====== Spoons (The Cutlery Collection) ======

**Spoons** are the oldest utensils in human history, originally modeled after sea shells or cupped hands. While knives cut and forks pierce, the spoon is designed to cradle liquids and semi-solids.

In a formal setting, the shape of the spoon's bowl (oval vs. round) is a strict indicator of its intended function. Using a tea spoon for soup, or a soup spoon for coffee, is considered a major breach of dining etiquette.

===== 1. The Essential Spoons =====

^ Type ^ Volume (Approx.) ^ Key Features & Function ^
| **Teaspoon** | 5 ml | The standard unit of the flatware set. Used for stirring hot beverages (tea/coffee) and eating soft desserts (yogurt, mousse). Note: In formal dining, it is **never** used for soup. |
| **Dessert Spoon** | 10 ml | Larger than a teaspoon but smaller than a soup spoon. Features an oval bowl. Used for desserts served in a bowl (like crumble or pudding) or eaten with a fork (like cake). |
| **Tablespoon** (Serving) | 15 ml+ | Often confused with the dinner spoon. In modern sets, a true "Tablespoon" is usually a **serving utensil** for communal dishes, distinct from the spoon you eat with. |

===== 2. The Great Soup Debate: Round vs. Oval =====

Confusion often arises between the two main types of soup spoons.

  * **Cream Soup Spoon (Round Bowl)**:
    * *Shape:* Perfectly round bowl, usually on a shorter handle.
    * *Function:* Designed for thick, creamy soups, bisques, or chowders. The round shape allows for a wider surface area to cool hot, thick liquids.
  * **Bouillon Spoon**: A smaller version of the round soup spoon, specifically for clear broths served in a [[:en:items:bowls|Consommé Cup]].
  * **Place Spoon / Oval Soup Spoon**:
    * *Shape:* An elongated, oval bowl (looks like a giant teaspoon).
    * *Function:* The standard "all-purpose" spoon in American dining. Used for clear soups with ingredients (like minestrone) or pasta dishes (to assist twirling).

===== 3. The Tiny Specialist: Demitasse Spoon =====

The **Demitasse Spoon** (also known as an Espresso Spoon or Mocha Spoon) is the smallest utensil on the table, typically measuring just 10–12 cm.

  * **Etymology**: "Demi-tasse" is French for "half-cup."
  * **Function**: Exclusively designed for the small cups used to serve strong coffee (espresso, Turkish coffee).
  * **Design**: The bowl is minute, just large enough to stir in a cube of sugar or handle the crema, but too small for actual eating.

===== 4. Other Specialty Spoons =====

  * **Iced Tea Spoon**: Features an extra-long handle to reach the bottom of tall highball glasses for stirring sweeteners into iced drinks.
  * **Grapefruit Spoon**: Similar to a teaspoon but with a serrated tip/edge to separate citrus segments from the rind.
  * **Caviar Spoon**: Traditionally made of **Mother of Pearl**, bone, or glass—never metal—because silver and steel oxidize upon contact with caviar, ruining its delicate flavor.

===== 5. Etiquette: "Ship Goes Out to Sea" =====

Proper soup spoon technique is one of the pillars of table manners:
  * **The Motion**: Always scoop the soup **away from you** (like a ship going out to sea). This prevents splashes from landing on your clothes.
  * **Sipping**:
    * *Oval Spoon:* Sip from the **side** of the spoon.
    * *Round Spoon:* Sip from the **front** (or slightly to the side) of the spoon.
  * **Finishing**: Never put the entire spoon bowl into your mouth.

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**See Also:**
  * [[:en:items:forks|Forks: Tine Theory]]
  * [[:en:items:specialty_dishes|Specialty Serving Items]]

{{tag>items flatware spoons soup etiquette}}