Chopsticks. Why are they used?
Chopsticks are usually about 10 inches in length and 1/4 inch thick at the top, narrowingg at the base. Bamboo and wooden chopsticks are both used for cooking as they can take high temperatures and do not change the taste of the food. They can be used to stir/mix food, beat eggs and lift food from cooking pots. Chopsticks can be made of gold, silver, ivory, jade, coral, plastic, bamboo and wood. When food is served at a banquet the host picks up his chopsticks and says "Jiguai" meaning begin using chopsticks. Everyone takes their food from common dishes in the centre of the table. The Chinese prepare their food in small pieces or in pieces that can be broken up easy with chopsticks. Between courses of the meal chopsticks are lai9d on small decorative rests on the table. When finished eating, the diner places chopsticks together on the bowl with the small tip pointing up would.