential. The wood may break if left damp for too long.
Choose an oil that won't get rancid if you aren't sure what sort to use. Linseed oil is preferred by many due to its long shelf life and lack of oxidation, however it can be sticky. You should probably stay away from it if you have a nut allergy.
