Spoons – Origin and Types

While attending a formal event or a celebration, have you noticed a range of spoons lined up in neat rows at the food station? Rounded, cubicle, pointed, blunt, big, small, wide, narrow, and what not! Perhaps, you are confused right now or maybe pondering as to why humans have complicated the simple business of eating into one where you even not able to decide the right spoon type. Well, don’t worry and take a journey into the world of spoons. By the end, probably, you will be equipped with a spoonful of information!

Spoons-Origin and Concept

Ever wondered about the origins of the backbone of your tableware, namely the spoon? Who thought of a tool that more or less, combines a stick and a bowl, to mix foodstuffs or perhaps, makes it possible to take the yummy bite from plate to the tum. Or was the invention only an accident?

Of course not! Although we do not have the exact data of the place, person, or date as to when the idea first sprouted up, we do believe that necessity happens to be the mother of invention. Hence, most believe that the concept of a spoon dates back to the origin of the human race. The oldest being made up of animal bones & stones and history states, the Chinese followed the tradition.

Later, the ancient Egyptians modified the basic version and crafted fancy spoons with religious symbols from slate, flint, ivory, and even wood. Overtime Greeks and Romans also developed fancy, easy to use, and durable spoons from silver and bronze. At this point, the Chinese had also discarded the idea of bone spoons and upgraded their tableware with Roman or Greek-like spoons. The preserved examples of these spoons tell us, these spoons were nothing more than a medium-sized bowl adjoined to a stick-like handle.

In this race, the Muslim world, particularly the sub-continent, caught up with the rest of the world quite a bit late. It wasn’t until the 15th century that Muslims began using medieval spoons for slurping soups and hot teas. Later, with increased exposure, silver, bronze, and even gold spoons started becoming a common companion of ceramic plates and bowls.

Regarding the present-day shape of the spoon, history tells us that the early 18th century brought a revolutionary change to a spoon’s structure. The round, deep front of the spoon became narrow and elliptical.

Different Materials

Before proceeding onto the variation of spoons based on appearance and purpose, first, it is important to know about the types of spoons regarding the material. Here are a few common materials used in spoon manufacturing.

1. Wooden

Usually, people use wooden spoons for stirring and cooking purposes. Back in time, when people did not know about electric mixers, the wooden spoons were used to blend creams and butter. Even today, the usage of wooden spoons is famous due to its ability to reduce heat transfer.

2. Porcelain or Plastic

Porcelain spoons serve commonly as soup spoons or porridge spoons. Porcelain spoons are typically short and thicker than other spoons.

Being disposable, a majority uses plastic spoons for on-the-go meals and quick snacks. 

3. Stainless steel

Perhaps, the stainless steel is the most widely used and known material for spoon manufacturing processes. The stainless steel spoons are famous for their resistance against rust, corrosion, and heat. A further classification in stainless steel is Ferritic stainless steel and Austenitic stainless steel.

4. Other metals

Spoons are available in various materials, including gold, silver, and alloys. However, spoons of such materials are rare in daily usage, and one may have to order them, especially for any event.

Types of Spoons

As mentioned earlier, without spoons, hot cups of tea, mouth-watering dishes, scrumptious salads, toothsome desserts, and even chilly drinks are meaningless to some extent. For how would you transfer the heavenly taste to your taste buds when there is no means of it?

In the case of drinks, one can drink directly from the tumbler. However, stirring with the help of a spoon brings about better mixing of the ingredients and thus, enhances the taste. Similarly, every spoon invented to date has a purpose and the following are examples of some very useful ones!

1. Table Spoon
2. Tea Spoon or Sugar Spoon
3. Baby Spoon
4. Serving Spoon
5. Risotto Spoon
6. Dessert Spoon
7. Salad Spoon
8. Beverage Spoon

Conclusion

Undeniably, in today’s modish and civilized world, knowing about the types of spoons is very important. Imagine being in a big gathering, where you meet many of your friends and respectable figures. You are having a lot of fun until the food gets served. The uncertainty about the types of the spoon may catch you off the guard, and you may embarrass yourself in front of your loved ones. Well, perhaps, no one would like to go through such a situation!