In spite of the fact that chopsticks' origins remain unknown, most
historians are leaning towards the hypotheses that this integral part
of Chinese food
history was
much popularized by the Shang dynasty, dating back to 1766 - 1122 BC.
Being a unique method of the Eastern cuisine, chopsticks represent one
of the strongest Chinese food
traditions:
they were used thousands years ago, are widespread today and
are
likely to remain the most distinguished Chinese place setting tomorrow.
As Chinese cuisine is gaining more and more popularity all over the
world, Chinese food traditions are quickly become internationally
recognized, and nowadays chopsticks are used both in Chinese food
restaurants and in ordinary kitchens.
The experts in Chinese food traditions claim there is a big difference
between Chinese and Japanese chopsticks, so they shouldn't be mixed up.
Thus, classic Chinese chopsticks are usually made of unfinished bamboo
or wood to correspond Chinese food traditions, while the Japanese use
lacquered bamboo or wood. Another distinction is that Chinese
chopsticks are longer – about 10 1/2 inches for adults, while
Japanese ones equal to only 9 inches. Moreover, according to Chinese
food traditions, Chinese chopsticks feature blunt ends, in contrast to
Japanese ones the ends of which are pointed.
Today Chinese food traditions, and especially Chinese chopsticks are
very popular, and people from each corner of the world are trying to
perfect their chopstick skills. To help you with sophisticated Chinese
food traditions of chopsticks, here are some useful tips to follow.
First don't use plastic chopsticks, not only for aesthetic reasons but
also because they are harder to hold food. Choose chopsticks only from
natural materials, like wood or bamboo.
Secondly, remember that chopsticks' ends shouldn't cross, so hold them
in the middle.
The bottom chopstick remains immovable, while the top one is used to
pick up food.
Finally, if some Chinese
food popular dishes with bones are served, you should hold
the piece with chopsticks and just eat around the bone.
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