WEIGHING AND

MEASURING

The ability to weigh and measure

accurately is vital when developing food

preparation skills. It is the starting point in

any practical, therefore, developing this

skill requires attention to detail and

precision.

KITCHEN SCALESFeatures when buying scales

• Easy-to-read dial in metric, and possibly imperial

measurements.

• Scale pan big enough to take joints of meat and

vegetables, as well as dry ingredients.

• Scale pan which is easy to clean and remove.

KITCHEN SCALESFeatures when buying scales

• Compact shape that is easy to store.

• Hard-wearing and sturdy case.

• Accurate measuring that can be adjusted if necessary.

Balance scales

• Have a pan at one end to

which ingredients are added

and a platform at the other to

which weights are added until

the two balance and are level.

• They are usually very

accurate.

Spring balance scales

• Less accurate and are prone to becoming faulty.

• Holds a spring and as ingredients are put into the pan the spring depresses, indicating the weight by revolving a needle on the dial at the front of the scale.

• Some types have the useful features of allowing the scale to be reset to zero after each ingredient is added.

Electronic scales

• Electronic scales with a

visual display are accurate

and easy to use.

• They may be battery or

mains operated.

USE AND CARE OF KITCHEN SCALES

• Never drop food into them, especially spring balance scales.

• Never store spring balance scales with a weight in the pan as this will strain the spring.

• Clean carefully after use.

• Use on a flat, firm surface.

• Do not immerse in water.

Measuring jugs

• Needed to measure liquids.

• Usually marked in millilitres on one

side and pints and fluid ounces on

the other.

• Can also be found with measuring

cups.

Measuring cups

• Much cheaper than scales and less

easily damaged.

• Easy to use.

• Cannot be used to measure solid

foods like margarine.

• Can be found in different materials

including plastic and stainless steel.

How to use measuring cups

To correctly use a

measuring cup:

overfill, then scrape off

the extra to get

a level amount.

Measuring spoons

• These are metric

measuring spoons

which are very cheap

to buy.

• Measure both dry and

liquid ingredients.

Measuring spoons

• A level teaspoon holds 5 ml

• A level dessertspoon holds 10 ml

• A level tablespoon holds 15 ml

Converting measurements

There are two units of measure:

METRIC MEASUREMENT - grams, centimeters and milliliters

IMPERIAL MEASUREMENT- ounces, pounds and pints

THANK YOU

Home Economics Seminar Centre

45, Bishop Labini Street,

B’Kara

home_economics@ilearn.edu.mt

21488421