Part of the confusion stems from the fact that these terms predate modern measuring spoons. Before standardized tools, cooks relied on their instinct and experience—think handwritten family recipes with “a little of this” or “just enough of that.” Over time, words like “dash” and “pinch” worked their way into cookbooks and eventually online recipes. The problem is that very few of those recipes ever clarify what these terms mean.
Related: The Pantry Ingredient That Makes Coffee 10x Better, According to the Experts at Cook's Illustrated
Here’s a simple breakdown of these tricky terms:
Approximate Volume
1/16 teaspoon
1/8 teaspoon
What Is a Pinch vs. a Dash of Salt?
Salt is the most common ingredient where you’ll see these terms, but they can apply to spices, too. Jordan Timm, R&D Director for Salt and Consumer Brands at Cargill (the company behind chef-favorite Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt), explains that coarser salts, like Diamond Crystal, are easier to season with because the large flakes give you more control. Fine sea salt or table salt pours quickly, so it’s much easier to accidentally add too much. With a flakier salt, you can pick up and sprinkle just the amount you want without dumping in a heavy-handed shake.
?? SIGN UP to get delicious recipes, handy kitchen hacks & more in our daily Pop Kitchen newsletter. ??
Lavallee admits that there’s some leeway in adding a little more seasoning in savory cooking, but ingredients like salt should be measured because they can make or break a recipe. “Just a pinch can enhance the flavor of a cake, but too much can overpower it. The same can be said of strong spices, like cinnamon, nutmeg or cloves. In sweet recipes, those tiny amounts go a long way, and one extra dash can change the entire flavor profile."
‘Dash’ vs. ‘Pinch’ When Cooking
Savory cooking allows for more flexibility than baking, but you still need to be careful. Celebrity chef and TV host Robert Irvine believes these terms are more about feel, but he also warns home cooks to proceed with caution. His suggestion is to taste as you go.
Related: The One Ingredient You’ll Never Find in Ina Garten’s Recipes
Sources
Jordan Timm, R&D Director for Salt and Consumer Brands at CargillKristina Lavallee, Chef, Celebrity cake designer and Founder of The Cake GirlRobert Irvine, Celebrity chef and TV hostRelated: What's the Difference Between Cold Brew and Iced Coffee? Experts Spill the Beans
Hence then, the article about wait what does a pinch or dash actually mean we asked professional chefs and salt experts was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Wait, What Does a ‘Pinch’ or ‘Dash’ Actually Mean? We Asked Professional Chefs and Salt Experts )
Also on site :