Wooden utensils are a great addition to your non-toxic and eco-friendly kitchen. However, proper care of wooden utensils is essential to prevent brittle, cracking, and breaking wood. Caring for your wooden utensils, including using this homemade spoon butter, will ensure that they last a long time.
Making Your Own Spoon Butter
This spoon butter is a great option for conditioning and sealing your wooden utensils and cutting boards. Made with only two ingredients, it’s non-toxic, food-safe, and an easy option for those who want to make this on their own.
What Items Will You Need?
With only a few simple ingredients and a couple of tools, you can have this spoon butter made and ready to use in no time!.
- A double-boiler – You can create a makeshift double boiler with a stockpot and a glass pyrex type mixing cup (as shown below)
- A Small Jar – I used a half-pint (8 oz) jar.
- 2 Tbsp Beeswax Pellets – I have found these at local craft stores, you could also purchase raw beeswax from a local beekeeper, or order them online.
- 6 Tbsp Unrefined Coconut Oil – I purchase organic unrefined coconut oil online, food-safe and not processed.
- 10 Drops Lemon Essential Oil (Optional) – I buy my essential oils from Simply Earth, which offers a great selection and prices on essential oils.
Instructions
The first step to making this effective wood butter is to heat up water in a double boiler. Add the beeswax to the pyrex mixing cup or upper level of the double-boiler and allow the beeswax to melt. Beeswax has a very high melting point so this may take a while, even after the water begins to boil.
Unrefined coconut oil is solidified at room temperature, although it will still be soft. Gently spoon in 6 tablespoons of coconut oil with the beeswax and allow the coconut oil to melt. Once the coconut oil has melted completely, remove the pyrex mixing cup (or top of double-boiler) and pour it into a glass jar.
Allow the mixture to cool for a bit on the counter.
Optional: If you want to add essential oils, such lemon essential oil, add 10 drops of lemon essential oils after the mixture has cooled for a bit. If the mixture is too hot, it will destroy the essential oils.
Once the mixture has cooled, apply a generous amount of spoon butter to your wooden utensils, or wooden cutting boards. Rub the butter into the wood with a lint-free rag, removing any excessive amount of wood butter. Allow the utensils and wood cutting boards to soak in the wood butter overnight before use.
If your wooden utensils or cutting board still seems dry and brittle in the morning, try giving it another coat. Some wooden utensils need a few treatments to bring them back to life.
Why add Essential Oils?
Essential oils add a lovely aroma to the wood butter. Citrus essential oils also have antimicrobial and disinfectant properties, so adding them to the spoon butter can help disinfect your wood utensils and cutting boards. This is an optional step, but if you do choose to add essential oils, be sure they are high-quality oils with no added fillers.
When You Should Condition Your Wooden Utensils
Wooden utensils should be conditioned any time they begin to show wear and tear. This can be monthly, bi-annually, or annually depending on how often you use your wooden utensils and if you live in a dry climate.
As soon as you see dry areas or patches on your wooden utensils or cutting board, add some wood butter to prevent any cracking or breaking down of the wood.
Other Tips for Caring for Wooden Utensils
- Wooden utensils should be hand-washed and not placed in the dishwasher. The dishwasher is too hot for wood and can cause cracking. The harsh detergents will also break down the sealant on the wood.
- When buying new wooden utensils, hand wash them when you get home. Condition them as soon as they dry so that they are sealed and protected before use.
Similar to caring for cast iron pans, wooden utensils can last a long time when cared for properly. Continued maintenance will allow your wooden utensils to last for years and years.
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Aida says
I just love the way you explain everything that so easy to understand and to follow thank you for sharing your talent is very much appreciated