We dip each paddle in our own beeswax and food-grade mineral oil polish. The polish has been formulated to season the Mapleware® properly. It penetrates deep into the wood, displacing moisture as well as helping prevent cracks and stains. Some residue of surface polish remains on the utensils until first washed at home.

Some natural discoloration of the wood is to be expected when cooking foods like tomatoes, curry, or blueberries. This does not harm the beneficial properties of the maple or transfer flavors to other foods. Most stains go away with repeated washings, but paddles tend to average out at a certain color. Pre-treating the utensils with the polish before using can help prevent staining, but many people prefer to dedicate a paddle to a favorite recipe like raspberry jam.

Does Mapleware require any special care?

The drying cycle of a dishwasher is very hard on wood; it could contribute to cracking of utensils that, with a little care, should last a lifetime. Because it's wood, the edges of your Mapleware® can be kept as sharp as you like with a sharp knife, and the fine finish can be maintained. Simply wash the utensils with warm, soapy water, rinse, and dry with a linen tea towel. To help prevent staining and keep it beautiful, smooth with fine steel wool, and rub with a bit of Mapleware Polish®.

Is wood safe for use in food preparation?

Good-quality woodenware is preferred by many cooks because it doesn't hurt non-stick surfaces, glass or porcelain. For a number of years, wooden cutting boards were banished from restaurants due to fears of bacterial contamination of steak boards assembled with glue. However, recent research has vindicated wooden cutting boards. As early as May 1993, The Wellness Letter published by the University of California at Berkeley, declared "Instead of nurturing bacteria, the wood actually put them out of commission." Although some manufacturers have perpetuated the myth of the inferiority of wood for their own purposes, repeated studies have proven that routine cleanliness in the kitchen is the greatest factor in the safety of either wood or plastic.

Why do I need to choose left- or right-handed utensils?

Mapleware® instruments are meant to be extensions of your hand: the grips are formed to fit your palm comfortably, while the blades are shaped to work efficiently inside pots, pans and bowls. Mapleware® cooking paddles come left-handed and right-handed, in a variety of sizes, so you can maximize both your strength and your dexterity.