Terry, the mushroom canoes sound delicious! What a great idea. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Thanks for sharing this, Alexandra! Olives are indeed magical 🙂 –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

That’s great, Ina. Thank you for your detailed reply – so helpful!

Hi again Ani! You’re correct that food-grade mineral oil is derived from petroleum. That said, the type sold for culinary use is highly refined, purified, colorless, odorless, and considered inert. Food-grade mineral oil has a long history of use on cutting boards, butcher blocks, and wooden utensils, and regulatory agencies generally consider it safe for incidental food contact. It does not oxidize or go rancid like plant oils, which is why it’s often preferred for this purpose.

For application, start with a clean, completely dry cutting board. Apply a small amount of mineral oil—about one to two teaspoons for a standard board—using a clean cloth or paper towel. Rub it in along the grain, allowing the wood to absorb it. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, then wipe away any excess. If the board looks dry, you can repeat this process until the wood no longer readily absorbs the oil.

If you’re using beeswax as well, many people prefer a blend (often about 4 parts mineral oil to 1 part beeswax, gently warmed until melted). Apply a thin layer of the mixture after oiling, let it sit for 20–30 minutes, then buff with a cloth. The oil penetrates the wood, while the beeswax helps seal in moisture and adds a bit of surface protection.

I hope this helps clarify things and gives you a simple approach to caring for your cutting board! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

You’re welcome Helen. I’m so glad to hear you love the tempeh bacon. So much flavor! Happy to have you here. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

You’re welcome, Susan! It’s so hard to not get hungry with all of our members’ suggestions in the comments, too. Happy snacking to you! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Hello Kirsi, and thank you so much for your kind words. I’m so glad that you are part of our community and that you enjoy the work we do here at FRN! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

All excellent ideas, Gaye. Thank you for sharing that 🙂 –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Thanks for the feedback, Barbara! We will pass it on to the Blog team. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

Sounds absolutely delicious! –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team

What a great idea, Melanie! Thank you for sharing that. –Ina, Food Revolution Network Team