Cindy Hamilton wrote:
>
> On Apr 19, 4:24 pm, Karen > wrote:
> > Pondering the use of chopsticks in western society. Since forks,
> > knives, spoons were invented, why do we still use chopsticks?
>
> Because they work.
>
> > Chopsticks are disposable, which impacts the environment and uses up
> > trees.
>
> Not all chopsticks are disposable. I often get steel
> chopsticks in Korean restaurants.
>
> > They're ancient.
>
> Well, so am I; I'll pretend you said that with admiration.
>
> > You can't cut up a piece of teriyaki chicken or a big piece of sushi
> > with chopsticks.
>
> Teriyaki chicken should be cut into strips after cooking
> and before serving; perhaps your Japanese restaurant
> isn't up to par.
>
> >You can't scoop up the soup with a chopstick. You
> > can't spear anything with a chopstick.
>
> You can't scoop up soup with a fork, either. If you
> need to spear something when eating with chopsticks,
> you're doing something wrong. I can handle a salmon
> filet with chopsticks.
>
> >It seems that modern utensils
> > make more sense but we still use chopsticks.
> >
> > And, some of us aren't very good at using them, either. (me)
>
> Well, don't use them, then. Ask for silverware.
>
> >Is
> > considered that eating with chopsticks tidier than eating with a knife
> > and fork? It seems less tidy to me and some slurping and splattering
> > occurs in the course of using chopsticks.
>
> It can be as tidy if you are skillful with them.
>
> > Why aren't chopsticks being phased out? Why do we use chopsticks for
> > certain types of food?
> >
> > Do they make food taste better? Is the slender chopstick able to place
> > the food on the tongue in a location that may enhance the flavor?
>
> I suppose you avoid the taste of metal (with wooden or
> bamboo chopsticks, of course).
>
> Cindy Hamilton

Additionally, the disposable bamboo chopsticks are environmentally sound
since bamboo is very fast growing, far from threatened and
biodegradable.