When it comes to making chopping boards, there are a variety of woods to choose from. From hardwood like teak and shesham to mango and tamarind, the varieties are wide. Choosing the right wood is important to ensure good quality, long life, and safety. Among all the woods, if you had to check for the best piece of wood to construct chopping boards, mango wood stands out for a wide range of reasons. Apart from the fact that mango wood is sustainable and affordable, it is also safe and has a long life.
This article is all about mango wood and why we choose mango wood for our chopping boards. We will compare woods like teak and shesham and how they outperform or underperform when constructing a chopping board. But let’s begin with the obvious question: Is mango wood good for a chopping board? Yes, definitely. Mango wood, which is older than 25 years, will have dense sapwood that is hard enough to handle cuts and is often used for furniture and chopping boards. The pith or core of mango wood is harder than the sapwood. When choosing mango wood for chopping boards, it’s important to choose wood from the heartwood and not the sapwood, as the sapwood is soft and not recommended.
When it comes to wood quality, mango wood is not as good as teak or shesham. Both teak and shesham have a different visual appeal. They look more brown, have better grains, and look royal. Mango wood has a yellow to brown colour, and the heartwood is appealing in its own way. It is also not as strong as teak. This does not mean to say that mango wood is of poor quality. Mango wood is water-resistant and weather-resistant. It can tolerate use, wear, and tear over years if cared for well. Mango wood, when compared to softwood, outperforms its counterpart in terms of density and ability to handle knife cuts, lasting decades in comparison.
Mango Wood is Food Safe
Mango wood is naturally antibacterial, which is one of the features that makes it a great wood for chopping boards and butcher blocks. With its natural oils to protect the wood from bacteria, mango wood is perfect for chopping boards. The natural oils protect the wood, but over time these natural oils will deteriorate. It is recommended to oil your chopping boards once a week to ensure that the quality of the wood is maintained.
Naturally Dense and Crack Resistant
Mango wood, if not cut to the right thickness, will warp. Mango wood should only be cut after curing. The curing period ranges anywhere between 1 week to months. The longer the wood is cured, the chances of the wood warping are reduced. The wood should also be cut to at least 1.5 inches in thickness to prevent warping. The thickness varies based on the length. Ensure the thickness is increased for longer pieces of wood. Being naturally dense and hard makes the wood crack-resistant. Mango wood has a high density and is heavy.
Water Resistant
Mango wood is naturally water-resistant. This does not allow mango wood to be soaked in water. Mango wood can withstand water but should not be soaked. Once washed, wipe with a dry towel and let it dry.
Does Mango Wood Darken?
Mango wood comes in a variety of colours. The older the wood, the darker the shades. You can expect hints of yellow, pink, green, and black streaks in the wood. People often confuse these streaks with fungus, which it is not. Mango wood will also darken over time. If you leave your mango wood for 6 months to a year without use, you will find the wood has turned 2-3 shades darker. The good part is that the wood’s quality increases over time, becoming sturdier, slightly lighter, and with more pronounced grains.
Is Mango Wood Expensive?
Definitely not. Mango wood is one of the most sustainable woods in India. Wood could cost anywhere between 500 to 3000 Rs per cubic foot. The price of the wood depends on its quality. Heartwood is often more expensive than sapwood. Wood with more grains will be slightly more expensive too. The price of the wood depends on its curing as well. The older the wood, the price increases slightly. This is due to the cost of storage.
How Long Will Mango Wood Cutting Boards Last?
The life of mango wood cutting boards depends on two factors: the quality of the wood used and the type of construction. An edge grain cutting board will last anywhere between 3-5 years with proper care if the wood is heartwood. An end grain cutting board will last you a decade if you maintain it well and the wood is heartwood. Sapwood cutting boards are cheap and have poor aesthetics. They also tend to be softer and will deteriorate faster.
Does Mango Wood Scratch Easily?
Mango wood is relatively hard and does not scratch easily, provided the wood is from the pith or core. Sapwoods do scratch easily and should be avoided for chopping boards. When compared to teak, mahogany, and shesham, mango wood is softer and does scratch more easily. Fortunately, for chopping boards, mango wood is considered safe, scratch-resistant, and durable.
What Oil to Use on Mango Wood Chopping Boards?
Use any cooking oil for your mango wood chopping boards. We prefer coconut oil to maintain our chopping boards and recommend the same. Use food-grade oil at all times. Do not use varnish or any chemical-based polish. Also, ensure that the oil you use does not leave a stain or smell on the board. A neutral oil that is thick will help increase the life of your mango wood chopping boards. Olive oil, sesame oil, castor oil, and coconut oil are some of the best options. Always use food-grade oils.