What do the colours of the chopping boards mean?

Check out all CUTTING AND SERVING BOARDS as well as designer and practical CHOPPING BOARDS.

Kitchen chopping boards are used to chop, slice, and portion various types of food – usually before cooking – and to serve dishes and snacks attractively. To prevent food contamination, it's best to cut different food groups on separate boards; this is particularly important for those with food allergies.

Using the same chopping board for meat, vegetables, and other ingredients significantly increases the risk of cross-contamination. The different colours of kitchen chopping boards aren't random, but a system to keep the kitchen clean; each colour is designated for a specific food category. This colour distinction is a result of the obligation to comply with HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points). All catering outlets must adhere to the principles of this system.

Interestingly, the colour-coding of boards is related to specific food products. Blue, for example, evokes water, the natural habitat of fish and seafood; red is associated with meat, and green with the colour of many vegetables and fruits. By looking at each board, it’s easy to assign it to a particular product group. This simple classification system helps cooks maintain hygiene. Flavours don't mix, and diners can be sure that their ordered products haven't come into contact with other products. By using different boards, you can prevent vegetables or fruit from being sliced on a surface where raw meat has just been prepared.

Red board – raw meat

Red-coloured boards are designated for cutting raw meat before cooking, such as pork or beef. The colour immediately brings meat to mind, making it easy to choose the correct board. Using a separate board for different types of meat prevents the transfer of bacteria to other foods and ensures safe food preparation – making it a worthwhile addition to your kitchen.

Yellow board – raw poultry

Yellow boards are for cutting raw poultry, such as chicken. However, if you don't have a yellow board, you can also portion and cut poultry on a red board for meats, as poultry is a type of meat.

Blue board – fish and seafood

We primarily associate the colour blue with water, which means that the blue board is for cutting and portioning fish and seafood. If you enjoy dishes with shrimp, octopus, snails, or lobster, this board is essential for your kitchen.

Green board – fruit and vegetables

The colour green evokes vegetation and nature, which is why boards of this colour are used for cutting fruit and vegetables. They’re also suitable for chopping all kinds of herbs and other plant-based products; the colour of the surface clearly indicates its purpose.

White board – bread and dairy

The white board is a more versatile option, designed for cutting all types of bread – such as loaves, rolls, or croissants – and dairy products, like cheese and eggs. Sometimes, white boards are also used to prepare processed, ready-to-eat foods.

Brown board – cold cuts and cooked meat

Brown kitchen boards are for cutting all types of cold cuts and cooked meat. The colour brown is often associated with meat (and wheat) products. So, if you've ever wondered what surface to use for slicing your favourite ham or pâté, you now know which board to choose.

Of course, you can create your own system in your kitchen. If you prefer a board in a different colour, don't hesitate to use it; simply agree with your household members on what each colour will be used for.

There isn't a single, perfect answer to the question of which chopping board is best. Much depends on the type of food being cut. When choosing a chopping board, it’s worth considering the following factors:

• The material: Chopping boards can be made from wood, bamboo, glass, stone, or plastic.

• The size: For meat, roasts, or bread, a larger board is preferable, while a smaller model will suffice for cutting fruit or vegetables.

• The shape: This can be important, for example, when serving snacks.

Chopping boards and material characteristics

Chopping boards made of wood, such as acacia, are known for their durability and resistance to damage. Wood is self-healing and will seal minor cuts caused by knives. However, wooden boards can absorb odours over time, for example from frequently cut onions. For this reason, it's advisable to have several wooden boards in your kitchen for different types of food. Bamboo boards are even more durable, but like wooden boards, they require proper care, such as being wiped dry after each wash or treated with suitable products.

Glass boards, on the other hand, are scratch-resistant and easy to clean, but unlike wood or bamboo, they break easily. Hard stone boards, like granite or marble, are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of cleaning and resistance to cuts. However, they dull knives more quickly than wood or plastic and are considerably heavier. That said, they have a modern and elegant appearance.

What about plastic boards? These are significantly cheaper, highly durable, lightweight, and flexible. However, they are a less environmentally friendly option and are less resistant to knife blades, deteriorating more quickly.

The best chopping board is one that suits your individual needs, is durable, and helps maintain hygiene while cooking. Using boards in different colours and maintaining them regularly is a simple way to keep your kitchen healthy and tidy. Furthermore, different coloured boards add a splash of colour to your kitchen.

At FormAdore, you’ll find a range of colourful chopping boards in plastic, glass, or stone, as well as sets of wooden boards with different markings and colours. We particularly recommend the Joseph Joseph board sets with their elegant and functional stand case. We also offer boards made from solid marble or glass, which make a great decorative addition to your kitchen worktop.

Kitchen chopping boards have many uses beyond just cutting vegetables, meat, or bread. They can also be used to serve snacks or as trivets. For the latter, avoid glass boards, as wooden models are much better suited. The Kitchen Craft range provides ideal boards for use as coasters for hot dishes. For serving cheese or sausages, stone boards from brands like Nicolas Vahe are perfect. Colourful ceramic boards from Bloomingville or those with a Moomin pattern from Muurla are also original choices that are sure to catch the eye of your guests.

Every kitchen, whether professional or domestic, should have at least a couple of chopping boards. This allows you to cut different types of food without worrying about cross-contamination or the transfer of odours. With our wide range of products, you can easily assemble a complete set, suitable for preparing meat as well as serving fruit, nuts, and cheese. The boards available at FormAdore are made of durable materials, and most have practical non-slip feet and a textured surface. Many models are also dishwasher-safe. Browse our selection and equip your kitchen with the essentials to make cooking for your loved ones even more enjoyable.