End-Grain Chopping Board

Beech from the local area of Mafra, sourced not far from the Quinta de Sant’Ana estate. For over 80 years this tree shared the same Portuguese soil the workshop currently stands on, intrinsically linked through this beautiful ground we call home.

Fagus Sylvatica (European beech) can be found throughout Europe especially in the Northern and Central countries. Within Portugal it takes especially well in the North where the climate is more temperate.

Pale beech like this has a quiet presence. The end-grain reveals cathedral patterns where each block meets its neighbour.

The dark mark running through this board is not a flaw. It's character. A record of how the wood grew and its history. Most likely, this streak was caused by a wound on the tree that allowed the carbohydrates in the wood to oxidise, turning the surrounding wood this red-brown - enriching its value and giving the eye a focal point that draws us into the piece.

The dark streak was kept deliberately. So-called "blemishes" like this one should be highlighted and shown off. It makes this board singular. No two pieces of wood are alike.

Finished with food-safe mineral oil. Re-oil occasionally. Never submerge in water.