We had a Red Alder tree in our back yard that we had cut down. Most of it we used for firewood, but we still have a little bit of it and I was considering trying to make it into wooden spoons for my wife. I have heard bits and pieces suggesting Red Alder might cause dermatitis, but on the other hand, I have also found other people advertising alder wood cutting boards and such. Does anyone know more certainly how food safe Red Alder wood is? Thanks for any info, I'm a beginner at this. Shon
I'm assuming we're talking about alnus rubra; in which case you're fine. Often used for food bowls and spoons, and the inner bark was sometimes used as food by local groups. I don't know about instances of dermatitis, but a lot of people around here have alder mixing bowls, salad bowls, etc. and I haven't heard of any issues.
