Ginkgo cutting boards are favored by Japanese cuisine chefs, particularly those using traditional Hagane high carbon steel knives. Compared to other wood types, the Ginkgo cutting board features a distinctive texture with an exceptionally fine surface, resembling human skin.

Traditional Japanese kitchen knives with blades made of Hagane steel—an alloy of iron with added carbon—offer increased hardness, resulting in a sharp cutting edge. However, this heightened hardness can reduce the material's flexibility and toughness, leading to potential issues like blade chipping or breakage. Ginkgo cutting boards are widely regarded as the best match for Japanese kitchen knives.

The uniform and soft nature of Ginkgo wood ensures excellent blade contact, and its elasticity provides resistance to scratches, preserving the longevity of your knives. The wood's softness absorbs impacts without causing damage to the blade, allowing it to spring back and preventing harm to the knife's edge.

Ginkgo trees consist of male and female varieties, with female trees emitting a distinct and robust scent. Differentiating between male and female trees based on the appearance of the board is challenging. Historically, it was believed that only male wood was used for cutting boards due to the dislike for the scent. Upon purchasing a Ginkgo cutting board, the scent, whether strong or mild, tends to fade gradually over time.

The section closer to the bark appears whitish, while the heartwood exhibits a light cream color. Ginkgo wood's resin content repels oils from fish and meat, making it excellent for water drainage. The heartwood, richer in resin than sapwood, is crucial for Ginkgo boards. Boards made primarily of sapwood may not dry well, and the end grain part can darken. Ginkgo boards made of heartwood dry faster and have superior water drainage.

Ginnan, the seeds of female ginkgo trees, are traditionally used in Japanese cuisine and are celebrated for their health benefits. Rich in flavonoids, they contribute a nutritious element to the culinary experience. Likewise, Ginkgo cutting boards are not only gentle on blades but also safe for food preparation.

Ginkgo tree in Autumn