Japanese Shamoji Rice Paddle

Origins of the Rice Paddle The rice paddle was first invented in Japan in the late 18th century by a Buddhist monk. The “Shamoji” as it’s called in Japanese, is the ideal tool for mixing and serving finished rice. They were originally made from wood and used in combination with a traditional Japanese “Hangiri” which is a wood rice bowl used for serving freshly made rice. Rice paddles are also commonly used for mixing vinegar with rice for making sushi. They are popular throughout Japan and many parts of Southeast Asia. Why use a wooden rice paddle? Today, most shamoji are made from wood or plastic and are often included when you purchase a rice cooker. Our rice paddle is made from local American Cherry, Maple, and Walnut and has a large spoon end that allows for scooping generous portions of rice from a rice cooker or from a pot. Using a wooden paddle on rice as opposed to a metal spoon is important as it will not cut rice grains in half when serving and will not scratch the surface of