History of Fruit and Vegetable Carving

The Origins

The origins of fruit and vegetable carving are disputed:

many people believe it to have begun in Sukothai, Thailand 700 years ago, while others believe that fruit and vegetable carving originated in the time of the Tang Dynasty and the Sung Dynasty in China. Or perhaps Japan is the root of the art of fruit and vegetable carving, called Mukimono in Japanese. According the book "Japanese Garnishes, The Ancient Art of Mukimono", by Yukiko and Bob Haydok, Mukimono's origins began in ancient times when food was served on unglazed clay pottery. These rough platters were covered with a leaf before the food was plated. Artistic chefs realized that the cutting or folding of the leaf in different ways created a more attractive presentation. Until the sixteenth century, street artists created clever garnishes upon request.

Whatever way fruit carving originated, it is now known and practiced worldwide. Fruit and vegetable carving is flaunted in many different Asian restaurants, cruises, hotels, and other various places.

References: wikipedia :)