When choosing the best wood for cooking spoons, consider the type of use and style. A broad, deep head and flat edge with an angled corner are ideal for scrubbing bottoms and reaching into the corners of pots. A broad, shallow handle is perfect for stir-frying, deglazing pots, and scraping food from the bottom. Solid beechwood spoons have a comfortable, firm grip and rounded corners.
The best wood for cooking utensils is made from hardwood with tight grain and is durable. A spoon made of Mahogany is an excellent choice for those who cook frequently. Mahogany grown in Fiji displays a low radial shrinkage and a 1:1 radial and axial shrinkage ratio. Wood is also porous and absorbs flavors of other foods, making them prone to staining and microorganisms.
Here Are Some Best Woods For Cooking Spoons
1. Hardwoods
Various types of wood are suitable for wooden utensils, and olive wood, soft maple, black walnut, pecan wood, and cherry are ideal wooden spoons. All of these woods are safe for use in the kitchen and will prevent bacteria and other germs from getting into your food. But the best wood for cooking utensils depends on your needs and preferences. Hardwoods are the most common choice for cooking spoons and are dense and resistant to breakage.
2. Mahogany
It is the best wood for cooking spoons. Choose Mahogany, Bamboo, or ash for the best wood for cooking spoons. Mahogany is a type of Mahogany that exhibits low average shrinkage and a 1:1 ratio between radial and axial shrinkage. Regardless of the cooking spoon, it will be durable and long-lasting. For example, a wooden butter knife from Mahogany will last many years.
For a wooden spoon, Mahogany is the best choice. This type of wood is the most durable and safest for cooking spoons and an excellent choice for nonstick kitchenware. Although hardwood will absorb flavors from other foods, it will not stain. If you want a scoop that will last a lifetime, a bamboo or mahogany one may be the better choice. However, some types of wooden cooking spoons are better suited for frying than others.
3. Bamboo
Cooking spoons are the best choice for stir-frying. The material does not absorb flavor or color and is highly durable. In addition to bamboo, beechwood spoons are stable, but there are a few disadvantages. For starters, a wooden utensil can be a choking hazard. For this reason, bamboo cooking spoons are made from the highest quality wood.
Is it Safe to Use Wooden Spoons?
When it comes to food safety, what many people consider a disadvantage of wooden utensils—their porous nature—can work in their favor. According to Dr. Chapman, “capillary action” occurs in wood, which means that water and bacteria on the outside of the wooden surface diffuse into the wood, thus “choking out” surface germs and denying them a healthy habitat to develop in.
Furthermore, wood possesses antibacterial capabilities, as plants evolved natural defensive systems to keep bacteria and parasites at bay throughout evolution. These characteristics hold regardless of the physical state in which the wood has been converted (whether it be a spoon or a cutting board).
According to Dr. Chapman, improper drying is the primary food safety problem with wooden utensils. If a knife hasn’t thoroughly dried, it won’t be able to “choke out the bacteria” and let its antibacterial capabilities do their work. After you’ve washed your utensils, ensure they’re dehydrated in a well-ventilated area; this should take at least 24 hours (varies based on temperature and humidity).
For items like boards that might be propped upright in a utensil holder, he recommends using a drying rack (making sure they’re not stacked against one another), and for spoons that might be propped upright in a utensil holder, make sure the spoon portion faces up (handle portion facing down), allowing gravity to draw moisture down toward the handle as it dries.
Clean Wooden Spoons in Five Easy Steps
1. Soap and Water:
When you’re done using a wooden spoon, wash it by hand with water and soap and let it air dry. Cleaning wooden spoons as you use them will help them last longer. Wooden spoons should never be washed in the dishwasher.
2. Apply Oil to the Area:
It’s natural for your wooden spoons to be drier than usual, and they might even break up. Discard the split ones, just begging for food to accumulate and bacteria to breed. Periodically massage dried-out spoons with mineral oil or walnut, tung, or linseed oil to rejuvenate them. Food-based oils, such as vegetables or olive oil, should be avoided because they tend to be rancid.
3. Use Vinegar to Get Rid of the Accumulation:
It’s natural for the buildup to occur, but it’s simple to remove. To properly go down into the gunk, immerse crusty spoons in a 1:1 white vinegar and water solution overnight. If that doesn’t work, clean the tenacious accumulation with a copper or stainless steel scour.
4. Use Lemon or Baking Soda to Neutralize Odors:
These spoons will inevitably become discolored and absorb flavors and aromas. The majority of the time, these stains and odors will dissipate. When the smells don’t go away, it’s relatively simple to get rid of them.
Scrub the surface with the cut side of a halved lemon or baking soda and water paste. Alternatively, sprinkle baking soda on the spoons, generously pour lemon juice, and leave to marinate for a few minutes. Make careful to wash it with soapy water and air dry it thoroughly.
5. Use Hydrogen Peroxide to Disinfect:
Finally, if you’re worried about bacteria growing on your spoons, you can disinfect them by washing them with soap and water. After that, add some hydrogen peroxide and let it dry.
Conclusion
There are several reasons to use hardwoods for your wooden cooking spoons. They are the best material for stirring food and are soft and comfortable to hold. They can prepare soups, stews, and stir-fry meats and serve various dishes. A bamboo or mesquite wooden spoon is a great choice. But if you want something more environmentally friendly, consider a bamboo or mesquite wood cooking spoon.
A wooden cooking spoon is a must-have for the kitchen. These wooden cookware accessories make for a functional, stylish, and long-lasting kitchen. The best wood for cooking spoons is non-porous and lightweight. It won’t scratch or stain a pan, so you can be sure it will never burn your hands. They are also comfortable for your hands and ideal for any kitchen.
