Wooden spoon
Wooden spoons are among the oldest everyday objects known to humankind – and remain an indispensable part of any authentic medieval encampment or nature-loving kitchen to this day. Whether hand-carved from cherry wood for re-enactment use or as a simple, beautiful dining spoon for everyday use: here you’ll find wooden spoons in various types of wood, shapes and sizes – from small spice spoons to sturdy cooking spoons with hooks.
Wooden spoons in the Middle Ages: from everyday use to archaeological finds
The wooden spoon has been a part of human life since the Stone Age. It could be found in every household as early as antiquity and certainly by the Middle Ages – from the simple peasant kitchen to the castle kitchen. Wood was the most logical material: readily available, easy to work with using simple tools, heat-resistant and, with proper care, surprisingly durable. Metal was expensive and pottery too fragile for a utensil that had to stir in the fire every day.
Archaeological finds impressively demonstrate the variety of shapes of medieval wooden spoons. A well-known example is the find from Kühnertsgasse in Leipzig – a hand-carved spoon from the late Middle Ages, the shape of which still serves as a model for historical replicas today. Similar objects come from Rodewisch Water Castle and from Kalmar in Sweden, where the damp soil has preserved the organic materials. These finds show that the basic shapes have hardly changed over the centuries because they are functionally optimal.
Production was affordable for all social classes. Simple medieval spoons were carved from local woods such as lime, aspen or cherry – using tools that every farmer owned. For re-enactment and LARP, historical replicas are therefore not merely accessories, but authentic tableware with a documented historical precedent.
Wooden spoons vs. plastic: what are the advantages of wood?
- No harmful substances when exposed to normal heat
- Does not scratch non-stick coatings
- No microplastics released during cooking
- Natural look, comfortable to hold
- Historically authentic for re-enactment and LARP
- Will last for years with proper care
- Biodegradable
- May release plasticisers at high temperatures
- Scratches Teflon coatings
- May release microplastics
- Lower tactile quality
- No historical authenticity
- Durable only if handled with care
- Not biodegradable
However, wood does have its limitations: wooden spoons do not belong in the dishwasher – the combination of prolonged heat and moisture causes the wood to swell and crack. Regular oiling with linseed oil or beeswax significantly extends their lifespan. When using them over a campfire, it is also important to avoid direct contact between the flame and the handle.
Shapes and functions: Which wooden spoon for which purpose?
Small tablespoon
Ideal for honey, salt, spices or as a table decoration. The small cherry wood tablespoon is the most versatile size – popular even outside the medieval scene.
Medium-sized serving spoon
The classic cutlery in the camp. Handmade oval spoons of this size are suitable for soups and stews – authentic tools for authentic camp life.
Large cooking spoon with hook
Stirring in the cauldron, hanging on the camp rack – the hook at the end of the handle is not a design feature, but a practical necessity over an open fire. Maple wood for maximum durability.
Ribbed versions combine both: the ribbing ensures a better grip and a visually appealing surface, striking a balance between a simple kitchen utensil and a decorative object. Anyone wishing to put together a harmonious cutlery set will find suitable additions such as medieval cutlery or forks and awls in the shop.
Buying wooden spoons: price ranges and differences in quality
Small cherry wood tablespoons (13–17 cm) – ideal as a first piece of cutlery, for table decoration or as a spice spoon. Untreated items require oiling before first use.
Handmade oval serving spoons made from cherry, red oak or aspen (19–23 cm). More robust for everyday use, designed for catering establishments. Oiled versions are ready for immediate use.
Maple spoons with hooks, Guksi shapes and handmade unique pieces. Maximum durability, authentic handcrafted look – the top of the range for discerning re-enactors and kitchen enthusiasts.
Wood types compared: cherry, maple, aspen and more
| Wood type | Suitability | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Cherry | Historically | Tablespoons, serving spoons – dense, smooth grain, beautiful reddish colour, food-safe |
| Maple | Historical | Cooking spoon with hook – very hard and durable, ideal for stirring and heavy-duty use |
| Red oak | LARP | Dining spoon – sturdy hardwood, distinctive grain, a good alternative to cherry wood |
| Aspen / Linden | Historical | Hand-carved replicas – easy to carve, traditionally used for medieval artefacts |
If you’re wondering which wood is best for carving spoons: softwoods such as lime and aspen are easier to work with and are therefore the classic choice for hand-carved unique pieces. Hardwoods such as maple and cherry require more effort, but offer a denser surface and greater durability in everyday use.
Care and durability: how to keep your wooden spoon looking good for a long time
Wooden spoons are easy to care for – as long as you follow a few basic rules. The most important point: no dishwasher. The combination of prolonged heat, harsh detergents and prolonged exposure to water causes the wood to swell, crack and turn grey. It is better to wash them briefly by hand and then let them dry thoroughly before putting the spoon away.
For long-term care, we recommend regularly rubbing the spoon with linseed oil or beeswax – both seal the wood’s pores, prevent moisture from penetrating and significantly extend the spoon’s lifespan. Oiled spoons from the shop are ready for immediate use; untreated spoons should be treated once before first use.
At the campfire, avoid direct contact with the flame at the end of the handle. The spoon head can withstand brief contact with hot soup without any problems – the thin handle, however, may char if exposed to the flame for too long.
Hand-carved wooden spoons: significance and craftsmanship
Spoon carving is one of humanity’s oldest craft activities. In almost all cultures – from the Romans and Vikings right through to the late Middle Ages – spoons were made using the same basic techniques: a piece of wood, a knife, patience and a craftsman’s instinct. What differed were the proportions, decorations and the preferred type of wood.
Hand-carved wooden spoons are therefore special today: each piece is unique thanks to its natural grain and individual shape. No two hand-carved spoons are alike, even if the template and type of wood are identical. This makes them highly sought-after items – both in the context of re-enactment as authentic eating utensils linked to archaeological finds, and as unique handcrafted pieces for the modern kitchen.
A special example from the Nordic tradition is the guksi – a drinking spoon or bowl traditionally carved from birch burl. In the context of the Vikings and the early Middle Ages, the guksi represents functional carving: light, robust, personal. Anyone wishing to complete their camp tableware will find suitable additions in the wooden plates and bowls, as well as the wooden jugs.
Good to know: wooden spoons in medieval camps and for re-enactment
From small spice spoons to sturdy cooking spoons with hooks – choose the wooden spoon that suits your needs and opt for a piece of traditional craftsmanship that works just as well in the camp as it does at home in the kitchen.
Frequently asked questions
Softer woods such as lime and aspen are particularly well-suited to hand-carved spoons, as they are easy to work with. For cooking spoons that need to withstand heavy use, hardwoods such as maple or cherry are the better choice – they are denser, more durable and provide a smoother surface that is easier to clean.
Wooden spoons do not release harmful substances at normal temperatures and do not produce microplastic abrasion – these are clear advantages over plastic. They also do not scratch non-stick coatings. The downside: wood requires more maintenance and cannot be put in the dishwasher. However, with regular oiling and hand washing, well-maintained wooden spoons will last for many years.
The combination of prolonged heat, aggressive detergents and prolonged contact with water in the dishwasher causes the wood to swell, crack and turn grey. This irreversibly damages the structure of the wood. A quick wash by hand and thorough drying are entirely sufficient and preserve the quality of the spoon in the long term.
In the Middle Ages, knives and spoons formed the typical cutlery duo – forks were scarcely common across much of Europe until the late Middle Ages. A hand-carved wooden spoon paired with a knife corresponds to historical evidence and is therefore the most authentic choice for re-enactment and LARP. Archaeological finds from Leipzig, Rodewisch and Kalmar attest to these forms over the centuries.
A Guksi is a traditional Nordic drinking or eating bowl, carved from birch burl. It originates from the Sami and Scandinavian traditions and has precursors dating back to the Viking Age. In re-enactment, the Guksi is regarded as an authentic drinking and eating vessel for early medieval and Viking Age portrayals – functional, personal and requiring skilled craftsmanship.