Olive wood is a popular choice for cutting boards due to its natural beauty and durability. But is it truly the best option for a cutting surface? There are several key factors to consider when evaluating olive wood cutting boards.
What is Olive Wood?
Olive wood comes from the olive tree (Olea europaea), which is native to the Mediterranean region. It has a rich, variegated grain pattern and colors that range from yellowish to deeper browns and greens. Olive wood is known for its natural oils that make it smooth, lustrous, and durable.
Some key characteristics of olive wood include:
- Dense and heavy – This makes it resistant to wear and indentations.
- Naturally oily – Provides a smooth finish that is gentle on knife edges.
- Moisture resistant – The oils make it resistant to water absorption and cracking.
- Attractive grain – Visually appealing for a kitchen accessory.
Benefits of Olive Wood Cutting Boards
There are several potential advantages to using an olive wood cutting board:
Aesthetics – The rich, swirling grain patterns and warm hues of olive wood create an attractive accent in the kitchen. The wood develops a patina over time that enhances its beauty.
Knife protection – Olive wood is softer than many other hardwoods, making it gentle on knife edges to help preserve sharpness. The natural oils also provide lubrication.
Hygienic – The oil content creates an antimicrobial surface that is resistant to bacteria. Olive wood is naturally resistant to mold and mildew as well.
Durability – Olive wood boards are durable enough to withstand daily use. The dense grain stands up well to chopping, slicing, and cutting.
Sustainability – Olive wood is considered an environmentally sustainable material, sourced as a byproduct of olive cultivation.
Potential Drawbacks of Olive Wood
Despite its advantages, there are some potential downsides to consider with olive wood cutting boards:
Prone to staining – The porous nature that makes olive wood resistant to bacteria also makes it prone to staining from foods like beets or turmeric. Proper cleaning helps reduce staining.
Surface upkeep – Olive wood requires periodic oiling to maintain its protective top coat and smooth surface, usually once a month depending on usage.
Not self-healing – While the oil content helps knife edges slide smoothly, olive wood does not have the same self-healing properties as woods like teak or cherry. Knife cuts will remain visible.
Potential food reactivity – Though rare, people with allergies to olive products could react to an olive wood cutting board.
Expense – The highest quality olive wood boards can be quite expensive compared to other materials.
How Does Olive Wood Compare to Other Cutting Board Materials?
Olive wood has some advantages and disadvantages when compared to common cutting board options like plastic, bamboo, rubber, glass, and other wood species.
Plastic Cutting Boards
| Olive Wood | Plastic | |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Durable if oiled periodically | Prone to knife marks and wear |
| Knife protection | Gentle on knives | Tough surface can damage knives |
| Appearance | Attractive, gets better with age | Basic, prone to unsightly marks |
| Hygiene | Naturally antimicrobial | Can harbor bacteria in grooves |
Plastic boards are inexpensive and versatile, but olive wood is generally more durable, hygienic, and gentle on knives. Plastic can develop deep grooves over time that are difficult to fully clean.
Bamboo Cutting Boards
| Olive Wood | Bamboo | |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Durable if oiled periodically | Very durable |
| Knife protection | Gentle on knives | Harder surface can dull knives |
| Appearance | Attractive, gets better with age | Prone to splintering over time |
| Hygiene | Naturally antimicrobial | Can harbor bacteria in grooves |
Bamboo is very hard and durable, but the tradeoff is that it can dull knife edges faster. Olive wood offers a more knife-friendly surface.
Wood Cutting Boards
| Olive Wood | Other Hardwoods | |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Durable if oiled periodically | Varies by wood type |
| Knife protection | Gentle on knives | Depends on hardness |
| Appearance | Attractive, gets better with age | Varies by wood type |
| Hygiene | Naturally antimicrobial | Varies by wood type |
Olive wood generally compares well to other wood options like maple, walnut, or teak in terms of aesthetics, durability, and knife protection. Its natural antimicrobial properties give it an added hygienic advantage.
Rubber Cutting Boards
| Olive Wood | Rubber | |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Durable if oiled periodically | Prone to knife marks |
| Knife protection | Gentle on knives | Low risk of damage |
| Appearance | Attractive, gets better with age | Basic, prone to unsightly marks |
| Hygiene | Naturally antimicrobial | Prone to food and bacteria trapped in grooves |
Rubber boards are gentle on knives but tend to be less aesthetically pleasing. Olive wood offers natural antimicrobial properties that rubber lacks.
Glass Cutting Boards
| Olive Wood | Glass | |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Durable if oiled periodically | Prone to breakage |
| Knife protection | Gentle on knives | Extremely hard on knife edges |
| Appearance | Attractive, gets better with age | Prone to unsightly marks and scratches |
| Hygiene | Naturally antimicrobial | Low porosity helps resist bacteria |
Glass cutting boards are very hygienic and easily cleaned, but they quickly dull knife blades. Olive wood offers the advantage of being gentle on knives while still resisting bacteria.
What Are the Best Practices for Using and Caring for Olive Wood Cutting Boards?
To get the most out of an olive wood cutting board and maximize its lifespan, there are some key usage and care tips to keep in mind:
Usage Tips
- Hand wash only – Don’t soak, clean in dishwasher, or expose to high heat
- Use both sides – Alternate cutting on each side to distribute wear evenly
- Avoid metal utensils – Use wood or plastic utensils to prevent scratches
- Cut on surface – Don’t chop with board vertical to avoid damaging edges
- Use appropriate knives – Well-sharpened knives will glide smoothly and prevent excess markings
Care and Maintenance
- Clean after each use – Use hot water and scrub with a brush, avoid harsh soaps
- Dry thoroughly – Prevent moisture absorption and bacterial growth
- Apply oil regularly – Once a month, rub in mineral oil to maintain the protective coating
- Inspect for damage – If deep cuts or cracks develop, sand smooth and re-oil
- Store properly – Hang vertically or lay flat; avoid direct sunlight or extreme heat/cold
Following these best practices will help an olive wood cutting board provide years of effective use. The board will take on character and a deeper patina over time.
What Are Some Recommended Olive Wood Cutting Boards to Buy?
When shopping for an olive wood cutting board, some recommended options include:
Sonder Los Angeles Olive Wood Cutting Board
- reversible design with juice groove on one side
- Sustainably harvested Mediterranean olive wood
- Food-safe finish and smooth planed surface
- Three sizes from 12″x8″ to 18″x12″
SoulFino Extra Large Reversible Olive Wood Cutting Board
- 18″x14″ surface with juice groove
- Made from 100% untreated olive wood
- Handcrafted with food-safe finish
- Deep enough to prevent sliding and flipping
Virginia Boys Kitchens Olive Wood Cutting Board
- Handcrafted in Virginia from sustainably sourced olive wood
- Reversible board with dual sides and juice groove
- Large 18″x12″ and extra-large 24″x18″ sizes
- Ideal for chopping, carving, and serving
Tramezzini Reversible Olive Wood Cutting Board
- Reversible board with integrated serving tray
- Sustainably grown Mediterranean olive wood
- Food-safe finish and smoothly sanded
- 17.5″x11.75″ size with juice groove
These are all high-quality options made from beautiful olive wood with large, reversible surfaces for functionality and durability.
Conclusion
Olive wood makes an excellent material for cutting boards due to its natural beauty, durability, knife-friendliness, and antimicrobial qualities. Though no material is perfect, olive wood compares favorably to plastic, bamboo, rubber, and glass options when the right techniques for care and usage are followed. Investing in a high quality olive wood cutting board from a reputable source will provide years of stylish, effective use in the kitchen.