Is it safe to cook with wooden spoons?

However, research suggests wooden spoons are safe to use in your kitchen. Yes, wood is porous, and it may draw in liquids and oils from the food you’re cooking. … The best way to eliminate bacteria from the surface of a spoon—wooden or otherwise—is to wash it after cooking with soap and hot water.

Why we should not use wooden utensils for cooking?

While they are strong and sturdy, they can crack over time if they’re exposed to high heat for long periods of time. The drying cycle, in particular, poses a threat to the longevity of a wooden spoon. Food particles can embed into the cracks, which can cause bacteria to grow.

Do wooden spoons have chemicals in them?

They have no harmful chemicals

Unlike plastic spatulas and metal utensils, wooden spoons are a natural material. And because they’re non-reactive, they won’t leach chemicals into your food.

Why do chefs use wooden spoons?

A good stir, flip or scrape allows all the contents to get the attention they need for balanced heat and flavoring, especially when sauces are involved. Wooden spoons give you a firm strong handle to hold, making stirring easier and more effective–and without any fear of the handle breaking.

When should you throw away wooden spoons?

Though their ability to limit the spread of germs means wood products are safer to use over a longer period than their plastic counterparts, they don’t last forever. According to The Kitchn, you can tell it’s time to toss your wood utensils and cutting boards as soon as cracks start to appear.

What is better than a wooden spoon?

Stainless steel spoons are also quite popular, but they aren’t as versatile as wooden ones. Metal spoons are stronger and easier to clean than their wood counterparts, and they also do a better job scraping baked-on food off cookware. Many people also prefer metal spoons when serving, thanks to their sturdy nature.

Which wood is best for cooking utensils?

The best wood for kitchen utensils is hardwoods, as they have the right density and are naturally durable. The best wood cooking utensils can be carved from various wood types like cherry, soft maple, black walnut, and poplar. You can also use other woods like the tallow tree, mesquite, Osage orange, or even pecan.

How long do wooden spoons last?

How often that is really depends on how often you use your spoons. If you use them regularly (i.e., once a week or more), you should probably sanitize them every 6-8 weeks for good measure.

Can you use wooden spoons with raw meat?

Avoid using wood utensils on raw meat.

Due to the nature of wood, there can be small crevices and cracks in your utensils that can harbor bacteria from raw meats. Instead use a heat proof silicone spatula that would be more sanitary for raw meats.