May 2023

It’s been a while I know since I last wrote my blog…

It’s been busy on the wholesale side of things getting the shops stocked up and taking on a few new ones such as Lia Arann on the Aran Islands. Last weekend was my first big craft fair at Ballymaloe in Co Cork. This was a 3 day event and with perfect weather a great event. It was brilliant to meet new faces and some old ones.

One of the things I’m asked the most is what should I condition the wood of my cheese board with?

There are so many myths out there but here’s what I’ve found over the 25 years of making cheese/charcuterie/cutting boards.

Do Not use Danish Oil, yes it contains tung or linseed oil but it usually is a blend of other nasty chemicals such as varnish and turpentine.

You can used Linseed oil but only the raw kind, not boiled as again it contains added chemicals.

Nut oils such as walnut can be used but not so good if you have a nut allergy and nut oils can go rancid over time.

The best oil and the one I use on all my boards is a mineral oil. These are colourless, tasteless and odour free so won’t taint your food. Oil forms a protective barrier that with regular application will prevent the wood becoming dry, brittle and cracked. It also prevents liquid from penetrating the surface of the wood, working to reduce the spread of germs and bacteria. #oil #food #cheeseboard #handmadeinireland