All About Cedar plank
Your complete guide to cedar plank - discover how to store it properly, identify when it's gone bad, and find the best substitutes for your recipes.
How Long Does Cedar plank Last?
Storage times and freshness tips for cedar plank in different conditions.
Safety first: This guide provides general information. When in doubt, throw it out! Trust your senses and err on the side of caution. If something smells, looks, or tastes off, don't consume it.
Unused, Dry StorageIndefinite (several years) if stored properly
Signs of Spoilage
Mold growth (fuzzy green, black, or white patches), strong musty or chemical odor, severe warping, significant cracking or splintering, signs of insect infestation (small holes, sawdust-like material, tunnels).
How to Check
Visual: Carefully inspect all surfaces of the plank for any discolored patches (mold), excessive cracks, or bowing/twisting (warping). Look for tiny holes or powdery residue that might indicate pests. Smell: Hold the plank to your nose. It should have a light, natural cedar aroma. Any strong musty, mildewy, sour, or chemical smell indicates an issue. Touch: The plank should feel dry and solid. Avoid planks that feel damp, slimy, or excessively brittle.
Storage Tips
Store cedar planks in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, extreme temperature fluctuations, and high humidity. Keeping them in their original sealed packaging can help prevent moisture absorption and external odors. Cedar planks are generally intended for single use for best flavor transfer and food safety; reusing can lead to cross-contamination and off-flavors from previous cooks.
Soaked, Pre-cooking (Refrigerated)Up to 24 hours (in refrigerator). Best used within 2-4 hours of soaking.
Signs of Spoilage
Soaking water becoming cloudy, murky, or developing an unpleasant/sour odor. Plank surface feeling slimy or showing any visible film.
How to Check
Visual: Check the soaking water for clarity. It should remain relatively clear, perhaps slightly discolored from the wood. Look for any visible slime or film on the plank surface. Smell: Smell the soaking water and the plank itself. It should smell clean, perhaps faintly woody. A sour, stale, or otherwise unpleasant odor indicates it's past its prime for soaking.
Storage Tips
Always soak planks in the refrigerator if soaking for more than a couple of hours to inhibit bacterial growth in the water. Ensure the plank is fully submerged during soaking. Discard both the soaking water and the plank if any spoilage signs are present, as the water can harbor bacteria that could transfer to food.