This time, we will explain in detail the origin of chopsticks, how to choose them, and recommended products!
All chopsticks look the same, so how should I choose?
How did it come to be used in the first place?
We will explain in an easy-to-understand manner any questions you may have about chopsticks, such as
.
Please read this for reference when choosing and caring for chopsticks!
I want to see what products are available first! If so, please take a look here.
Origin and history of chopsticks
When have chopsticks been used? Digging deeper into its history
*The history of chopsticks is not clear, and there are many theories.
■Chopsticks were invented in ancient China
Chopsticks were invented in China over 3,000 years ago.
Bronze chopsticks were excavated from Yinku, the capital of the Shang Dynasty in China, and appear to have been used for ceremonial purposes.
■The beginning of the use of chopsticks in Japan
And it is estimated that chopsticks began to be used in Japan during the Yayoi period to the Asuka period (around the 3rd to 7th century).
Initially, it was likely that they were not used for eating, but as "sacred treasures," and "bamboo chopsticks" made by folding bamboo in half were used.
Perhaps this was done to avoid contaminating the offerings of the gods by touching them directly.
■Is it triggered by the envoy to Sui? Spread as food
In the 7th century, the Sui envoys to China brought various cultures to Japan.
After being treated to meals using chopsticks in China, envoys from all over Japan used chopsticks when they visited Japan.
With this opportunity, the use of chopsticks for meals spread and became popular among the common people.
There is also a theory that the culture of using chopsticks spread after Prince Shotoku used them at the imperial court.
■During the Heian period, eating with chopsticks became common, and a distinction was made between chopsticks for fish, poultry, and vegetables.
Chopsticks used for fish and poultry are called ``Manabashi,'' and chopsticks used for vegetables are called ``Saibashi,'' which are the roots of today's Saibashi.
■In the Kamakura period, spoons became obsolete and people began to use only chopsticks for meals.
It seems that chopsticks were used to pick, mix, and cut with just one chopstick, as we do today.
■In the middle of the Edo period, ``lacquered chopsticks'', which were made of wood and finished with lacquer, were created.
It is said that Wajima lacquerware was born around this time.
Japanese chopsticks come in many varieties and are characterized by their thin tips.
This may have something to do with the unique history of eating with just one pair of chopsticks.
Why are they called chopsticks? What is the origin of chopsticks?
The origin of the name "chopstick" is various.
I will list some representative ones.
・The theory that it is called “chopstick” because it bridges food to the mouth
・The theory that it is called “chopstick” because it is used to pick up food at the edge.
・The theory that it is called “chopsticks” because their role is something to pinch.
・The theory that they are called “chopsticks” because in the old days, the tops of chopsticks were stuck together like “tweezers” and it looked like a bird's beak.
How to choose chopsticks
The following points are important when choosing chopsticks.
You will use it for everyday meals, so find the best one that is easy to hold.
■Select by length
The thumb and index finger of your dominant hand make a right angle, and the length of the diagonal line between the index finger and thumb is called a Hitoata.
It is said that the optimal length is 1.5 times this length, or 1 and a half liters.
As a guideline, the height is 22.5 cm for adult men and 21 cm for women.
This is just a guideline, so it's OK if there is some error as long as it's comfortable to hold.
■Select by thickness
The thickness of chopsticks varies depending on the product.
Generally, it is said that it is easier to hold if the handle has a suitable thickness.
Also, it is a good idea to choose one based on the size of your hands and the content of your meal, such as thick ones for people with large hands, and thin ones for removing fish bones.
■Select by shape
There are many variations in the shape of chopsticks, including round, square, pentagonal, octagonal, and grooved ones.
Compare it with the ones you have used before and choose the one that is easiest to hold.
By the way, some people use polygonal chopsticks such as pentagonal and octagonal by choosing lucky numbers.
It would also be great to use them as chopsticks for the New Year or for guests.
Also, if you are using it for noodles or other slimy foods, we recommend using one that is non-slip.
There are different types of anti-slip shapes, such as round, square, and ones with shavings.
It may be a good idea to choose according to what you often eat.
About the material of chopsticks
Most chopsticks are made of wood, but they are also made of a variety of materials.
■Wood
The material used for chopsticks is generally hard and durable natural wood.
In terms of wood types, there are marasu and ironwood.
High-quality materials include karaki such as ebony and rosewood.
Chestnut and zelkova are also popular, as they are somewhat hard and light materials.
By the way, the oldest chopsticks are said to be made of bamboo.
There is also a theory that this is where the character for ``bamboo'' comes from.
■Resin
Resin chopsticks are lightweight and durable.
Since many of them are relatively inexpensive, they are often found in situations where they are used in large quantities, such as in company cafeterias and restaurants.
Also, many of them are colorful and suitable for children.
Some products are dishwasher safe, making them easy and practical to clean.
■Metal
Chopsticks made of titanium or stainless steel are lightweight, durable, and long-lasting.
Nowadays, some people use it for carrying around.
Titanium has antibacterial properties and has the advantage of not impairing the taste of food.
Recommended chopsticks
UTSUWABI sells chopsticks of various shapes and materials.
Please find the chopsticks that suit you.
Chopsticks from fruit tree Chestnut tetoca
A series of chopsticks made from fruit-bearing trees using only 100% pure high-quality beeswax.
The handle is octagonal and the tip of the chopsticks is square, making it easy to hold and grasp.
This time we will introduce chopsticks made of chestnut wood.
Chestnut wood has excellent durability and water resistance, making it perfect for everyday use.
The bright colored natural wood grain goes well with not only Japanese tableware but also Western tableware.
The wrapping is stylish, so it makes a great gift.
Ten-shaved pentagonal chopsticks peach KORINDO
Modern chopsticks with two colors.
Gorgeous pentagonal chopsticks that fit comfortably in your hand can be used for a wide range of purposes, from everyday meals to special occasions.
Traditional Echizen-nuri chopsticks use only lacquer and are hand-painted one by one by craftsmen.
No chemical paints are used, so you can use it with confidence.
This item is recommended for those who want to use something good for a long time because it is something they use every day.
Echizen chopsticks hexagonal gold leaf six gourds Tame KORINDO
Gorgeous chopsticks with gold gourds that stand out against the black background.
The six gourds are an auspicious traditional motif used to pray for good health, good health, and longevity.
You can use it for auspicious occasions such as New Year's Day, or give it as a gift by pairing it with a different color of red.
The gourd's modern pattern makes it perfect for ethnic and Western dishes.
It would be convenient to have several for guests.
Chopsticks chopstick bag set Kagoami Tsunoda Seibei Shoten
A pair of Japanese cypress chopsticks that comes in a set with a chopstick bag made from Scandinavian textiles.
The length of the chopsticks is 18cm, which is the perfect size to carry along with your lunch box.
The chopsticks are light and the tips are rough, making them easy to hold and grab!
It's practical and attractive for everyday lunchtime.
The chopstick bag can hold 23cm long chopsticks, so even if you buy new chopsticks, you can still use them.
There are different patterns, so it's nice to use different ones depending on your mood that day.
Extra thin chopsticks brown dishwasher safe chopsticks
Extra-fine chopsticks with an elegant appearance.
Because the birch wood from Hokkaido is polished with vegetable wax, it has a glossy finish and the beauty of the wood grain stands out.
It is a laminated material made of many layers of thin boards, so it is very durable.
What's more, it's dishwasher safe, so it's easy to handle.
You can use timeless wooden chopsticks for a long time.
Cleaning your chopsticks
The basic care points for chopsticks are as follows.
However, unpainted chopsticks require a little special care.
○ Immediately wipe off moisture after washing and store in a well-ventilated place
Remaining moisture may cause mold
○Do not leave it soaked in water or hot water
You may think that soaking it in water will remove the dirt from the rice and seasonings, but this is no good.
○Avoid using the dishwasher or dryer
Natural wood and lacquer are sensitive to high temperature washing and strong drying, and will crack or warp if used.
Nowadays, there are lacquer products that are dishwasher safe, so be sure to check the label before using them.
If the surface of unpainted chopsticks, which retains the natural texture of wood, becomes dry, apply oil.
By applying an appropriate amount of drying oil such as linseed oil or perilla oil onto a soft cloth, the surface will become glossy.
It may seem a bit of a hassle at first, but once you get used to it, it's easy.
When is it time to replace your chopsticks?
How many years have you been using chopsticks?
I think there are a variety of people, including those who buy new ones every year and those who have been using them for years because they haven't broken.
Here, we will introduce points to consider when purchasing new chopsticks, and how to dispose of them.
Please refer to this information as it is useful knowledge for your daily life.
Recommendation for replacing chopsticks
・The paint on the tips of the chopsticks is peeling off
・The tips of the chopsticks are chipped
・There are hangnails and cracks on the surface
If any of the above conditions apply to you, it's time to replace it.
When the paint peels off and the base material is exposed, the wood absorbs water and mold and bacteria grow.
You should always keep the chopsticks you use for daily meals clean.
In addition, the length of chipped chopsticks changes, making it difficult to hold them.
If you feel that the condition has changed, consider purchasing a new one.
It's a good idea to set a rule, such as changing your chopsticks to new ones on New Year's Day every year.
You may not know how to throw away chopsticks
You can wrap it in copy paper or paper!
When you buy new chopsticks, you should be concerned about how to throw them away.
Of course, you can dispose of it as burnable garbage, but if you don't feel comfortable throwing it away, wrap it in paper and throw it away. At that time, salt may be sprinkled as a purification.
There is also a method called ``Hashikuyo'' to express gratitude for the past.
The chopstick memorial service involves burning chopsticks like a talisman or amulet.
Shrines and chopstick specialty stores may have them available, so if you are interested, please check them out.
Let's learn about chopsticks and find the chopsticks that best suit you!
This time, we have covered a wide range of topics, from the history of chopsticks to the guidelines for when to replace them.
By learning more deeply, I think your perspective on the chopsticks you usually use has changed a little.
I hope this article will help you choose chopsticks that suit you based on the material and shape of the chopsticks.
You can view the chopsticks introduced this time from this page.
For more information on chopsticks and chopstick rests that you might want to use with them, please read this article.
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Thank you for reading until the end.
I hope you all have a wonderful time with your favorite utensils.
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