Bamboo for the Kitchen

There are many benefits to using bamboo as a source of wood when you really get down and think about the facts.

First, it is great looking, and features a uniquely modern appearance that can come in a variety of colors and styles. It is also a durable and very long lasting wood if aged correctly. The younger the wood was at harvesting time, the less durable it will be in the long run, because it hasn’t had the proper time to fully harden. Not to worry though, because it only takes five or six years to become more than tough enough to withstand the test of time.

Bamboo Cutting Boards on Ebay:

BAMBOO CUTTING BOARD REVITALIZING MINERAL OIL    US $7.00

BAMBOO CUTTING BOARD HUGE LARGE HEAVY 2x18x24 23-lbs NR    US $89.99

NEW Bamboo Cutting Board 11.5 x 8.5 John Wayne Quote    US $9.99

Another benefit when it comes to bamboo is just how fast growing and easily renewable it really is. Because it grows around 4 meters per year, it can be easily harvested every few years without seeing a reduction in the size of the forest. Some of the faster growing species can even grow 50 centimeters per day during the growing season.

The primary reason why harvesting bamboo can be considered ‘environmentally friendly’ even though it is essentially cutting down the forest is because cutting down the top part of the plant doesn’t actually kill it. It’s more like cutting your lawn – before long it’s going to grow back. In fact, cutting the plant actually helps its ability to grow. This is because any new shoots that happen to sprout will grow up faster than ones from an un-harvested plant. Plus, the wood will be of much better quality.

In the last little while, bamboo has become extremely popular in flooring and paneling, as well as other types of wooden furniture such as tables and chairs. Another thing to add to the plus side of the equation is eco-friendly companies have sprung up that do not harvest from the habitats of panda bears that are depending on the plants for survival. This creates no real problems for the environment and helps to preserve our Earth the way it is meant to be. And just think – all this at a price comparable with maple. I’d say that’s a great deal.

If you are looking for both decorative and eco-friendly accessories for your kitchen, bamboo bowls are a good choice. Bamboo bowls come in a variety of sizes, shapes and colors to fit every need and provide a both elegant and natural look for your kitchen and dining area.

The smallest bamboo bowls can be used for condiments such as catsup or dipping sauces, but bowls are available in almost every size. One common use for bamboo bowls is to use a larger one for the salad and provide smaller bowls in coordinating colors and styles for individual servings of salad. These bowls also make great containers for displaying fruit such as oranges, apples or pears for snack time munching by hungry family members.

Bamboo Bowls on Ebay:

PEAR-SHAPED SPIRAL-CUT FRUIT BASKET/BOWL+TRIVET -BAMBOO    US $25.95

Mikasa BAMBOO-BLACK Soup/Cereal Bowl    US $7.99

Sango Bamboo Knight FC Platinum Divided Vegetable Bowl    US $19.99

The natural look of bamboo itself is quite attractive, but bamboo bowls also come in a variety of colors and shapes to fit almost every décor. Many of the bowls have bright colors such as green, blue, red or yellow on the outside with the natural look of bamboo on the inside. These typically come in either round or square shapes as well.

There are various other kitchen accessories that can be made of bamboo, and using some of these can provide a continuing theme to your natural kitchen. Bamboo placemats and chopsticks can also make a nice addition to the table, and other accessories such as bamboo cutting boards, bamboo steamers, utensil holders, napkin holders and other bamboo items can provide the continuity of theme as well.

Bamboo bowls should be quite durable if proper care is taken. They should not be used for warming up food since the material may not be able to stand up to extremely high temperatures, and care should be taken when cleaning them as well. Hand washing is usually the best method of cleaning these bowls rather than using the dishwasher. They should be washed by hand as quickly and not left to soak in the sink. Excessive scrubbing can cause damage to the surface as well, so make sure to use only light pressure when cleaning by hand.

If using natural materials in your kitchen appeals to you, bamboo may be the perfect choice. Experiment with different shapes, colors and other bamboo accessories and see how lovely your natural looking kitchen and dining area can become!