Once you have stirred with an olive wood cooking spoon, you usually never want to go back. The wood feels warm in the hand, protects coated pans, and still looks beautiful after years. But which olive wood kitchen utensils are really worth it? In this guide, we introduce you to the most important tools – from the cooking spoon to the spatula and the mortar.
Why wooden kitchen utensils?
- Gentle on pans and pots: Wood does not scratch non-stick coatings, enamel, or ceramic.
- No melting, no plastic: Unlike plastic spoons, olive wood does not deform on the hot edge of the pot and does not release microparticles into the food.
- Conveys little heat: The handle remains cool, even if the spoon is in the pot for a long time.
- Quiet: no rattling or scratching like metal.
- Taste-neutral: Olive wood does not impart any flavor and does not react with acidic foods such as tomato sauce.
The most important olive wood kitchen utensils
1. The round cooking spoon – the classic
A round cooking spoon measuring approx. 30 cm in length is the multipurpose tool for soups, sauces, risotto, and stews. The length allows you to stir even in tall pots without burning your fingers. Our tip: A cooking spoon holder with a drip tray keeps the countertop clean.
2. Spatulas and turners
For pancakes, fried eggs, and vegetables, a flat wooden spatula is ideal. The beveled edge slides under the food without damaging the coating. A spatula with a straight edge is also excellent for loosening stuck-on food from the bottom of the pot.
3. Salad utensils
Olive wood salad utensils not only look elegant on the table – they are also practical because they do not crush the leaves and do not react with vinegar. To match, olive wood salad bowls are particularly suitable.
4. The mortar – for fresh aromas
Freshly pounded spices smell significantly more intense than ground spices from a jar because the essential oils are only released when crushed. Thanks to the enormous hardness of the wood, an olive wood mortar is robust enough for peppercorns, coriander seeds, coarse salt, or herbs. Small mortars (Ø approx. 10 cm) are ideal for spices, larger ones (Ø from 12 cm) for pesto, dips, and herb butter.
5. Lemon squeezer, honey spoon & co.
Small helpers with a big impact: An olive wood lemon squeezer is simply twisted into the halved fruit, the grooved honey spoon lets honey flow onto the breakfast bread without dripping, and a salt scoop dispenses Fleur de Sel exactly.
6. Rolling pin and pasta board
An olive wood rolling pin is heavy and glides evenly over the dough – perfect for pizza, cookies, and pasta. Thanks to the smooth surface, the dough hardly sticks, a dusting of flour is enough.
What to look for when buying
- Made from one piece: No glue joints where moisture can collect.
- Smoothly sanded: The surface should feel silky, without splinters.
- Food-safe treated: With olive oil or another cooking oil – never varnished.
- Suitable length: approx. 30 cm for pots, approx. 25 cm for pans, approx. 20 cm for small saucepans.
Care for cooking spoons and mortars
Rinse wooden kitchen utensils briefly by hand immediately after cooking, dry them, and let them air dry. Do not leave them in the pot or in the dishwater and never put them in the dishwasher. Occasionally rub with a little cooking oil – done. It is best to clean the mortar dry with a brush or a scrubbing brush; rinse briefly with moist ingredients such as pesto and let dry thoroughly. You can find all the details in our care instructions for olive wood.
Frequently asked questions
Does a wooden spoon discolor from tomato sauce or curry?
Slight discoloration from turmeric or tomato is possible, but it fades over time. Thanks to its density, olive wood is less prone to this than light, open-pored woods.
Can I also work with wood in very hot oil?
Yes, it is not a problem for turning and stirring. However, do not leave the spoon permanently in the hot fat or on the edge of the pot over the flame.
How long does an olive wood cooking spoon last?
Many years with proper care. If the surface becomes rough over time, simply sand it lightly and oil it.
Conclusion
Olive wood kitchen utensils are durable, gentle on your cookware, free of plastic, and beautiful. Start with a round cooking spoon and a mortar – and expand your collection little by little. Browse our categories Cooking & Seasoning and Knives & Cutlery now.