Is spalted maple food safe? (2024)

FAQs

Is spalted maple food safe? ›

Over time the woodworker will work out the degree of spalting that can be contained in any particular design. The final test for the initial question of food contact items and safety is if the item is sound (strong) and it is well coated/finished, then it is very likely to be safe for contact with food.

The dark lines prized in spalted wood are caused by white rot fungus. What the fungus adds in beauty, however, it takes away in hardness, leaving behind soft, punky areas. So right away we'd advise against using it for cutting boards.

The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) approves maple for commercial kitchen use. John Boos is an example of a cutting board maker whose line of maple cutting boards are specifically certified by the NSF. Maple, and other woods are a safe option for inhibiting bacterial growth around food.

Spalted maple is a versatile wood that can be used in a wide range of woodworking and DIY projects. It is often used for furniture, cabinets, and musical instruments, as well as for decorative pieces like bowls and platters.

The spalted areas of the lumber have a black marble pattern. Spalted maple is the most common, though it is still extremely difficult to find. We also see the spalted grain pattern on sycamore slabs, oak, and many other hardwoods.

Yes it can be but there are some details that are worth knowing before jumping into making that kitchen utensil or bowl, and we have them listed below.

I'd treat the spalted wood accordingly. Spalting is the natural breakdown of the tree. The fungi require high moisture content in the wood to be able to grow and be active. Your project will require that your wood be dried down to ordinary cabinet lumber moisture content.

Open grained woods with visible pores are not optimal either, as they allow for bacterial growth. Avoid wood species like ash or red oak.

As mentioned above, the vast majority of natural un-processed wood is 100% food-safe. The question of food safety normally depends on which oil is used to seal the wood. Food-safe wood sealants include any natural oils (linseed, coconut, acacia, walnut, olive) and some synthetic sealants and other lacquers.

Wood of all species is susceptible to fungal attack and eventually rotting away if the conditions are right (or wrong depending on your perspective). If conditions are right, the fungal attack can cause distinct colorations or patterns to form in the wood. This process is called spalting.

Is spalted maple hard maple? ›

Spalted Maple is normally a Hard Maple but can also be seen in Soft Maple. The figure in Spalted Maple is produced by decay.

The partial decay, called spalting, gives the wood dark contrasting lines and streaks where fungus has begun to attack the wood. If the wood has been rescued from the spalting at the right time, the lumber should still be sound and usable, with little to no soft spots or rotten wood.

Working with Spalted Maple can be a challenge. Tooling must be very sharp. The best surface is produced with a sharp hand plane. Punky and soft areas will tear.

Spalting is seen on partially decayed wood — it is a fungal discoloration and leads to the formation of thick black lines. Ambrosia maple, on the other hand, is formed because of the activities of wood-boring beetles that bring with them ambrosia fungi that stains the wood. It gives ambrosia maple a striped appearance.

Spalted wood is highly coveted among woodworkers due to its distinguished black wavy streaks that give each hardwood piece an undeniable level of detail and visual appeal.

The effects of the Spalting process within this board has created a lovely two tone decorative finish. This is a good solid board and would be ideal for all your chopping and dicing in the kitchen.

Maples are hardy and beautiful trees that create wood that is perfect for cooking. The same wood that makes maple syrup can also provide a mild, sweet flavor to your food when you cook with it. The aroma and flavor will be beautiful too!

Spalting is seen on partially decayed wood — it is a fungal discoloration and leads to the formation of thick black lines. Ambrosia maple, on the other hand, is formed because of the activities of wood-boring beetles that bring with them ambrosia fungi that stains the wood. It gives ambrosia maple a striped appearance.