"Maybe it isn't a necessity but...it sure is cute! It's a Bamboo tasting spoon. It has an extra long handle and an extra small bowl, just large enough to get a taste of whatever. The bamboo plant is a renewable resource. The tasting spoon is made from organically grown bamboo. Bamboo utensils don't stain and are less rough. They have a good ""feel"". Did I mention the ""cute"" factor? The tasting spoon is about 12"" long."