My daughter is allergic to nuts and has had reactions, mainly hives, to pecans and peanuts. My wife is interested in getting a walnut cutting board. I'm concerned about whether the wood could also trigger her allergy or if the proteins in the nuts are different from those found in the wood. What should I consider?
3 Answers
I'd avoid walnut. People can develop irritation from constant exposure to walnut wood, especially black walnut. It's just not worth the risk when there are other options out there that look just as good but are much safer.
I’d personally steer clear of walnut. Some people, especially those with nut allergies, might react to walnut wood after prolonged exposure. It’s just safer to avoid it altogether for cutting boards. There are plenty of other attractive woods that don’t come with that risk, so you can still find something nice without the worry. Definitely check with a doctor too to be safe!
I wouldn’t take the risk. My youngest has a nut allergy and while it hasn’t been super severe yet, the idea of a cutting board made from a nut tree freaks me out. Like, if I tell staff at a restaurant about my kid’s allergy, I’d be really upset if they used any nut tree products in the kitchen. It’s good to consult your daughter’s doctor as well for their advice on this.