A wooden spoon is one of the most common utensils used for food preparation. You can find a wooden spoon in a wide range of designs and sizes. Wooden utensils are also available in sets of two, three, or four. Here are some tips for using them:
Choosing a wooden utensil set
Choosing a wooden utensils set is not a difficult task, but you have to know a few things before making your purchase. First, you need to think about the pieces you want in your set, the material used in the construction, and the type of maintenance they will require. Additionally, you should consider the budget you have available. Some sets come with only a few pieces, while others have up to ten. You should decide on what you need and then make your selection accordingly.
Secondly, the materials used for your wooden utensil set should be durable. This is important because the material used can affect how long the utensils will last and will affect the quality of the set. The thicker the wood, the better, as it will be durable for a long time. Thinner woods, such as bamboo, may not be as durable. Moreover, if you plan to use the utensils frequently, it is important to choose a set that can be cleaned easily.
The most popular wooden utensil set is the Scanwood olive wood utensil set, which consists of a soup ladle, a wooden spoon, and a wooden spatula. The set is handmade and is made from a high quality natural wood that does not absorb odors or stains. Aside from being durable, bamboo utensils also look stylish and complement all kinds of kitchen decor.
Another popular wooden utensil set is the OXO Good Grips cookware set. It has a sleek and comfortable handle, and comes with a wide range of cooking and serving utensils. These utensils are designed for many different kitchen tasks, and have smooth, contoured heads to make them easy to use. Bamboo utensils can also be used for baking and high heat cooking, and they double as stylish serving spoons.
Seasoning wooden utensils
After seasoning, wooden utensils require little to no care. However, they are not dishwasher-safe and hot steam can warp them. Therefore, hand-washing them is recommended. To further preserve their appearance, you can use mineral oil to coat them. The mineral oil prevents the wood from warping and also keeps moisture from penetrating its porous surface, preventing the growth of mold.
While olive oil is best, avoid using corn or other food-based oils because these oils will go rancid and smell bad when exposed to air. Oils such as Linseed or Walnut will not turn rancid but will impart a yellow tint to your utensils, which will darken over time and with exposure to light. However, if you have an allergy to nut oils, you should avoid using them.
After cleaning your wooden spoons, you should re-season them to prevent any bacterial contamination. It is important to avoid using them with raw meat and eggs. However, if you’re preparing a big meal with a crowd, you can use a wooden spoon as a serving vessel. The oil will keep your wooden spoons looking like new, and will prevent them from drying out and splintering.
While seasoning your wooden spoons is optional, it is a good way to protect them from fading over time. While wood spoons do absorb liquids, if you leave them out for a long time, they’ll warp due to water build-up in the gaps. Wooden spoons can also absorb odors when exposed to moisture and fungus. A little bit of seasoning prevents these problems from occurring.
After washing wooden utensils, you can wipe them clean in a dry cloth with water. After washing them with soap, dry them thoroughly with a clean hand towel. Seasoning prevents water from getting inside the wood and causing it to lose its natural shape. If you want to use a wooden spoon again in the future, seasoning is highly recommended. There are many benefits to seasoning wooden utensils.
Keeping them clean
Keeping wooden utensils clean is a breeze. Simply combine vinegar with lemon juice, soak your wooden utensils for about 30 minutes, and rinse them well. The combination will treat any odors and prevent mold growth. To get even better results, you can use a mixture of hot water and vinegar. A few drops of this mixture soaked in your wooden utensils will help keep them looking fresh and smelling great.
Another tip to prevent food based oils from discoloring your wooden utensils is to apply a little beeswax to the wood. This type of oil is not only food safe but also odorless. After using it, wipe away the excess oil with a clean cloth. The utensils will look just as good as new after these steps. This method is especially important if you have a nut allergy.
If stains or loose ends remain on your wooden utensils, you can apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or vinegar. You can also apply a lemon cut into halves and rub the salty surface of the wooden spoon. This mixture should lift the stain away. Once the stains or odors have been removed, you can rinse off the sandpaper using hot water. Once dry, use vegetable oil or lemon juice on wooden utensils to keep them smelling fresh and looking great.
Another tip for keeping wooden utensils clean is to only wash them when they are in use. Never use a dishwasher, as it will strip their natural oils and cause the wooden utensils to warp or crack over time. Always use hot water to rinse them well after cleaning. After cleaning, oil them thoroughly to protect the wood from any damage caused by moisture. You can even store wooden utensils for a long time.
While wooden utensils are attractive and rustic, they can lose their shine over time. Do not wash them in the dishwasher, as the high heat and steam can damage the wood and cause cracks. To maintain their beauty, do not use dishwasher detergents or soak them in water for long periods. Instead, simply rinse them in warm water and air dry them. This is the best way to keep your wooden utensils clean for a long time.
Using them on a variety of surfaces
If you’re planning to use wooden utensils on a number of different surfaces, you’ll want to ensure that they are clean and well-seasoned before you use them. After all, they’re naturally porous, which means that they’re susceptible to warping. Using a mild dish soap on your wooden utensils will prevent this, and you should avoid scrubbing them with steel wool, as it will scrape off the wooden finish and possibly warp the wood. Neither should you soak them in water, nor should you put them in a dishwasher; too much heat and water can cause wooden utensils to warp and lose their luster.
Another benefit to using wooden utensils is their natural antimicrobial properties. Many types of wood have natural bacteria-killing properties. The wood is also able to retain food flavours and odours. Despite this, some research indicates that using wooden utensils has no correlation with food poisoning. However, it should be noted that wood is a cross-contamination factor, and can’t be separated from other sources of contamination.
To restore wooden utensils, you need to wash them carefully and dry them completely. This step will raise the grain and highlight any rough patches on the wood. Once dried, you can use the utensil as usual. If you are worried that the wooden utensils will end up looking old and tarnished, you can try rubbing them down with a washcloth and a soft bristled brush to make sure they are as smooth as possible.
When cooking with wooden utensils, always keep in mind the type of wood that they’re made from. Certain woods are more suitable for various types of surfaces than others. For example, the Mexican Ebony wood, also known as katalox, has a rich, purple hue. It’s difficult to work with, but the exotic beauty is worth the hassle. Similarly, any close-grained hardwood that’s non-toxic and durable is an excellent choice for chopping boards and bowls. Earlywood offers a range of four different types of hardwoods, including oak, maple, walnut, and ash.
While wooden utensils are more porous than metal utensils, they still need to be cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. If a spoon splits or the board gets grooves, you should replace the wooden utensil. A high-temperature dishwasher cycle will do the trick. A wooden spoon will retain its shape much better than a plastic one, but silicone is not as sturdy as wood.