Kitchen appliances and accessories can be expensive. This is why so many people want to ensure these tools last as long as possible, especially when purchasing becomes more of an investment. Improperly cared for kitchen tools can pose a risk to not only your food but also to your health in some ways, so you must maintain them correctly.
Some of the most at-risk items include knives, chopping boards, and pots and pans. When maintaining these kitchen tools, it is important to think about how you use, clean, and store these items as well as their maintenance; all of which will be outlined in this article.
Knives
Maintaining your kitchen knives can make food preparation a breeze. A sharpened blade will cut through meat and vegetables a lot easier than a dull knife would, and it is much safer, too. Using a blunt kitchen knife can result in an injury to yourself, damage to the chopping board, or uneven cuts of food.
To keep your knife in good condition, you must ensure the correct knife is used for its intended purpose and cut with controlled motions. The knife should then be washed with mild soap and water straight after using, then it should be dried to avoid rust from forming. Every few months, or when the knife is failing to cut as efficiently as it has, it should be sharpened with a knife sharpener.
Sharpening a blade can also be completed with a whetstone. This process will reshape the edge of the knife and sharpen the blade to ensure it is safe and effective.
Chopping Boards
A wooden chopping board might appear durable, but this is only true when it is cared for correctly. Not only does this ensure the chopping board will remain useable for years to come, but it is also important to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria from food. This is especially true if you use a chopping board for several different foods when preparing for one meal.
Firstly, you must only wash wooden chopping boards by hand with soap and warm water; avoid using the dishwasher or soaking it in water. If there are tough stains, baking soda and water can be used to clean them away fully. It should then be dried thoroughly to avoid mold forming from moisture accumulation when stored.
Some people will oil their chopping boards to prevent the wood from drying out and cracking. These cracks are perfect for food particles to fall into, which could cause bacteria growth. Beeswax and mineral oil are popular choices as they are both food-safe.
Pots and Pans
Pots and pans are not cheap kitchen tools. In fact, people can spend hundreds of dollars for a quality set, so caring for these tools is essential to ensure they last a long, long time. Proper care will also ensure they remain safe to use – and prevent safety issues from damaged non-stick coatings – and do not become scratched or warped.
A lot of care for pots and pans can be carried out when cleaning them. Once a pot is ready to be washed, it should be cooled naturally before putting it in water, as this avoids temperature shock. Mild soap and hot water can be used to clean pots and pans, although non-abrasive materials should be used on non-stick tools. If food is stuck, then lots of soap and manual power will be required.
Following the advice given in this post, you will be better equipped to care for kitchen tools like knives, chopping boards, and pots and pans.