Chinese Chopping Block - what wood?
 

I was watching "The Iron Chef" last night and the challenger was using a
Chinese style Chopping block that looked like it was just a chunk of tree
trunk, maybe 18" in dia. and 8" high. It did not seem to have been glued up
from individual parts and there was no metal band to keep it from splitting. I
am wondering what wood or woods would be best for making one for myself or for
gifts. Is any special drying proceedure needed. I know Rock Maple is usually
used for the glued up checkerboard butcher block style cutting boards, but are
there other woods that are traditional for the Chinese style round cutting
block? Maybe some wood that is food neutral and still resists splitting? Or
will any chunck of tree work with the proper drying proceedure?
I have seen round checkerboard butcher block style Chinese Chopping Blocks for
sale at prices that amaze me (over $200)