wooden utensils and hygiene

[Sawyer]

Having recently started carving a few kuksas, spoons and bowls I'm keen to start using them. One thing I never really thought about, which someone mentioned to me the other day, was the level of hygiene! Obviously with wood there is much more potential for germs to get trapped inside the utensil and multiply etc.

Doesn't really bother me, but was just curious what others thought!?

 

[milius2]

well I have a bowl out of oak, a kuksa of lime and a lime spoon, a second one as the first one was too big. I'll post a few pics for you if you wish, but my bowl is of good quality well made strong wood and after a rinse with sand on spot and proper clean up at home always is kept in mint condition. I seriously doubt that it could contain more germs than an aliuminium bowl. BUT when it comes to lime it's a different story and it need a more carefull aproach. It is soft and with loads of cracks, so I suppose then it comes more to things i put in my kuksa, so far it has only been water and beer in one occasion. I think of changing spoon quite often, it only takes 20min to make and a pleasure doing, but maybe those who has eaten from wooden utensils for longer will tell you more.

Cheers

 

[bushcraftbob]

As long as you wash them properly they should be fine (i think!). I know Robin Wood is pretty clued up on the subject (and seem to remember a similar thread a while back).

 

[John Fenna]

I understand that wood is naturally antibiotic...and a good dip in boiling hot tea/soup should sterilize most bugs anyway!

 

[bikebum1975]

Don't think you should really have any problems with it I think the big issue would be if comes in contact more with raw meats especially poultry.

 

[lannyman8]

wood has natural anti fungal and bacterial properties, give it a good wash after raw chicken as said and you will be fine.........

most good kitchens now have wooden boards as it is more hygenic than plastic due to this very property.....

regards...

chris...................................................

 

[Sawyer]

cool, no need to worry then. Thanks