How to Maintain Your Charcuterie Board

Whether you got a slate, a marble, or a Casavala bamboo charcuterie board, proper maintenance could extend its lifespan and preserve its quality. Here are some tips that will help your board last for as long as possible.

 

Cleaning a charcuterie board the right way

Whatever type of charcuterie board you have, the rule of thumb is not to let it sit in water for an extended period of time. Prolonged exposure to water causes warping in wooden boards. It can also damage the finish of marble charcuterie boards. So it is not recommended to put a charcuterie board in a dishwasher. Instead, you can wash your board with gentle soap and water.  Then air dry in a cool place. 

 

Do not use it for excessive cutting

Remember that a charcuterie board is a serving board. It shouldn’t be used for constant cutting. While you may occasionally use a charcuterie board for cutting,  a sharp knife will scar its surface. To preserve the board’s smoothness, use a dull knife instead or don’t use it for cutting, at all.

 

If it already has cuts and scars, seasoning the board every now and then will allow it to develop a beautiful patina. 

 

Season your charcuterie board

To protect its surface and prevent warping, a wooden board requires seasoning from time to time. Since wood is naturally porous, it can absorb aromas and liquid from foods. This is why it requires a protective coating. 

 

To season a charcuterie board, you can use a food-grade mineral oil or a board cream. Apply the solution to a clean board and let it sit for five minutes. Work on one surface at a time. Never use olive or canola oil as they oxidize quickly and will leave foul odors when they dried out. You can also use food-grade wax for extra protection in addition to seasoning the board with oil or cream. 

 

The best time to season a board is when you see parts of the board look darker than the others or when one part looks drier than the rest. 

 

Removing stains from wooden boards

The porous characteristics of wooden charcuterie boards make them prone to stains. With the colorful nature of a charcuterie spread, it’s no surprise you’ll see staining on your board. 

 

It’s actually easy to remove stains from a charcuterie board. Simply put some baking soda on the stained surface. Using half of a lemon, scrub the area. This will help the discoloration and deep-seated stains. Rinse and dry the board afterward.

 

Proper storage

One golden rule for storing charcuterie boards: keep them away from heat and moisture. 

 

You can simply lean them against a wall or let them air dry in a rack. You can also use hooks to hang them on the wall. You can also store them right on your countertop. Arrange vertically so they take less space and any residual moisture can completely dry out.