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A tablespoon is a type of spoon used for serving.
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Measure of volume
It is also a measure of volume used in cooking. It has various values around the world. It is abbreviated in English as T., tbs. or tbsp., and in German and Dutch as EL (from Esslöffel and Eetlepel). Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the UK and the United States[1] define:
- 1 tablespoon = 15 mL,
in line with the definition used in many other countries. In Australia, one tablespoon = 20 mL.
When used for solids, such as granulated sugar, it should be measured to the flattened level of the spoon — level spoonful versus a heaping spoonful or heaped tablespoon, which is as much as can be held in the spoon, or a rounded spoonful, which is twice a level spoonful, the solids above the level roughly mirroring those in the bowl.
Relationship to teaspoon
In most jurisdictions, one tablespoon equals three teaspoons. In Australia, however, one tablespoon is four teaspoons.
In Asia a tablespoon is equivalent to 2 teaspoons
Traditional definitions
The traditional U.S. interpretation of the tablespoon as a unit of volume is:[2]
This is considered problematic in the context of nutrition labeling, where metric units are used even in the United States. However, this consideration does not lessen the factual relationship of a tablespoon to half of a fluid ounce, and tablespoons can be used to measure ingredients when other measuring devices are unavailable. For instance, 8 tablespoons is equivalent to ½ a cup.
The traditional British tablespoon could vary from 1/2 to 5/8 Imperial fl. oz. (14.2 mL to 17.8 mL).
See also
Teaspoon, also used to define quantities in recipes
References
- ^ 21 CFR 101.9(b)(5)(viii)
- ^ Mechtly, E. A: The International System of units. NASA-SP=7012, 1964, 1973 [1]
Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 24 July 2008, at 07:05.
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