Are wood cooking utensils safe? However, most cooks are not content to use wooden spoons and forks for food prep. Instead, they like to personalize their cooking experience by creating unique tools that are designed to fit their individual needs. In this article, we’re going to explore some of the different ways that cooks use wooden cooking utensils and discuss some of the benefits of doing so. In this blog, we also have an article about best cooking spoons on amazon that you might want to read about it.
A kitchen utensil that is used for several purposes, such as stirring, serving and transferring food. It has a bowl shaped head attached to a handle or the spoon may be constructed with the bowl shaped head and handle all as one piece.”
Recipetips.com
Are Wood Cooking Utensils Safe?
So, are wood cooking utensils safe? Obviously, there is no such thing as a 100% safe tool when it comes to cooking. However, using wooden tools instead of metal ones can dramatically reduce the risk of burns and other injuries. Wood is far less likely to cause a spark than steel. Wood has natural oils that keep it from rusting.
Because wood is so non-conductive, it does not easily conduct heat away from food. Unlike metal, which quickly heats up when in contact with high-temperature foods or liquids, wood retains its original temperature for much longer. This means that wooden spoons and forks are perfect for boiling water, stirring sauces and soups, and similar activities where prolonged exposure to high temperatures is necessary.
Why Use Wooden Cooking Utensils?
When it comes to cooking, there is always more than one way to achieve a particular goal. However, certain tasks are better performed using certain tools. For example, you should never use a sharp knife to peel an apple. Peeling an apple requires a soft, non-sharpen edge on your knife. When peeling apples, it’s best to cut them in half, remove the core, and then use a spoon or fork to remove the skin.
Using the right tool for the job not only makes the process go more smoothly, but also allows you to get the very best results. In many cases, using a wooden spoon or fork instead of a metal one will give you a more even cooking experience.
To Be Noted From Wood Cooking Utensils
Wood is far less likely to cause a spark than steel. However, sparks can and do occur from time to time. This is why wooden cooking utensils should never be used on direct fuel sources like wood stoves, open fires, charcoal grills, and the like.
Never use wooden utensils near an open flame. Doing so can result in a serious burn. Always remove wooden utensils from heat before using them to stir hot liquids or sauces. This is especially important with cast-iron skillets and other heated cookware.
Always be sure to cool off your wooden spoon or fork before putting it away. Leaving it on the stove or in the oven overnight is never a good idea. This is particularly true if you are using it to stir something hot.
Next morning, you may discover that your wooden spoon or fork has turned into a very unhappy campfire. If this ever happens to you, immediately wash the handle with soap and water. This will remove the oils that can cause a fire. Next, dry the handle completely with a clean cloth. Then wrap the entire utensil in a paper towel and place it in a plastic bag.
Finally, put both items in the oven on low heat for 10 minutes. This process will restore the oils to the wood and remove any residue that might have burned onto the handle. By following these simple steps, you should be able to use your wooden spoon or fork again without fear of a repeat performance of the unhappy campfire.
Cleaning Wood Cooking Utensils
Wood is extremely porous. This means that it is very easy for dirt and grime to build up over time. To keep your wooden utensils looking new and clean, it is best to give them a bi-annual cleaning. Use one of the following methods to clean your wooden spoon or fork:
Method #1: Wipe It Clean With A Soap Solution
Mix 1 part vinegar with 3 parts water. Then add 2 tablespoons of liquid dishwashing soap per gallon of water. Pour this mixture into a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the utensil and let sit for 15-minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with water and dry immediately with a clean cloth.
Method #2: Rub It Down With A Clean Wool Garment
This is an old farm wife’s trick that is still used by many people today. You will need a clean wool sock, a clean washcloth or paper towel, and some rubbing alcohol. First, wrap the sock around the handle of the utensil.
Next, saturate the sock with rubbing alcohol. Finally, wrap the handle of the utensil in the cloth or paper towel and squeeze to absorb as much alcohol as possible. Leave the utensil to soak for at least 30 minutes. Then rinse thoroughly with water and dry immediately with a clean cloth.
Cleaning wooden cooking utensils is easy. However, it is important to remember that you should never use abrasives like steel wool or sandpaper to clean them. Doing so can scratch the surface and cause the wood to splinter and crack. This is extremely dangerous. Always use a soft, non-abrasive material to clean your wooden spoon or fork.
Spoon, an implement consisting of a small shallow bowl-shaped receptacle supported by a handle, used for eating, serving, and cooking foods.”
Britannica.com
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