Replies

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Sep 16, 2002 07:06pm | #1

   Some use it but others have said it can cause a problem to folks who are allergic to nuts. I know peanuts can be a problem but I don't know for sure about walnuts.

   However, mineral oil is non-toxic and will not cause anyone problems. To make it longer lasting heat the mineral oil in a double boiler and shave in paraffin wax. One part paraffin to about 5-10 parts mineral oil is fine. Apply heavily and let cool and harden. Lightly scrape off the excess and buff if you want.

2. 
   jonsherryl | Sep 16, 2002 07:45pm | #2

   Walnut oil is technically a vegetable oil and vegetable oils tend to become rancid over time...Also, walnuts contain potential allergens, so it's not a particularly good choice for sealing food related items. I'd agree with Howie that pharmacy grade mineral oil is the better choice.

1. 
   flonji | Sep 16, 2002 10:50pm | #3

   Thanks on the walnut oil. Confirms a suspision I had.

   Does canola oil have the same rancid factor, and would not this be negated if the article is continually washed in warm water, i.e. salad servers.

   Do not recognise 'mineral oil'. Is it known by any other name ?.

1. 
   jonsherryl | Sep 16, 2002 10:58pm | #4

   Canola oil is a vegetable oil and it will also go rancid. I suspect mineral oil's greatest claim to fame is as the time honored cure for a baby's chapped bottom. You can find it at vitually any drugstore.

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Sep 16, 2002 10:59pm | #5

   Go to your drug store. It's sold in the laxative section. You also can generally get it in a cooking supplies store but they will call it something else and charge very much more. If you look at the container, it will say "mineral oil".

   There is one product marketed called "Salad Bowl Finish". It's an oil varnish product that some like. As any finish is non-toxic when fully cured, you can use Watco if you want but I don't like the linseed oil smell. Best to stick with mineral oil.

2. 
   dwyates | Dec 14, 2002 03:58am | #9

   Ummm, Jon, are you saying a walnut is a vegetable? What is your source of information on this?

   I've heard that if the oil is "edible-refined" that it will not go rancid. But, hey, I'm no chemist.

1. 
   UncleDunc | Dec 14, 2002 04:24am | #10

   Remember the old guessing game that always starts by asking "Animal, vegetable, or mineral?" In that sense, yes, walnuts are vegetables.

1. 
   Splintie | Dec 15, 2002 10:52pm | #11

   You've got to admit that the "nut" part could throw a person into the "mineral" camp... 

2. 
   Gretchen | Dec 16, 2002 04:50pm | #12

   I've heard that if the oil is "edible-refined" that it will not go rancid.

   Walnut oil will go rancid as will all other edible oils.Gretchen

3. 
   Shepherd1800 | Sep 17, 2002 06:46pm | #6

   You might consider flax seed oil, an edible version of linseed oil available at health food stores.  Mineral oil is a non drying oil and will have to be renewed regularly.  Flax seed oil is a drying oil and will last longer.

   Stephen

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Sep 17, 2002 11:32pm | #7

   My experience is that whether an oil dries or not has no real affect on it longevity if it is subjected to washing with dish detergent. Flax oil or linseed oil will not prevent the penetration of water so it washes away almost as rapidly as mineral oil.

1. 
   jonsherryl | Sep 18, 2002 12:30am | #8

   I'd agree Howie, oiling cutting boards and knife handles is sort of a Fall right-of-passage around our house. I Pick a nice sunny Saturday afternoon, lightly sand the cutting board before game time and set it out in the sun to warm up. Then at halftime I rub it and the cuttlery down with mineral oil...and the boss leaves me alone for another year.

4. 
   suzy | Dec 27, 2002 02:22am | #13

   walnut oil is fantastic as an oil for a salad dressing and for cooking. very delicious.  don't throw it out!!!

1. 
   Gretchen | Dec 27, 2002 04:03pm | #14

   Absolutely--cook with it!!Gretchen

1. 
   suzy | Dec 27, 2002 04:24pm | #15

   yes, i do!!  it is  difficult to get really good walnut oil, but i love it and use it all the time.  yum