Spurtle

This article is about the traditional Scottish porridge-stirring tool. For the similarly-pronounced formation in the Argentine Islands of Antarctica's Ross Peninsula, see Spirtle Rock.

A 28 cm (11 in) spurtle, with decorated end resembling a Scottish thistle

The spurtle (or "spurtel", "spurtil", "spirtle", or "spartle")[1] is a wooden Scottish kitchen tool, dating from the 15th century, that is used to stir porridge, soups, stews, and broths.[2]

The rod-like shape means that porridge can be stirred without congealing and forming lumps,[2][3] unlike a spoon, which would have a dragging effect during stirring. The low surface area reduces the chances of porridge sticking to the instrument.[2]

Spurtles are made from wood, typically beech, cherry wood, or maple. They come in a range of sizes. Traditional spurtles have stylised thistles at the top, while modern ones often have a smooth taper.[2]

The custom is that a spurtle should be used to stir in a clockwise direction with the right hand.[2]

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference DSL was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ a b c d e Cite error: The named reference PorridgeLady was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference NT_2007 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).