If you have a pretty bamboo cutting board and you’re wondering “are bamboo cutting boards heat-resistant?”, we’re here to help out!
Cutting boards made of bamboo are heat-resistant, but only to a temperature of 752 degrees F or 400 degrees C. They’re capable of withstanding some amount of heat, similar to wood’s ability, but high heat can damage them!
A bamboo board will crack, warp, and soften when it’s exposed to temperatures higher than the ones mentioned above. And, continuous heat exposure can lead to irreversible damage to the board.
Bamboo boards are increasingly popular in the last few years due to the numerous advantages they offer, from beautiful aesthetics to functionality.
If you’re still unsure if you should invest in a bamboo cutting board, stay tuned to learn more!
Table of Contents
Is Bamboo a Type of Wood?
Bamboo isn’t wood, though it’s commonly grouped with wooden boards. Bamboo is a woody grass native to tropical regions where there’s plenty of heavy rainfall.
It grows quicker than hardwood and they differ in their cellular structure.
Bamboo grows fast and some species can reach up to three feet per day. Its strength increases as the years go by and its full maturity happens in two to three years.
Bamboo is increasingly popular due to its sustainability.
What’s more, bamboo doesn’t need any fertilizers and it self-regenerates from its roots.
Are Bamboo Cutting Boards Heat-Resistant?
Similar to wooden cutting boards, the bamboo cutting ones can only withstand up to 752 degrees F or 400 degrees C. If you leave a vessel out of the stove directly onto the board, it may burn it and leave a permanent mark.
Moreover, if a bamboo cutting board is left in a hot environment longer, its adhesive barrier may break and cause splinters to form.
This adhesive is important for the board’s water-repelling properties and heat may cause the board to start absorbing moisture, which is highly unsanitary.
Why Should You Invest in a Bamboo Cutting Board?
If you want a functional cutting board and one that’s eco-friendly, bamboo cutting boards are an awesome choice.
They’re also highly durable and will keep your knives’ blades safe.
However, the silica in bamboo isn’t recommendable for long-term use with blades; the percentage of silica varies among different brands of bamboo boards.
Here are the best reasons why it’s good to have this type of cutting board:
- Longevity
Bamboo boards offer decent durability and are able to withstand the cutting of highly sharp knives for a longer period of time.
- Affordable price
Bamboo boards aren’t expensive to be produced so they’re not too expensive for potential buyers as some other types of cutting boards.
- Organic look and feel
Bamboo boards are a sight for sore eyes with their clean organic look that plenty of chefs and regular users appreciate. The color is uniform and slightly light brown.
- Eco-friendly choice
Being grass and not wood, bamboo grows fast and it’s highly renewable. This product doesn’t stress the planet so it’s a great option for people looking to live more sustainably.
- Doesn’t warp (if properly cared for)
When you don’t expose it to heat higher than the heat it can withstand and when you’re not constantly exposing it to moisture, a bamboo cutting board is less likely to warp, especially if you use it properly and oil it regularly.
- Doesn’t harm blades as glass does
Since it has a porous consistency, bamboo is an awesome choice for people who want to keep their expensive and sharp knives safe.
Using these knives on bamboo boards won’t deteriorate their sharpness and edge like a glass board can.
Like any other cutting board out there, bamboo isn’t ideal. Here are some of the reasons why it may not be a good choice for your kitchen:
- The silica content
Bamboo may damage knives more than wooden boards due to a mineral present in it known as silica. Higher amounts of it can gradually wear down the blades and their edges.
- May become unsanitary
Since it has a porous consistency, bamboo may begin to absorb bacteria and become unsanitary if you don’t care for it the right way.
When you properly sanitize and care for your bamboo boards, you can decrease the risk of them becoming the ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
- Fuzzy splinters in your food?
As bamboo is grass and not wood, it may break down into fuzzy splinters faster than wooden boards for cutting.
Unfortunately, some of these pieces may enter the food and become dangerous or painful!
- Not ideal for meat
Bamboo cutting boards can be used with meat, but it then needs to be well cleaned and disinfected with boiling water.
This is because bamboo is porous and less suitable for poultry, fish, raw meat, etc. Ideally, use a separate cutting board for meat and you’ll decrease any bacteria from the meat entering the other foods by entering the pores of the board.
How to Properly Care for a Bamboo Cutting Board?
By caring for bamboo cutting boards properly, you prolong their longevity and prevent bacteria. It’s pivotal to maintain it clean and dry and rub it with food-safe oil.
Finishing the cleaning with oil will seal any pores and condition the board. Avoid the oils with veggie or olive oil and opt for mineral oil that’s safe to use with bamboo cutting boards.
This will maintain its strength and boost its shape.
This matters due to the fact that bamboo is porous. This means that it has small indentations on its face which can collect bacteria and even viruses if it’s not cleaned and oiled.
By oiling the board, you help maintain the board’s pliability, reduce the risk of warps, and minimize the chance of the board releasing splinters.
Transform this care into a regimen, and your bamboo board will thrive.
Here’s a good bamboo cutting board cleaning regimen:
- Rinse the board with mild dish soap, sponge, and warm water
- Clean any debris away
- With a half-cut lemon, rub the entire board
- Rinse and repeat if necessary if there are a lot of stains on the board
- Apply the oil
Final Thoughts
Bamboo cutting boards make a nice addition to any kitchen, that’s for sure! They’re one of the most popular cutting boards due to their beautiful aesthetic, organic feel, and sustainability.
They’re also durable and versatile and can last for a long period of time if properly cared for. But, it’s important to avoid using them with excessive heat (one that goes over 700 degrees F or 400 degrees C) and to oil them frequently.
