Bamboo is an incredibly versatile material. Not only that, this fast-growing grass is also one of the most sustainable natural substances you can use in your kitchen. From floors and cabinets to counters and kitchen accessories.
There are 5 reasons why we love bamboo:
- It’s antibacterial
- It’s low maintenance
- It’s good for knives
- It’s sustainable
- It looks good
Read on below to find out more about the wonders of this one-of-a-kind material.
1. Antibacterial properties
Bamboo is an incredibly dense material. Its hardness means that it keeps its shape – even when you’re using a super sharp chef’s knife on its surface. This resistance to knife scarring prevents the formation of pockets where moisture, food particles or bacteria can accumulate, meaning that your cutting surface is hygienic.
2. Minimal maintenance
One of the biggest benefits of using a bamboo cutting board is that it’s virtually maintenance free. Again, we have bamboo’s hardness to thank for this. As it resists water so well, it’s less likely to crack or warp than wood. That said, a bamboo cutting board should never go in the dishwasher, but should rather be cleaned with hot soapy water and left to air dry.
3. Knives stay sharp
Like hardwoods, bamboo is excellent for knives. High density woods – and grasses – are smoother and softer than alternatives like glass, granite or plastic, causing less damage to the blade as it pulls along the surface of the board. Add to this the cushioning of the knife edge when the fibres of the board part during cutting, and you’ve got one of the best blade-friendly materials for boards.
4. Eco-friendly alternative
Being one of the fastest growing plants on earth, bamboo is a highly renewable resource. The grass can be raised and harvested in three to four years – much faster than the 30 years it takes for a hardwood like maple to reach maturity. Bamboo’s high density also means that it’s incredibly long lasting, making it a great choice for anyone looking for eco-conscious kitchen choices.
5. Attractive accessory
Bamboo has a light, fine grain that looks perfectly stylish in any kitchen. Besides its natural good looks, the material’s resistance to knife scarring, staining and water means that your board won’t crack, warp or become discoloured from use and will stay looking good for a lifetime.
Hardwearing, sustainable, good for knives and good looking, bamboo has it all. This versatile material is great for every kitchen application and we’re sure it’s here to stay. If you’d like to win a Select-a-Kitchen branded bamboo chopping board, head over to our Facebook or Instagram page to enter.