By FPL_Suzanne
Have you ever eaten, or tried to eat, with chopsticks? If not, give it a try. February 6 is National Chopsticks Day.
For over 6,000 years, chopsticks have been used in East Asia. They originated in China and spread to other Asian countries between 250-550 AD. Chopsticks are also used in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Nepal, and the Philippines, to name a few. Just about one-third of the world uses chopsticks every day!
Not all chopsticks are the same. Styles of chopsticks vary depending on what country you’re using them in. For example, those used in China are very long with a squared handle and blunt at the tip. Those found in Japan are shorter and tapered from the handle to the tip. The Korean design is flat like the handle of a spoon. Customarily, chopsticks are made of wood, bamboo, metal, and ceramics. Now they come in plastic, stainless steel, and titanium.
It takes a lot of practice to eat with chopsticks. At least it did for me! It’s great exercise too. You employ approximately 30 joints and 50 muscles in your fingers, wrist, arm, and shoulder when using chopsticks.
Try incorporating chopsticks in your next family dinner. Follow these links for some easy, family friendly Asian recipes to make and eat with chopsticks. Enjoy!!
Recipes by Cuisine: Asian Cuisine, opens a new window
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