How to Use Chopsticks

Learning how to use chopsticks takes practice, practice, practice! In Japan they are called "hashi".

For this lesson, I suggest that you buy a pair of wooden chopsticks. I absolutely hate the lacquered or plastic ones. They are slippery and next to impossible to eat with.

1. Carefully split your chopsticks apart at the top (if you're using the disposable kind)<p>
2. Rest one chopstick in the hollow between your thumb and index finger and support it with your ring finger.<p>
3. Use the tips of your thumb, index and middle fingers to hold the other chopstick.
4. Manipulate the tip of one chopstick against the tip of the other one that always remains stationary in the hollow between you thumb and index finger.

Practice makes perfect. Don't worry at first if you drop your sushi. Its alright to eat it with your fingers.

Types of Chopsticks

Traditional chopsticks in Japan are made from either cedar or bamboo. Modern ones are fashioned out of pine, willow, bamboo or Japanese cypress. Chopsticks for eating -

• Shojin - These are crafted from Japanes cypress.
• Rikyu - Made of cedar and pointed at both ends. Use one end for your meat and the other for seafood.
• Disposable - These are crafted from Japanese cypress. This type is joined at the top. If there are any splinters when you split the apart, carefully rub the two sticks together. Just don't do this in front of the sushi chef! Its considered bad manners.

Cooking Chopsticks These are about twice as long as regular ones and are pointed at the end. Handy tip - Wet the chopsticks before use. This will prevent the wood from absorbing any of the flavours in your pot.  

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