Teaspoons
Abbreviation/Symbol:
tsp
Unit of:
Worldwide use:
Teaspoons are a commonly used unit of measurement for small quantities of ingredients in cooking and baking worldwide. While the exact volume of a teaspoon can vary slightly depending on the country, it is generally accepted to be around 5 milliliters.
Definition:
A US teaspoon is equivalent to 1/6 of a US fluid ounce or approximately 4.93 milliliters.
A UK teaspoon is equivalent to 5 milliliters or approximately 0.17 fluid ounces.
A metric teaspoon is the same as a UK teaspoon at 5ml.
Origin:
The teaspoon, a common unit of measurement in the culinary world, has an interesting origin dating back to the 17th century. The term "teaspoon" is derived from the practice of using a small spoon to stir sugar or other ingredients into tea. Initially, these small spoons were not standardized in size, leading to inconsistencies in measurements. However, as the need for more precise measurements grew, the teaspoon became a standardized unit of volume equal to one-third of a tablespoon.
The standardization of the teaspoon as a unit of measurement was further solidified in the 19th century when measuring spoons became popular kitchen tools.
Usage context:
Teaspoons are a common unit of measurement used in cooking and baking to accurately portion out small amounts of ingredients such as spices, herbs, and liquids. They are typically used when precise measurements are required, especially in recipes where even a slight variation in quantity can significantly impact the final outcome. Teaspoons are also commonly used to measure out sugar and cream for coffee or tea, as well as for adding flavorings like vanilla extract or lemon juice to dishes.
Teaspoon:
There is more than one type of teaspoon:
A US teaspoon is 4.93ml: US teaspoon
A UK teaspoon is 5ml: UK teaspoon