Forks: what it is, history and description

One of the most popular cutlery is a fork. It is a handle with several teeth extending from it. The fork is the most versatile, as due to its shape it is used for almost all types of dishes. However, it should be noted that there are several types of table forks, which we will familiarize with in more detail below. First you need to figure out what this cutlery is, and who invented it.

First, we trace the etymology of the word “plug”. This word has its roots in the Latin language, where the consonant “fulka” is translated as “garden pitchfork”. Today it is almost impossible to imagine an ordinary meal without a fork, but several centuries ago people had no idea about this device, using only knives and spoons in everyday life. The first mention of cutlery, similar to forks, dates back to the time of Ancient Greece, where, with large enough devices with two pointed teeth, meat was cut at feasts and laid out on plates.

Looking at old paintings depicting high society of the Renaissance, we see high-ranking ladies and gentlemen with their ostentatious restraint and greatness. And it’s hard for us to imagine how they eat meat and fish dishes with their hands at feasts. Then, according to the rules of etiquette, the meat was taken using three fingers, which were then rinsed in a small bowl of water.

Around the 7th century AD, the fork, as a symbol of the wealth and power of the royal family, was used by its members at ceremonial gatherings in Asia Minor. This cutlery came to Byzantium somewhere in the X century, and was also used exclusively by people of noble origin. According to one version, the Byzantine princess, who married the head of the Venetian Republic, brought a fork to Europe in the 11th century.

Although at first the unusual device for eating Italians was alien, however, by the sixteenth century, it had spread throughout Italy, and by the beginning of the eighteenth century, the fork had become widespread in many European countries.

According to another existing version, the Princess of Byzantine origin Maria Iverskaya invented the plug in 1072. She considered eating meat and fish with her hands below her dignity, therefore, according to her plan, a one-of-a-kind golden fork was created, consisting of a handle with two teeth. Such a device was not particularly practical, since it did not give the opportunity to scoop up food normally. Initially, he acted only as a kind of symbol of power and authority of the ruler.

For a modern person, a fork is an indispensable cutlery, but the question remains why for a long time human society did not accept it. From time immemorial people used hands to eat fish and meat dishes. In ancient Greece and Rome, a fork or a device similar to it was used only for laying out pieces of meat on plates, while they ate with their hands. This method of meat consumption has taken root in human society.

In the process of spreading the Christian religion, the problem of using a fork as a cutlery was further aggravated. This was due to the rejection and prohibition of the church of the pagan religion and any symbols associated with it. One of these was considered a fork, as it resembled the trident of Poseidon, or as it was also called "Fork of the Devil." Therefore, people for a long time did not take the plug, despite the convenience in its use.

In Russia, the fork appeared at the beginning of the XVII century. False Dmitry I brought her from Poland with the things of Marina Mniszek. At the solemn feast dedicated to their marriage, this device was deliberately used, which caused a flurry of indignation among the boyars. It was the fork that became one of the main arguments about the true origin of False Dmitry.

Today, forks are included in the standard sets for table setting and are an integral part of them. The materials from which this cutlery is made, a huge amount - silver, stainless steel, wood, cupronickel and more. Among the variety of forks, several standard types are distinguished, depending on the purpose.

• Canteen. Appointment - hot dishes, the length of the device is 20-22 cm. It consists of a handle and 4 teeth.

• Fork for fish. Appointment - hot fish dishes, the length of the device is 16-18 cm. It consists of a handle of 4 shortened teeth. Appearance may vary slightly (depending on the type of fish). Its subspecies is a 3-toothed fork (chill), designed for fish snacks.

• The diner. Appointment - cold dishes and individual hot snacks, the length of the device is 18-19 cm. The handle consists of 4 elongated teeth, very similar to the dining room, only smaller.

• Dessert. Appointment - various desserts (pies, casseroles, cottage cheese). The length of the device is 14-16 cm. It consists of a handle and 3 teeth.

• For confectionery. Appointment - cakes, biscuits, pastries. The length of the device is 12-15 cm. The handle consists of 3 teeth, the last of which is slightly beveled. There are separate appliances for left-handed and right-handed.

• For fruits. Appointment - various sliced ​​fruits and fruit salads. Length - 12-14 cm. It can consist of both 2 and 3 teeth.

All varieties of forks have approximately the same structure, only slightly differing from each other in size, number and shape of the teeth. Another criterion is the material from which they are made. An elite set of forks consists of silver and gold appliances. Their handles can be trimmed with decorative carvings and precious stones.

A more economical, but no less high-quality material is stainless steel. Such table forks will serve their owners for more than a dozen years. For example, there are children's kits that differ only in the small size of the devices. In them, the handle of the forks can be decorated in the form of animals, birds, fruits, vegetables.

The cleanliness of the cutlery is an indicator of what the hostess is operating in the house. Anyone is pleased to eat using polished forks and spoons. Keeping the kitchen clean is the key to good health, as well as the quality of the material from which the kitchen utensils are made, including cutlery. Therefore, when choosing appliances only quality alloys must be preferred, since various chemicals contained in cookware can enter our body with food.

You can clean table forks made of stainless steel at home in many different ways. Among folk methods, the following options are the most popular.

• From plaque, the use of soda, chalk, and precipitate of brewed coffee will be effective.
• In a pot of water, add two tablespoons of soda and salt, after they are completely dissolved, immerse the cutlery in water. Keep the forks in the water for 20 minutes. Then we pour out the water and rinse the appliances well.
• Lemon juice will help get rid of stains on the surface of the forks.
• To restore the table shine to its former shine, they can be grated well with raw potatoes.

Cutlery made of silver also requires regular care. Many noticed that after some time, the silver forks begin to darken. To avoid this, it is necessary to minimize the contact of silver instruments with air. They should be stored in a special bag or box, in which most often appliances are sold. If such a box is missing, the plugs must be tightly wrapped with cling film.

Among the various descriptions of silverware care tips the most effective is toothpowder brushing. If it was not found in the house, then toothpaste can serve as a replacement. Any of the funds is applied to a sponge or rag and rub the appliances. You can also use chalk.

For those who do not want to spend time and effort rubbing devices, you can prepare a simple solution. To do this, take soapy water and ammonia (1 liter of water = 1 tablespoon of alcohol). Then we lower the silver forks and spoons, and after 20-30 minutes we pull them out, after which we rinse thoroughly in cold water and wipe dry with a soft towel.

To clean silver forks, you can use a solution of salt, soda and water (1 tbsp. L. Soda and 1 tbsp. L. Salt in 0.25 l of water). We bring the solution to a boil and put the forks there, after which we boil them for 10-15 minutes and rinse well under running water.

Any of the methods described will help you keep your cutlery clean. Which one to choose is up to you.

See how to clean forks from stainless steel in the next video.