Lemon fork
The lemon fork is a small (4+ inches long[1]) serving utensil that is used to move lemon slices.[2][3] Lemon forks have three long tines, with the outside tines splayed;[4] ostensibly this arrangement helps to release more juice.[1] Lemon forks became popular in the last quarter of the 19th century alongside other specialized utensils, such as asparagus tongs.[5] One early 20th century cookbook called the lemon fork a "necessity" at the five-o-clock tea party.[6] At table settings, the fork was placed over the slice of lemon.[7] Unlike many specialized utensils, lemon forks are still used in the 21st century, primarily in the restaurants.[5]
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A lemon fork can double as a pickle fork and may be used to serve cucumber slices, olives, butter cubes and pats, smoked fish, and cheese cubes.[2] One etiquette guide from 1966 stated that it is acceptable to use one's fingers to pick up lemon slices in the absence of a lemon fork.[8]
References
- Von Drachenfels 2000, p. 213.
- Von Drachenfels 2000, p. 242.
- Snodgrass 2004, p. 392.
- Condé Nast Publications Staff 1969, p. 242.
- "Do you need Asparagus Tongs?". AntiqueQuery. Archived from the original on 18 December 2018. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
- Rhodes & Hopkins 1913, p. 648.
- Rosiere 1920, p. 78.
- Beery 1966, p. 227.
Sources
- Von Drachenfels, Susanne (2000). The Art of the Table: A Complete Guide to Table Setting, Table Manners, and Tableware. Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-0-684-84732-0. Retrieved 2023-10-07.
- Rhodes, S.R.; Hopkins, G.P. (1913). "Tea Table Tips". The Economy Administration Cook Book. W. B. Conkey Company. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
- Rosiere, Gabrielle (1920). "Tea and Friends: Their Etiquette". Good Housekeeping. International Magazine Company (v. 70): 78–79. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
- Beery, Mary (1966). Manners Made Easy. McGraw-Hill. ISBN 978-0-07-004306-0. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
- Snodgrass, M.E. (2004). Encyclopedia of Kitchen History. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-135-45572-9. Retrieved 2023-10-08.
- Condé Nast Publications Staff (1969). Vogue's Book of Etiquette and Good Manners. Condé Nast Publications. ISBN 978-0-671-20138-8. Retrieved 2023-10-08.