| The butchers block is a beautiful and very | | | | maintain it and keep it clean and sanitized. |
| functional item that is ideal for any kitchen | | | | For example blocks left with a natural wood finish |
| counter top. They are a popular item and people | | | | need to be sealed in order to protect the porous |
| originally began using them as a way to protect | | | | surface from being able to absorb food odors, |
| their counter top from scarring and scrapes from | | | | becoming stained with liquids from meats and |
| the use of sharp knives when cutting meats and | | | | juices and germ free. If you season the butchers |
| vegetables. The beauty of this cutting block will | | | | block properly and seal the surface you will only |
| remain for a very long time if it is properly | | | | have to maintain it once a month or so. To |
| maintained. There are many reasons butchers | | | | season a wood block apply a generous amount of |
| block is used as a counter top. Wood is much less | | | | mineral oil to the surface, allow it to sit for a |
| expensive than traditional granite or marble | | | | minimum of an hour and then thoroughly wipe it |
| counter tops. The material of a wood counter top | | | | off with a clean cloth and mile detergent. |
| is also more versatile than marble or granite | | | | It is important that you remember to never use |
| because you can leave it in its natural state, stain | | | | abrasive cleansers or harsh chemicals when |
| it or paint it any color you want to so it will match | | | | cleaning your butchers block cheese board. There |
| the colors in your kitchen. | | | | may be times that your block holds in odors and |
| If you have a contemporary style kitchen, your | | | | the best way to get rid of the odor is to soak |
| new butchers block can be made with sharp, | | | | the area that smells with pure lemon juice for |
| clean edges and a highly polished finish. A block | | | | about 15 minutes or so, then wipe it up. The odor |
| that can also have a distressed look so they can | | | | will be gone. You can also protect the surface by |
| easily fit into a kitchen that is designed in a more | | | | not sitting hot pans on it. With the proper care |
| rustic decor. Depending on the finish of your new | | | | and maintenance of your butchers block you will |
| block will determine the way you will need to | | | | be able to enjoy using it for quite a few years. |