Cooking utensils that are best in wood

Wood has been replaced by steel, stone, iron and even plastic lately. Modern kitchens have more plastic and steel than wood. The reasons have been anything from durability to easy to handle. Whatever the reasons, there are a few utensils which are best when it’s made from wood. Sometimes wood is more aesthetically pleasing while others it’s perfect for the specific use cases. Whatever the reason, wood has stood the test of time when it comes to certain kitchen utensils.

1. Chakla Belan: The chakla belan is an essential in a North Indian home. Rotis are best made with a chakla belan or a polpat. While there are alternatives like steel and stone, wooden chakla and belan have stood the test of time. They are easy to move, are functional and perfect when designed in wood. Depending on the variety of wood, they can be aesthetically pleasing too. Wood is lighter than stone and easier to carry. Steel boards, advertised as multipurpose steel boards for chopping vegetables, kneading dough and as a polpat belan, are common these days. They are functional but not the most aesthetically pleasing. While wood has its flaws when compared to steel, wood is still the most preferred material for chakla belan in Indian homes.
2. Wooden Cutting Boards: Plastic ruled the cutting board industry in the early 2000s in India. It was the go-to material for chopping boards. In 2020, steel has replaced plastic. But even after years and a range of materials used for chopping boards — from plastic, stone, glass, steel and even composite wood — natural wood holds the biggest market share in chopping boards. Wooden chopping boards are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing. They are perfect to be used as trays and have a longer life than plastic, glass and stone. They are easy to handle and antibacterial. Teak wood chopping boards, for instance, are naturally healing and antibacterial. Tamarind wood cutting boards are dense and perfect for cutting heavy food like red meat with bones. Wood is also relatively cheaper than most other boards, in terms of value.
3. Mortar and Pestle: Traditionally made from granite or marble, mortar and pestle have been an essential kitchen tool since ages. They are definitely good when made in stone. Even steel and metal options are great. But if you are worried about the weight of stone mortar and pestle, a wooden pestle and mortar is a great alternative. Wooden mortar pestles are lightweight and are perfect for grinding fresh spices like ginger, garlic and chillies, while they can do a good job with dried spices too, like black pepper and cumin seeds. The only difference is that you need to use more force while grinding food on a wooden mortar pestle as opposed to lesser force when using a stone alternative. The benefits? Wood is aesthetically pleasing and some woods have health benefits too. For instance, jamun and amla wood are tough but tamarind is a tough alternative and teak is beautiful.
4. Roti Box: Roti box made from wood is aesthetically pleasing and gives your home a traditional look and vibe. Casserole is a good option and is widely used to store roti. They are airtight and are durable too. Wooden roti box may not seem like a great option compared to casseroles made of steel or plastic. But wooden roti box is not just about aesthetics. It does keep your roti softer for long and it does not make the roti soggy, which is a common problem in casseroles. With wooden roti boxes, there are options of a wide range of wood and even engraved designs which make it more appealing.
5. Wooden Trays: Wooden trays are always in fashion. The beauty of wood is unsurpassed for wooden trays. Teak wood trays and walnut trays exude luxury and elegance. A mango wood tray portrays a rustic farmhouse vibe. Wooden trays are far better than plastic alternatives which have a shorter lifespan and look dull over a period of time. Wooden trays, on the other hand, look better through age.
6. Ladle / Spoons: Wooden spoons are a delicate subject. Some woods do pass on their taste to the food served with them. While this may be a good thing to happen in some wood like tamarind, any wood which is processed or treated will leave a poor taste on food. The best spoons are usually made from tamarind. Most wooden spoons are decorative, but if you would like to use these woods, ensure that they are food-safe and non-treated.
7. Nut Bowl: Nut bowls are small bowls on the center table in a living room or a dining table. Though functional, it should be equally aesthetic and pleasing to look at. A nut bowl is decorative and should match the design of your room. Wooden bowls are usually beautiful and match most home designs. Wooden nut bowls made from teak are usually long-lasting. Walnut is dark and beautiful. Acacia too is a wonderful option for nut bowls. Ensure your nut bowls are made from food-safe wood and are not treated with chemicals.
8. Pepper Crusher: A wooden pepper crusher is a beautiful addition to your kitchen table but also makes a great prop for Instagrammers who are chefs and food enthusiasts. They are large and a part of most modern kitchens. They look elegant and luxurious on a kitchen countertop as much as they do on a dining table.
9. Paratha Sekhni: A simple tool used to press parathas while cooking is a must-have tool in most Punjabi households. The wooden tool is made from mango wood, acacia or any local wood. They are great to prevent burns and more friendly to use on a hot tawa.