Over the past few years, I have learned a thing or two about working with decorative wood pieces that need to be both beautiful and food-safe. When making plaques and signs you can easily apply a few coats of polyurethane to keep your loverly decore in pristine condition for years. Once I started making cutting boards, charcuterie boards, plates, utensils, and other food-grade items I found it to be much more of a challenge to maintain a beautiful, protective finish.
After experimenting with a few off-the-shelf solutions I decided to make my own food-safe wood balm. I found that an equal mix of beeswax, coconut oil, mineral oil, and lemon oil makes the perfect food-safe coating. It protects the piece, gives it a gorgeous color and shine, and the lemon oil gives it a pleasing scent. Since discovering this I have been exclusively using this as a way of protecting my pieces. As a bonus, it also makes a wonderful hand lotion.
The process for making a food-safe wood balm is very straightforward: Add equal parts coconut oil, mineral oil, beeswax, and a few drops of lemon oil (in that order) to a double-boiler and leave over heat until melted. Pour into a container to cool. I have found it best to store the finished product in a cool environment to prevent it from melting.
If you prefer I also sell this balm direct from BZFurFur.com in one, two, and four-ounce tins. Pick some up today to keep your beautiful, hand-made, wooden serving utensils gorgeous for years to come. Make sure to reapply about once a week, more if the product is heavily used.
