Teaspoon (US)

Definition

A teaspoon (US) is a unit of volume commonly used in cooking and baking. It is not an SI unit but is part of the US customary system. One US teaspoon is defined as 4.92892 milliliters.

History

The use of teaspoons dates back to the 17th century. Initially, they served as both a dining utensil and a measurement tool. In the 19th century, standardized measurements began to emerge, leading to the formalization of the teaspoon as a unit of measure.

Uses

Teaspoons are widely used in culinary practices for measuring ingredients, particularly in recipes for baking and cooking. They are also utilized in medicine for dosing liquid medications. The teaspoon is prevalent in the United States, while other countries may use metric units.

Conversions

  • 1 US teaspoon = 4.92892 mL
  • 1 US tablespoon = 3 US teaspoons
  • 1 US cup = 48 US teaspoons

Fun Facts

  • A common misconception is that a teaspoon is the same worldwide; however, US and UK teaspoons differ slightly (UK teaspoon is about 5.919 mL).
  • Teaspoons are often used in cooking to ensure precise measurements, vital for successful recipes.
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