Caring for Your Wooden Dinnerware: A Guide to Longevity and Beauty PART 3 (Seasoning)

April 15, 2024

Seasoning, a simple yet often overlooked step, plays a vital role in ensuring your wooden dinnerware thrives for years to come. By creating a protective barrier using natural oil, seasoning offers several key benefits that enhance the overall dining experience: 

• Enhanced Moisture Resistance: Seasoning acts as a shield, repelling water and preventing the wood from warping or cracking due to moisture absorption. Properly seasoned wood maintains its shape and integrity for longer.

• Boosted Appearance: Seasoning brings out the wood's natural beauty. The oil highlights the wood's natural grain, giving it a richer, more lustrous appearance. Your beautiful wooden pieces won't just be functional; they'll be a visual centerpiece on your table.

• Prevention of Cracking: Seasoned wood is less susceptible to cracking and splitting. The oil fills in any tiny micro-fissures that may exist, preventing them from expanding and causing damage.

When to Season Your Wooden Dinnerware:

New wooden dinnerware usually comes pre-seasoned by the manufacturer. However, there are specific instances when re-seasoning becomes necessary:

• After the First Few Washes: New wood can absorb some of the initial oil applied during the manufacturing process. To ensure a complete and long-lasting protective layer, re-seasoning your plates and bowls after the first few washes is highly recommended.

• Periodic Maintenance: Just like good skin needs regular moisturizing, your wooden dinnerware benefits from periodic re-seasoning. Every few months, depending on how often you use your wooden pieces, re-seasoning helps maintain the wood's condition and prolong its lifespan.

Choosing the Right Oil:

Not all oils are created equal when it comes to seasoning your wooden dinnerware. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Food-Grade is Key: Safety comes first! Use only food-grade oils specifically meant for food contact surfaces. Popular options include mineral oil and coconut oil. These oils are safe for contact with food and won't impart any unwanted flavors.

• Avoid Vegetable Oils: While readily available, vegetable oils like olive oil or canola oil are not ideal choices for seasoning wood. These oils can become rancid over time, leaving an unpleasant odor and potentially compromising the safety of your food.

By following these tips and using the right oil, you can ensure your beautiful wooden pieces remain functional, beautiful, and ready to grace your table for countless meals to come. Remember, a little TLC goes a long way in preserving the natural beauty and longevity of your wooden dinnerware.

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