Yompai musings

Why use a wooden cup? Won't they leak? Don't they taste funny?

There are a few questions around wooden cups. Yet throughout history people have been using wooden cups, for a long time because other materials were simply not available and then in more recent years, because people have been trying to go back to more natural, eco friendly materials.

Keep your wooden bowls looking their best with these easy care tips! Learn how to clean, maintain, and protect your wooden bowls.

Wooden bowls are a beautiful and functional addition to any kitchen. However, they require  care to keep them looking their best and prevent damage. With these easy care tips, you can learn how to clean, maintain, and protect your wooden bowls.

Hand wash your wooden bowls.

To keep your wooden bowls in top condition, it’s important to hand wash them instead of putting them in the dishwasher. The high heat and harsh detergents in the dishwasher can damage the wood and cause it to crack or warp over time. Instead, use a mild dish soap and warm water to gently clean your wooden bowls.

Dry your wooden bowls thoroughly.

After washing your wooden bowls, it’s important to dry them thoroughly to prevent water damage. If possible use  a soft cloth to remove any excess water and then let them air dry completely before storing them. If you can avoid using a dish towel to dry your wooden bowls, as the fibres can leave behind lint and potentially scratch the surface of the wood. If you need to speed up the drying process, you can use a fan or place the bowls in a warm, dry area.

Oil your wooden bowls regularly.

To keep your wooden bowls looking their best, it’s important to oil them regularly. This helps to protect the wood from drying out and cracking, as well as preventing stains and discoloration. Use a food-safe oil, such as mineral oil or walnut oil, and apply a thin layer to the surface of the bowl using a soft cloth. Let the oil soak in for a few hours or overnight, then wipe away any excess with a clean cloth. Repeat this process every few months or as needed to keep your wooden bowls in top condition.

Store your wooden bowls properly.

Proper storage is key to keeping your wooden bowls in good condition. Avoid storing them in direct sunlight or near sources of heat, such as a stove or oven. This can cause the wood to dry out and crack. Instead, store your bowls in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or cupboard. You can also use a bowl stand or rack to keep them organized and prevent them from rolling around or getting scratched. With proper storage and care, your wooden bowls will last for years.

Can a wooden spoon stop your pot from boiling over?

Clips of people laying a wooden spoon over the top of a boiling pot and watching the pasta subside are easily found on tik tok and youtube

According to Dr. Michelle Dickinson, author of The Kitchen Science Cookbook, the bubbles in a pot of boiling pasta are made of water, air, and starch molecules. The starch and water form a “sandwich layer,” which creates a structure that traps the air and steam inside them. As the pot gets hotter, more steam-filled bubbles form underneath the existing ones, eventually leading them to take up more space than the pot can contain. This is when your pot
starts to overflow with starchy pasta water.

Wooden spoons are insulators, which mean they don’t
conduct heat well. So when you place the spoon on top of the pot, it remains cooler than the pot and bubbles. Thanks to the temperature and rough and dry texture, the spoon causes the bubbles to burst. Then, the bursting bubbles
release steam that instantly cools, creating a small, cooling air current. And the water level and bubbles subside.

Watch the clip and see what happens

According to some people this works every time, others say it does not

Have you tried it, is it something that works for you?

Why Wooden Platters?

Like most things there are advantages and disadvantages. Using wooden platters is the same. Depending on what you need one for or where you want to use it, wooden platters may not be for you.

But there are many advantages to using wooden platters

Why use Toast Tongs?

The primary reason is for safety. Metal tongs are like metal knives in your toaster, dangerous. Wooden Toast Tongs, if dry, are not good conductors of electricity and are safe to use to extract your piece of toast or bagel that has gotten bent out of shape in the toaster. 

When choosing a wooden bowl for your NZ home, it is important to consider the type of woodgrain, colour and durability. Do they match your home and decor.

We have been out of salt where I live for a couple of weeks, no idea why. Finally back in stores Monday this week.

We use salt and spices for all kinds of things, personally I don't eat much but I do use it daily as a mouth wash for my gums on the advice of my dental hygienist.

Our handcrafted salt and spice spoons are a great way to add or serve salts and spices. Completely plastic free!