How much is a pinch of salt?

Question

I am looking for an actual equivalent measurement like 1/8 of a teaspoon, 1/16 of a teaspoon, etc...

Answer 1

I guess it depends on how big your fingers are.

According to OnlineConversion.com, a pinch is equal to 1/16 (.0625) teaspoon.

However, just for the heck of it, I went and measured "my" pinch of salt. It came out to .025 teaspoon. (Five pinches to a 1/8 teaspoon measure.)

Now, if I remember my Home Economics classes correctly (which I may not, as it's been lo, these many years since I last took one), a pinch is less than 1/16 teaspoon. I think the wording was less than one-half of the smallest generally used measure. And the smallest measure we used was 1/8 teaspoon.

So I guess the best you can say is that a pinch of something means a different amount to different people.

Answer 2

It's more than a dash and less than a smidgen.

The amount of salt you need when a recipe calls for a "pinch" of salt will depend on several factors. If you use 1/8 of a teaspoon everytime, you'll find that some dishes will be too salty and others will not be salty enough. It's best to salt to taste.

You should add small amounts of salt and pepper in the beginning of the cooking process and then taste what you are preparing at several time during the cooking process to see if you need to reseason.

Answer 3

I actually have a measuring spoon for a pinch! It came along with the normal teaspoons and tablespoons! But if it calls for a pinch I doubt it is anything that has to be exact... Just put a small pinch in.

Answer 4

I would say that it is 1/3 of a teaspoon. take a pinch in your fingers and measure, you will see that it truly is the same.

Answer 5

I have to say, this is a bullshit question. Now, I know I'm not gonna get best answer or anything, but I don't care. there is no "actual" equivalent, and anyone selling anything for an equivalent is just trying to make money. As Nihl before me said, just season to taste. that's how you'll know when it's done. say you add your pinch, and you don't taste what you're serving up, for all you know, it could be bland as hell, or extremely salty. taste what you're serving, and don't live your life by measurements.

Answer 6

I am a future chef, I am also SERVSAFE certified. A pinch is about 1/8 teaspoon or less

Answer 7

If you want to get exact:
Smidgen = 1/16 teaspoon
Pinch = 1/12 teaspoon
Dash = 1/8 teaspoon

You can get 3 piece sets of spoons in these measurements. I have some, thanks to my mom. She found them in the Miles Kimball catalog. They also have them online.