We research in-depth and provide unbiased reviews and recommendations on the best products. We strive to give you the most accurate information. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
If you’re worried about the moisture on your cutting board, here are some steps you can take to protect it. First, you should know that sealing charcuterie boards can be messy and time-consuming. You can use beeswax, Mineral oil, or Linseed oil. You may also want to consider soaking the board in a solution of mineral oil and water. Then, use a cloth to wipe off any excess oil.
Mineral oil
To keep your cutting board in pristine condition, oil it regularly. It’s important to use only food grade mineral oil, as soap breaks down the seal. Apply mineral oil to the board every month or so, and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Alternatively, you can use a paper towel to wipe the board clean. To avoid any damage, you should never put the board in the dishwasher.
Unlike wax, mineral oil doesn’t harm the food that you’re serving, and is non-toxic. A few drops per board are all that’s necessary. However, don’t use more than two tablespoons. A little bit of mineral oil is better than nothing. For a thick layer of protection, you should apply beeswax mixed with mineral oil. Then, buff the board with a soft cloth to restore the seal. Repeat the process until the wood fully absorbs the product.
Mineral oil seals a charcuteria board by providing it with a protective barrier. It’s non-drying and won’t break down the board’s wood grain. It won’t support microorganisms and won’t attract odors. Plus, it’s very inexpensive compared to other finishes. You can use mineral oil for a variety of household items – from cutting boards to butcher blocks – and your food preparation area will stay in great condition.
The benefits of mineral oil are many. It’s affordable, non-toxic, and has no flavor or color. Mineral oil also prevents water absorption. It is considered food grade by the FDA and is a popular choice for wooden charcuterie boards. But, please note that not all mineral oils are food grade. Some are not safe for human consumption and are used as automotive lubricants.
Beeswax
If you have a wooden cutting board, adding a layer of beeswax to it can keep it free of bacteria and odors. Beeswax seals a board to prevent the wood from drying out and also adds a buffed, water-resistant finish. Beeswax is readily available at home improvement stores, health food stores, and some grocery stores. You can also purchase it online.
The beeswax is food-grade and safe to ingest in small amounts. It is also sold as a laxative at your local pharmacy. Food-grade mineral oil and beeswax will protect your wooden charcuterie board. If you don’t want to spend extra money on beeswax, you can use a natural mineral oil or beeswax based linseed oil.
A butcher block’s finish should be reconditioned periodically. Dry wood is more likely to develop splits and cracks, so reconditioning it will ensure it retains its value and usefulness. A food-safe oil or wax is the ideal finishing solution. This product can be easily applied and wiped off, with no need to wait for it to cure. The beeswax can be used on both wood and metal surfaces.
Another type of beeswax is available in a spray form. It applies to the surface of the wood, filling in any gaps that thin oil cannot bridge. This top coat is water-resistant, preventing bacteria and moisture from soaking into the wood’s surface. The substance is similar to shoe polish, so excess can be easily removed by wiping it off with a cloth.
Tung oil
Unlike mineral oil, tung oils are not harmful to humans. They’re non-toxic and naturally food-safe. It soaks into the grain of wood, making it less absorbent. Pure Tung oil is used for the purpose of sealing charcuterie boards, but not all tung oils are suitable for this purpose. For the best results, use pure Tung oil.
After rubbing the tung oil into the surface of the board, you should let it stand for at least forty or fifty minutes. Once you’ve finished, wipe away excess oil with a rag. The finished product will harden within a couple of days. If you don’t want to use it for food purposes right away, wait for about a month. Then, start chopping charcuterie on it.
The process of applying tung oil to a charcuterie board is simple. It is best to ensure that the surface is clean and smooth. If the board is made of wood, it’s recommended to lightly sand the board before applying the oil. Then, apply another coat if needed. This way, your charcuterie board will be protected against harmful bacteria.
Tung oil is non-toxic when cured, making it a perfect choice for charcuterie boards. Traditional linseed oil is less durable than Tung oil, but it doesn’t harden in wood fiber. Also, unlike tung oil, soy oil is easy to apply and doesn’t leave a residue. If you don’t want to wait for Tung oil to dry, consider using fractionated coconut oil instead. It moisturizes the wood and has no taste or odor. Food-grade mineral oil is another alternative that’s suitable for sealing charcuterie boards, but needs regular reapplication to ensure it’s not drying out.
Linseed oil
The first step in ensuring that your charcuterie board is protected from moisture and odor is to apply linseed oil. You can purchase a pure food grade mineral oil or you can opt for boiled linseed oil, which is also called flaxseed oil. These are food-grade oils and are non-greasy. You can use them on any type of board, including wood.
Tung oil is extracted from the nut of the tung tree and is known to be very water-resistant. The oil hardens with time and is food-safe once it’s cured. Raw linseed oil is pressed from flax seeds and offers similar qualities, but is far less water-resistant and requires frequent reapplication. Mineral oil is an inert, odorless substance that is usually sold in drugstores and kitchen supply stores. Its advantage is that it is easy to apply and won’t change the color of the wood.
While raw linseed oil has a number of advantages, its main drawback is that it tends to bleed out of the wood pores. Additionally, it doesn’t provide a hard coat of protection, leaving the wooden board prone to water stains and colored liquids. Consequently, linseed oil is not a good choice for sealing a wooden charcuterie board. However, it is readily available and gives a smooth, even finish.
While drying oils are best, you can also choose a wax-based finish to finish your charcuterie board. A wax finish is less durable than a natural oil, but will give your board a shiny finish. However, many people choose this option over an oil-only finish. It’s a good choice if you want to maintain your board for many years to come.
Shellac
If you’re looking for a finish for charcuterie boards, consider shellac. It’s an ancient finish with wonderful blocking properties, such as blocking silicone contamination that can cause fish eye. It also blocks odors and resin from pine knots and very oily exotic woods. Although shellac is harder to apply than other finishes, it’s worth it for these reasons. Shellac is also less expensive than polyurethane and has an excellent shelf life.
In addition to charcuterie boards, shellac is a fantastic wood finish for other wooden items. It can be applied by hand, but serious cabinet makers recommend using a denatured alcohol solution to measure the proper amount. Then, the furniture maker demonstrates how to apply the shellac, allowing ample time for each coat. After the first coat, you can sand the board with 400 grit sandpaper or soft steel wool treatment. The second coat bonds to the first and provides enough body to sand lightly.
Shellac comes from a natural source – a scale insect that lives in trees in Thailand and India. It has FDA approval and is completely non-toxic. It’s safe for children’s furniture because it contains no volatile organic compounds (VOCs). It doesn’t emit gasses, either, and is 100% non-toxic. This makes shellac the perfect finish for charcuterie boards.
Another natural food finish that protects wood from water and the sun is shellac. A charcuterie board coated with shellac will stay looking beautiful for many years to come. It also enhances the natural grain of the wood. Whether you’re using it for charcuterie or wood furniture, shellac will protect it and give it a glossy, protective finish. And shellac is safe to use – unlike many other finishes – and is easy to apply.
