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Dry vs. Wet Measuring—Does it Matter?


Okay, we've all been there...knee-deep in cooking or baking only to reach for a dry measuring cup and pour something liquid into it, or vice versa. Does it really matter which measuring utensil you use? If you use them interchangeably are you asking for trouble? After doing some research both on the internet and on my own, my answer is a little bit of yes and no. Let's dive and see if it really matters which one you use for your next cooking endeavor.

Dry measuring cups, like the metal one pictured above are for dry ingredients. They measure ounces, which means weight. Their wide mouths make it easy to "scoop-to-fill" and you can also use the back of a knife to brush off the excess for level measuring. Wet measuring cups are usually made of glass or plastic, have a spout for pouring out, and additional room in the top of the cup so you can easily pour the right amount without worrying about spilling over the measurement line. They measure fluid ounces which means volume. The general rule of thumb when measuring out ingredients is use dry measuring cups for dry ingredients and wet measuring cups for wet. Rocket science, I know. Your mind is blown, right?


In some instances, dry vs. wet really can make a difference. Below are pictures of sugar measured out in both dry and wet cups.


The first image shows a leveled cup of sugar. When I poured it into the wet measuring cup, it came in under the 8oz line. When I added more sugar to get to the line and poured it back in the dry measuring cup, there was quite a bit of overage. How much? 1.1oz which was just about ¼c of extra sugar. That extra sugar can really mess up a baking recipe where precision is key for success. It's also enough sugar to alter the flavor of whatever you are cooking. Why was there so much sugar when I used the wet measuring cup? It's user error as it was very difficult to get a leveled edge with its bowed sides. Should you use wet measuring cups for dry items such as flour and sugar? My answer is no! Use dry measuring cups instead.


What about something bigger, like pasta? Could you use dry and wet measuring cups interchangeably here? My answer is yes! A cup of dry pasta is very equivalent to 1 cup of pasta in a wet measuring cup. And a few noodles over or under to account for the slight differences between the cups is not going to impact your meal.


What about using liquid in a dry measuring cup?


In the images above, I poured a leveled amount of water from the dry measuring cup into the wet and it was just slightly under the 8oz line. I had to add a negligible amount of water to get to the line and when I poured it back in the dry cup, it didn't spill over because surface tension held it in place, but it did dome above the edge. There is no way I could have poured this into a pot or mixer without spilling some of the water. So should you use dry measuring cups to measure out water, juice, milk, oil, and other liquid ingredients? My answer is no, use wet measuring cups instead.


In summary, do use dry for dry and wet for wet to prevent over and underfilling—both of which can dramatically change the flavor and texture of your recipe. Both measuring cups are specifically made for the ingredients they hold. Dry ingredients are easy to measure out and level with their wide mouths and flat sides. Wet measuring cups come with a spout for easy pouring and mess-free measuring. Big things like pasta or shredded cheese could be measured interchangeably and even though sour cream or yogurt may be considered a wet ingredient, I would use the dry cups for ease of filling and scooping out. If you are using liquid such as juice, oil, water, milk, etc., use the wet cups for accuracy and pouring—for anything that is not water or juice, be sure to use a spatula to get out all the extra liquid that is left behind from coating the walls of the measuring glass. Finer, dry ingredients such as flour and sugar need the precision that comes from using a dry measuring cup.


The next time you are baking or cooking don't be lazy and use your measuring cups interchangeably. We all hate washing dishes, but remember we all hate eating not-so-great food more!! Now simmer down and get to measuring! xxc










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