When looking for healthy and ecological kitchen utensils, one immediately thinks of wooden items. Rolling pins, mortars, spatulas, cutting boards… They are used daily in the kitchen. But are they as harmless as we always thought? Beware: wood is a breeding ground for bacteria and if not properly maintained, it can become dangerous for both your health and the environment. Here are the strengths and weaknesses of these wooden utensils and why it would be wiser to refrain from them.
Why should wooden spoons be avoided?
Wooden utensils – Source: spm
As we all already know, kitchen items are very important for food safety. It is therefore essential to choose healthy and harmless materials. But beware of received ideas! Some utensils should not be overused, as they can quickly harm you. Among them, we find those you would never have suspected: wooden spoons. Chemist Deborah García Bello warns consumers against the constant use of these utensils, especially when cooking meals. Although wood is less harmful than plastic, it still remains a prolific environment for bacteria. Even when spatulas are thoroughly washed, bacteria are never completely eliminated. The wood is naturally porous, it breaks easily and holds moisture very well, especially when the utensil is used to mix ingredients in a liquid soup, for example.
For the same reason, the British Society of Immunology also states that wooden utensils are not recommended for daily use. They can accumulate many types of bacteria and fungi. These communities of micro-organisms, which are not always easily eliminated, form the “biofilm”, that is to say an aggregate of micro-organisms which stick together. ” When wooden spoons have a mucus-like layer that won’t go away, it’s biofilm. Food safety experts’ worst nightmare! When you have biofilm, there is no need to clean it, you better directly throw it in the trash“, explains the chemist.
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Are all types of wood called into question?
Although there are bactericidal woods such as bamboo, olive and walnut, according to the specialist, they are also not completely safe to use in the kitchen. It makes more sense to opt for other materials when it comes to utensils, such as metal, Teflon, polypropylene and silicone. ” You have probably used these wooden utensils for many years, without ever having suffered the slightest danger. Maybe nothing has happened to you so far or you have never paid attention, but it is advisable to limit the use of these wooden instruments. Prevention is better than cure ! “, concluded the chemist.
Some habits die hard. Difficult to change utensils when wood has always been part of your culinary routine. We are not suggesting that you banish them completely from the kitchen, but for a question of hygiene, it is necessary to have systematic reflexes to take care of this delicate material.
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- First rule of thumb: clean your utensils after each use. Wash them thoroughly with dish soap or lemon juice. But do not soak them too long and avoid boiling water which may crack them. Above all, be sure to dry them very carefully by hand: the slightest drop of humidity can attract bacteria.
- It is necessary to sanitize your wooden items at least once a month, especially cutting boards. To do this, let them soak for half an hour in a solution of water and white vinegar.
- As it is porous, wood tends to absorb all sorts of odors impregnated with food. To deodorize it, you can rely on the properties of baking soda. Take a bowl and mix a liter of water with a tablespoon of this white powder. Once the paste is formed, spread it over the woody item and let sit for about an hour. Then rinse with clean water and dry properly.
- Finally, the location of your wooden utensils is important. It is absolutely necessary to keep them away from any source of heat which risks deforming them, cracking them or discoloring them.
Why not put wooden utensils in the dishwasher?
When wood is exposed to extreme temperature (very high or very low) and excess humidity, it can warp, split and eventually break. As a rule, wooden items are washed manually. But if you still insist on cleaning them in the dishwasher, always check the manufacturer’s recommendations to determine if this washing is appropriate.
What type of oil protects wooden utensils?
Use wooden utensils – Source: spm
If you want to extend the life of your wooden utensils, you must necessarily nourish this material, especially its natural fibers, with suitable oils. Always prefer fatty oils to hydrate it to the maximum, like olive oil, coconut, peanut, flax or beeswax. All of these options are 100% food safe. Easily available commercially, they will provide long-lasting protection for your wooden cookware. Just pour some on a paper towel and gently wipe the material.
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