Question from Joanne
I have been to several places that sell cutting boards and they are suggesting and selling a mineral oil product for the care of the boards. I have used this product (on new boards) for about three months and the smell of mineral oil is always present. Does this get into the food? For many years olive oil was my product of choice and no odor was ever detected. Care was used on the boards to clean with hot soapy water and rinsed well – I even have wooden salad bowls that were treated with olive for many, many years and no odor exists on them.
So should the olive oil idea be scrapped?
Debra’s Answer
In my opinion, the mineral oil would get into the food, as it comes in contact with it.
I’m sure that many a wooden salad bowl has been seasoned by olive oil over the years, through daily use. Old ways are often the best.
There’s a whole discussion on this topic at Wood Conditioner for Cutting Boards and Bowls, with some very interesting comments. Take a look.
