Wooden kitchen utensils have always held a special place in African homes. Passed down through generations, they symbolize both tradition and craftsmanship. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, wooden utensils offer numerous health and environmental benefits. In this article, we will explore why you should incorporate these natural tools into your kitchen and provide you with all the necessary advice for choosing and caring for them.
Why Choose Wooden Kitchen Utensils?
- Health: Wood is a natural material that does not react with acidic or alkaline foods, unlike some metal utensils. It does not release harmful substances and thus preserves the authentic flavor of your dishes.
- Durability: Made from noble woods such as teak, olive, or acacia, wooden utensils are sturdy and durable. With proper care, they can last for many years.
- Environmental Friendliness: By choosing wooden utensils, you contribute to reducing your ecological footprint. Wood is a renewable and biodegradable resource.
- Aesthetics: Wooden utensils add a touch of elegance and warmth to your kitchen. They are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to suit any style.
Different Types of Wooden Utensils and Their Uses
- Mortars and pestles: Ideal for crushing spices, seeds, and nuts, they are essential for preparing numerous African sauces, condiments, and dishes such as fufu, foutou, etc.
- Wooden spoons: Perfect for mixing ingredients, stirring sauces, and serving dishes, they are gentle on non-stick coatings.
- Spatulas: Used for turning food in pans or ovens, they come in various shapes and sizes. They are commonly used in the preparation of African dishes like cornmeal, semolina, millet, and fonio porridge.
- Cutting boards: Practical for preparing vegetables and fruits, they preserve the sharpness of your knives.
- Rolling pins: For rolling out dough in various recipes.
- Spice grinders: For grinding your own spices. These are often smaller than mortars.
- Plates, bowls, and platters: To present your dishes elegantly and enjoy them as well.
- Salad bowls: For preparing and serving salads and fruits.
- Serving trays: To bring dishes to the table.
- Spoons and forks: For eating with style and respecting the environment.
- Tea and coffee canisters: To store your favorite aromas.
- Knife handles: To personalize and keep your knives organized.
- Trivets: To protect your work surfaces from marks left by hot pots, glasses, etc.
How to Choose Your Wooden Utensils?
- Wood: Prefer hardwoods like teak, olive, or acacia, known for their strength and durability.
- Finish: Opt for utensils with a natural or oiled finish, without varnish or paint.
- Size: Choose utensils that are the right size for your pots and pans.
- Ergonomics: Ensure that the utensils are comfortable to hold.
Caring for Wooden Utensils
- Cleaning: Wash your utensils with warm, soapy water and dry them immediately with a clean cloth and let them air dry.
- Oiling: Regularly oil your utensils with food-grade oil to protect them from drying out and cracking.
- Avoid the dishwasher: The dishwasher can damage the wood and discolor it.
- Avoid prolonged soaking: Do not leave your utensils soaking in water.
Storage
- Dry place: Store your utensils in a dry and airy place, away from moisture.
- Avoid contact with other objects: Wooden utensils can scratch or deform if they are stacked or rubbed against other objects.
In Case of Problems
- Stains: To remove a stubborn stain, use a mixture of baking soda and water. Scrub gently and rinse thoroughly.
- Odor: If a smell persists, soak the utensil in a solution of white vinegar and water for a few hours, then rinse and dry.
- Cracks: Small cracks can be treated with beeswax. For larger cracks, it is best to consult a professional.
Traditional African Recipes to Make with Wooden Utensils
- Attieke and grilled fish: Prepare a delicious attieke (manioc flour) and serve it with perfectly grilled fish, using a wooden plate shaped like Africa for an extra touch.
- Mafé, Groundnut Stew: Make a creamy and flavorful mafé by grinding peanuts to obtain a smooth paste, or grind cooked palm nuts to obtain the paste to be filtered and mixed with water for the sauce preparation. Serve in your wooden tableware and enjoy!
Wooden kitchen utensils combine beauty, ecology, health, and an African touch. They reflect a culture, a history, and ancestral know-how. By incorporating them into your kitchen, you are choosing a healthy, sustainable, and authentic way of cooking.