We already wrote about why we are fans of wooden chopping boards. They last a long time, look great and – perhaps even more importantly – you don't get microplastics in your food like you do with many plastic chopping boards. But following that article, we received a lovely response. Saskia's father, a big fan of kitchen gadgets, felt we had forgotten two materials. That is why we are listing four alternatives to plastic chopping boards. You can probably guess one of them already, but what about those other options?
On the way to a plastic-free kitchen
We know that many readers of thegreenlist.nl trying to banish plastic from the kitchen. Not only because it is made from petroleum, but also because increasingly more is becoming known about microplastics and the potential consequences for our health. We have noticed that many kitchen accessories are made of plastic, while that is by no means always necessary.
Don't get us wrong, we aren't talking about food packaging that keeps your food fresh for longer. We actually applaud that, as such packaging can be recycled very well indeed. And no, we aren't hinting at your beloved coffee machine or hard plastic Magimix either. For some applications, plastic is simply a practical choice. But for utensils that wear out quickly, such as washing-up sponges, spatulas, wooden spoons and therefore also chopping boards, there are now many better alternatives. So why would you still choose a plastic version? Especially with a chopping board, which you use almost daily, small plastic particles can be released while cutting.
Chopping board for fish and chicken
Some home cooks, and you can probably guess who fits into that category by now, also like to use a separate chopping board for raw chicken or fish. That is precisely why many people haven't thrown away their plastic chopping board yet. To them, wood feels less hygienic because it is a natural material that can absorb moisture. We understand that feeling completely. (Even so, that perception isn't entirely correct: a well-maintained wooden chopping board is perfectly suitable for cutting raw meat on.) If you still prefer to use a separate board, there are good alternatives without having to resort to plastic.
Also interesting: Keep your wooden spoons clean!
Ceramic chopping board
A ceramic chopping board has a number of great qualities. The material is non-porous, meaning odours, colours and bacteria are less likely to linger. Ceramic is also scratch-resistant and easy to clean. This is why some culinary enthusiasts like to use a ceramic board for ingredients with a strong smell or colour, such as garlic, onion or turmeric. However, ceramic is a lot harder than wood, which can cause your knives to blunt more quickly. As an everyday chopping board, we would therefore still choose wood, but as an extra board, for example for chicken and fish or strongly scented ingredients, ceramic can certainly be a handy addition.
Glass chopping board
Also a glass chopping board can also be a nice addition. Glass is hygienic, does not absorb odours or colours and is easy to clean. Moreover, you can also use it as a serving board for cheese or nibbles, as a trivet for a hot pan or to roll out dough. However, glass is very hard. As a result, your knives will also blunt faster than on a wooden board. For daily chopping we would therefore not choose it, but as a multifunctional board for cutting and serving work, glass certainly deserves a place in the kitchen.
Titanium chopping board
Titanium chopping boards are the latest craze among cooking enthusiasts. They are indestructible, do not absorb odours or moisture and are very hygienic. Sounds ideal, but there is a downside too. Just like glass and ceramic, titanium is a hard material, which means your knives can become blunt more quickly. On top of that, a titanium chopping board is quite pricey.
Alternative to plastic chopping board? The wooden chopping board remains a favourite
Ultimately, the wooden chopping board remains the winner for us, sorry father. With a little maintenance it will last for years, it is kind to your knives and it doesn't release microplastics while cutting. But we also have to give Saskia's father a little bit of right. Passionate home cooks often have several chopping boards at home, each with its own function. Are you an average home cook and looking for one chopping board that can handle almost anything? Then we would without a doubt go for a wooden chopping board Keep Going as an alternative to a plastic chopping board.
You might also find this interesting
- Also see: search for sustainable PFAS-free pans.
- Also see: The best fridge organisation.
- Also see: spice tips!
Sources: japaneseknifecompany.com. Photo credits: Kaboompics, Pexels.
