Should I use a wooden or plastic cutting board?

**QuilterMom** · 03-15-2006, 04:11 PM

http://www.organicgardening.com/feat...55-628,00.html

Should I use a wooden or plastic cutting board?

WOOD
pro

Goes well from kitchen to table

A renewable resource

Gentler on knife blades

con

More porous and absorbs bacteria from raw food

Warps with age and water exposure

PLASTIC

pro

Inexpensive

Available in colors, so you can designate one for raw meat, another for vegetables

Hard surface absorbs fewer bacteria

con

Made from petroleum, a nonrenewable resource

Knife scratches on surface can harbor bacteria

THE VERDICT
Go with wood. Its absorbency pulls bacteria deep inside, where they eventually die. On plastic, bacteria remain close to the surface and are easily transferred to knives. You can disinfect a plastic or wooden board (if it doesn't contain metal) in the microwave for five to 10 minutes on high, depending on the size. Skip the dishwasher—the water doesn't get hot enough to kill bacteria.

**madhen** · 03-15-2006, 04:29 PM

Actually, I use a marble cutting board.

I just went to one of my Master Food Preserver classes yesterday, and this very topic came up! The microbiologist who gave the lecture was asked if wood or plastic was better. She recommends plastic, for the same reasons noted above - you can designate one colour for raw meat and another for fruits/veggies/etc. You can sterilize plastic better. And plastic cutting boards pretty much last forever.

I got my marble cutting board a few years back, and I actually threw out my wood board after that. I still have a plastic cutting board, but I use it more as a carry tray than as a cutting board.

**Darlene** · 03-15-2006, 04:38 PM

Thanks for the info. I use plastic for raw meat and wood for everything else.

**smithers1970** · 03-16-2006, 05:37 PM

wood is bad of you cut both meat and veggies on it. hello bacteria!

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 03-16-2006, 05:49 PM

I use a large piece of corirain (sp?). DH got it from a jobsite it was cut off a counter and thrown in the dumpster. Since I have a huge single sink in my kitchen it is perfect as it fits over the sink adding to my counter space. I run it throught the dishwasher to keep it extra clean.

Laurie in Bradenton

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 03-16-2006, 05:49 PM

I use a large piece of corirain (sp?). DH got it from a jobsite it was cut off a counter and thrown in the dumpster. Since I have a huge single sink in my kitchen it is perfect as it fits over the sink adding to my counter space. I run it throught the dishwasher to keep it extra clean.

Laurie in Bradenton