How to Care for Wood Charcuterie and Cutting Boards

Charcuterie is a French term for the art of preparing and preserving meat products, such as bacon, ham, sausage, pâté, and terrine. Charcuterie boards are typically used to present these meat products along with cheese, crackers, fruits, and other accompaniments. Proper care of charcuterie and cutting boards is essential to prevent cross-contamination of your food and ensure the longevity of your boards. 

Caring for Your Wood Boards

Wood cutting boards and charcuterie boards are among the most used kitchenware items. We recommend conditioning your board once a month or more as needed with our blend of beeswax and mineral oil to maintain this special personalized gift so it can bring years of enjoyment. This isn’t our only tip on caring for your boards, here are Dragonfly Wood Arts do's and do not's for charcuterie and cutting board care:

Do's for Your Charcuterie Board and Cutting Board

1. Clean your cutting board thoroughly with hot, soapy water and a scrub brush after each use. Rinse with hot water and dry completely before storing.
2. Disinfect your cutting board regularly by wiping it down with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, rinse and wipe dry the board. This would be an ideal time to apply Dragonfly Wood Arts Board Butter in a thin layer, let stand for an hour, and buff it off to maintain its beauty.
3. Oil your cutting board with food-grade mineral oil or beeswax to prevent cracking and warping. We highly recommend our own board butter, which is a blend of food-safe mineral oil and all-natural beeswax. Apply the oil and beeswax in a thin, even layer and let it soak in for a few hours before wiping off any excess.
4. Use separate boards. One cutting board should be used for raw meat preparation and another separate Charcuterie board should be used for the presentation of cheeses, cured meats, vegetables, or other foods to prevent cross-contamination.
5. Store your cutting board in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
6. If ever you need to resurface your charcuterie or cutting board, you can lightly sand the board with 600-grit sandpaper using a random orbital sander very lightly and then apply a thin layer of Dragonflys Board butter, do not forget to apply board butter to the sides and ends (the most important area are the end grains) let stand and buff with a microfiber towel.

Charcuterie Board and Cutting Board Do Not’s

1. Do not soak your cutting board or charcuterie board in water as this can cause warping and cracking.
2. Do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners on your cutting or charcuterie board, as this can damage the wood and leave behind toxic residues.
3. Please do not put your board in the dishwasher or in the microwave.
4. Do not use your cutting board or charcuterie board for anything other than food, as this can damage the wood and contaminate your food.
5. Do not leave your cutting board or charcuterie board near a heat source, as this can cause it to warp and crack.
6. Do not put your charcuterie or cutting board away wet. Again store in a cool, dry place.

Making Your Wood Boards Last

Proper care and maintenance for your charcuterie board and cutting board are essential to ensure your food is safe and your boards remain in good condition. By following the do's and do not's outlined above and staying on top of cleaning, disinfecting, and oiling, you can prolong the life of your charcuterie board and cutting boards to enjoy delicious, safe charcuterie for years to come.