Is it safe to use wooden utensils for cooking?
Simply put, yes, it is safe to cook with wooden spoons. Wooden spoons have been used in kitchens for years — centuries, really. They took a back seat to plastic and stainless steel utensils in the 1990s when people started to become a little grossed out by them.
Are wooden cooking utensils sanitary?
The oils and coatings used to conserve and protect wood are not food safe, meaning that if these get into the foods, there could be a real risk. Because wood needs to be kept dry, it becomes difficult to clean and disinfect these items. Kitchens don’t follow the above, and 9/10 boards and spoons are damaged.
Are wooden spoons better for cooking?
Wooden spoons don’t quickly heat to scalding temperatures, chemically react with acidic foods, or scratch pots and bowls, as their metal counterparts do. They don’t melt or leach chemicals or strange tastes into hot foods as plastic does. A wooden spoon can be used to stir any dish in any type of vessel.
Are wooden utensils toxic?
Wood. Not only are wooden spoons environmentally friendly because they are biodegradable, but they are also a great option if you want non-toxic utensils in the kitchen. When picking out wooden utensils, make sure you choose wood that is labeled “food-safe” and is made of hardwood like beechwood, teak, or maple.
Why are wooden utensils bad?
When used in sauces and soups, wooden spoons tend to retain stains. That’s why many people worry about these spoons harboring bacteria and contaminating food. But as with all other types of spoons, wooden ones will be a breeding ground for bacteria when they aren’t thoroughly cleaned.
How long should you keep wooden cooking utensils?
Specifically, Her World recommends replacing your wooden utensils every five years or so. One clue that it’s time to replace your spoon is if it has any cracks in it, as microbes and bacteria can live in them, raising the risk of spreading germs (via Southern Living).
When should you throw out wooden spoons?
Wooden spoons can harbor bacteria as the years go on which can then add bacteria to your food. You can tell that it’s time to replace your wooden spoon when the wood becomes soft, dark or the wood is cracking. These are indications that the wood is rotting from the bacteria covering it.
How do you clean and sanitize wooden spoons?
Five Ways to Clean Wooden Spoons
- Wash with soap. Always hand wash wooden spoons with water and soap and air-dry as soon as you’re done using them.
- Treat with oil. It’s natural for your wooden spoons to look a bit dry.
- Remove buildup with vinegar.
- Combat odors with lemon or baking soda.
- Sanitize with hydrogen peroxide.
Can you cook meat with wooden spoons?
They’re recipe safe. Some metal utensils can react with acidic foods, like tomato sauces and lemon curds. Wooden spoons will not affect the flavor of foods, and they’re unlikely to absorb flavors too.
Can wooden spoons go in boiling water?
Back in 2016, Matt Preston shared with delicious.com.au a handy hack for cleaning your wooden spoons. In the story, Matt suggested soaking your wooden spoons in a cup of boiling water for around 20 minutes to help release oils and liquids that have been absorbed into the wood.
How do you take care of wooden cooking utensils?
Simple hand washing is best for wooden items. Blot freshly washed wooden utensils with a clean dishtowel, then allow them to air-dry completely before putting them away. If your wooden spoons or cutting board start to look dry or don’t feel super smooth, periodically rub them with mineral oil or a beeswax compound.
How do you sanitize wooden spoons?
Sanitize with hydrogen peroxide Lastly, if you’re concerned about bacteria festering, you can sanitize your spoons by washing them with soap and water. Afterwards, sprinkle on some hydrogen peroxide, and let dry. Make sure to wash them again before use.
How do you clean wooden cooking utensils?
One is to rub a slice or half a lemon over the surface of the cutting board and let it air dry. You can also mix baking soda and water together, rub the resulting paste on the surface, and then let it dry before washing off. Rubbing with white vinegar has also been shown to erase smells.
Should you oil wooden utensils?
Every now and then you should give your wooden kitchen utensils a coat of oil. This will form a protective yet flexible barrier that will help to control the wood’s natural desire to fluctuate its moisture content.