How do you clean up small minced pieces left on the board easily?

Question

Use a bench scraper or damp cloth to collect tiny minced pieces efficiently from the board.

Answer 1

Use the dull side of your knife or a bench scraper to gather the minced pieces into a pile, then transfer them to your pot or pan. A damp paper towel can then wipe away any remaining residue.

Detailed Explanation:

Cleaning up small minced pieces from a cutting board can be a bit tedious, but with the right technique, it becomes much easier. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Gather the Pieces: Instead of trying to pick up individual pieces, use the dull side of your knife (the side opposite the blade) or a bench scraper. Hold the knife or scraper at a low angle to the board and gently push the minced pieces together into a single pile.

2. Transfer the Pile: Once you have a manageable pile, carefully transfer it to your pot, pan, or wherever you need the minced ingredients. You can use the knife or scraper to scoop it up, or even use your fingers if your hands are clean.

3. Wipe the Board: After removing the bulk of the minced pieces, there will likely be some residue left on the cutting board. Use a damp paper towel or sponge to wipe the board clean. For stubborn bits, you can use a little bit of dish soap.

4. Sanitize (Optional): If you were working with raw meat or poultry, it's a good idea to sanitize the cutting board after cleaning. You can use a diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water) or a commercial sanitizing spray. Be sure to rinse the board thoroughly after sanitizing.

Pro Tip:

To prevent minced pieces from sticking to the cutting board in the first place, lightly dampen the board with water before you start chopping. The moisture will create a barrier and make cleanup much easier.