Bamboo is a grass that grows to a harvestable height of 60 feet in about three to five years, growing as much as tow feet per day. It has an extensive root system that continually sends up new shoots, naturally replenishing itself. It does not require replanting, making it one of the most renewable resources known. It is also remarkably sturdy- 16 percent stronger than maple- yet gentler on knives than plastic. So while it holds up against daily chopping duties, it also resists deep gouges better than wood and harbors less bacteria. Bamboo is a sustainable, cost effective and ecologically responsible alternative to the widespread clear cutting of our world’s precious timberland.

The Color of  Bamboo

Bamboo has variations of sugar levels in its fiber and each finished strip obtains its own unique color quality, allowing no two boards to loo alike.  As a result, when laser etched, there will remain a variation from light to darker finished.  This is due to the caramelizing of the sugar, and that’s what gives each board a rich, individual and beautiful finish.  This color is permanent and will not face or wash out.  The laser engraved boards by First Colony Engraving are reversible.  Use the front for serving or display and the smooth back for cutting or chopping!

Caring for Your Board

A bamboo cutting board is an environmentally friendly alternative to wood and plastic cutting boards.  The durability of bamboo and its natural ability to fight bacteria make bamboo cutting boards a terrific addition to you kitchen.  However, bamboo is not indestructible an can split along its seams if not properly cared for.  Following a few simple tips will keep your bamboo cutting boards in good condition for many years to come.

Condition

Before you make your first cut, drizzle the board with mineral oil and rub it in with a soft, dry cloth.  The oil moisturizes the wood, helps to avoid splitting, and gives the bamboo that lovely burnished look.  Then apply oil once a moth for light usage and up to once a week for boards that are used more often.  Apply oil to your cutting board with a cotton cloth.  Rub in thoroughly.  Let board sit for 20 minutes before removing excess oil.  Repeat this every day for about a week, then condition your boards once a month thereafter.

Disinfect

If you use your bamboo boards for meats, it’s important to disinfect them after each use.  Dissolve one part vinegar in five parts water, and use a sponge to scrub down the board.  Rinse and dry as usual.  Keep in mind that it’s just good practice to reserve one board entirely for meats.  You’d hate to cross- contaminate your vegetable (especially if yo eat them raw).

Remove Stains and Odors

From time to time, you may notice vegetable stains setting into the board, which is not a health hazard but can ruin the beauty of the bamboo.  To get rid of stains, scrub some coarse salt over the surface of the board with a sponge, then rinse and dry.  Odors can also ingrain themselves int he bamboo, which you can  resolve by rubbing a paste of baking soda and water over the board before rinsing and drying. Never put your bamboo cutting board in the microwave or dishwasher.

These simple steps above will greatly prolong the life of your bamboo cutting board.