Should Bamboo Spoons be Oiled? Lacquered Bamboo Spoons?

[Shel_B]

I've been looking for a couple of new bamboos mixing spoons, and came across an admonishment to be sure to oil bamboo utensils, especially mixing spoons that often get into hot mixtures. Now, my favorite, long time bamboo spoon is 35 years old, and it's never been oiled. It seems to be holding up quite well. So, what's the skinny on oiling bamboo spoons?

I've also noticed that most of the spoons I've looked at have been coated with something, perhaps lacquer or some similar protective coating. Does anyone know what that coating really is? And what's it's purpose - it eventually wears off? I'd much prefer an uncoated spoon - good bamboo doesn't need help from industrial coatings.

[dcarch]

I don't think you need to.

Bamboo has been in use, untreated, in China for centuries to make river rafts, cooking utensils, construction materials, etc.

The only time bamboo is treated is when it is used for furniture.

dcarch

[liuzhou]

Never heard of it. 90% of my house and its utensils and my dinner is bamboo. I use oil with my dinner!

[Dakki]

I oil mine, both boards and utensils. They look and feel much nicer and I haven't had any of my boards warp since I started doing it, but it could be all in my head.