Frequently asked questions (faq's), how to's, best choices and features of cutting boards, carving boards, serving boards, butcher blocks and butcher block tables and carts.
Butcher Blocks - This is a term which means different things in different parts of the country. In some parts of the U.S. any cutting board or carving board is referred to as a butcher block. The term butcher block originates from the time when butchers would use thick, hardwood chopping blocks to cut meats. The thicker boards allowed for blows from a meat cleaver without breaking the board. Butcher blocks and butcher block tables and carts have become more fashionable and are now used as a nice compliment or accent to home kitchen decor. The main difference between a butcher block and a cutting board is that butcher blocks are normally considered to be a thicker board although the two names are frequently interchanged.
Carving Boards - These are boards made of hardwood used to carve turkey, roasts, pork, ham and other meats and poultry. The common types of wood used are maple, teak, oak, hickory and bamboo. Carving boards serve a dual purpose and can also be used as a cutting board for non meat items such as fruits and vegetables. A popular feature of a carving board is a gravy or juice canal which traps juices and prevents them from spilling to the counter or floor.
Cutting Boards or Chopping Boards - A cutting board is used to cut a wide variety of items. Using one prevents damage to kitchen countertops and simplifies the cutting process. Common uses include cutting cheese, vegetables, fruits, meats and poultry. As with carving boards a hard wood or material is used. Cutting boards now come in wood, glass, plastic, corian, steel and marble. Wood is still, by far, the most popular cutting surface.
Carving, Chopping and Cutting Board Features:
Juice Grove - When carving meat and poultry a common problem is with juices running off the carving board onto your counter or floor. A very popular feature on a carving board is a juice groove. Other names for the recessed groove include: moat, well and canal.
Pour Spout - a grooved portion of the cutting board which allows accumulated juices to be easily poured into a bowl or pan. The spout directs the flow of the juices similar to a spout on a water pitcher.
Pooling Well - This is a deeper grove along the juice canal which allows the juices to accumulate without flowing onto the countertop or floor.
Reversible Boards - Reversible cutting boards allow cutting or chopping on both sides of the board. Many times the manufacturer will have varying features on the two sides to allow for different uses. For example, one side might be used as a serving board while the other side might have grooves to gather juices during the cutting process.
Serving Boards - Some serving boards are designed purely for serving foods while others serve a dual purpose such as cutting boards. These boards are normally more decorative or attractive because they are used to present food in a pleasant and appealing setting.
The following link will take you to a fully loaded carving board which has many of the most popular features and is considered one of our best and most popular carving boards. This cutting board is reversible with a recessed deck, a large juice groove, pooling well and pour spout. The carving board is also light weight and made of a maple hardwood.
Best Maple Carving Board
