Advice on accurate metric measurement

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33541, 23 May 1974, Page 5

Advice on accurate metric measurement

Home cooks who hate had unexpected failures with recipes, which give ingredients in metric measurements, m a y have been using imported equipment that does not conform to the New Zealand metric standard.

The Department of University Extension at the University of Otago has released the following statement to guide purchasers of metric measuring cups and spoons. “One step in the change to metrics has been the intro-' duction of a metric standard for household measures. This is New Zealand Standard 8541 prepared by the Standards Association in 1971. Measuring cups and spoons manufactured to this standard will hold the stated amounts and ensure success with New’ Zealand metric recipes. “Unfortunately some of the metric measuring equipment on sale in our shops does hot conform to this standard,” the department says. “Measuring cups and spoons have been imported from countries where the; metric decisions, if they exist, may differ from our own. Housewives who buy; these in good faith may be I sadly disappointed with the! products they turn out.

“The New Zealand standard metric cup is a unit of capacity of 250 millilitres. Preferably the measure should be marked into 50 millilitre divisions and show one quarter, one half and three-quarter cup capacity. “Technically, this one-cup measure is a jug, with a pourer and handle for use in measuring liquids. Four such cupfuls make 1000 millilitres or one litre. Alternatively a 1 litre measuring jug may be used.

“No New Zealand manufacturer appears to be making this one cup measuring jug ! though there are some giving dual metric and imperial measures. There is. however, a metric jug in clear plastic made in New Zealand to the Australian standard and carrying their mark. This meets the New Zealand standard in all essential resi pects.

“These are intended for measuring dry ingredients. When filled to the top and levelled off, they hold the stated amount. The standard calls for three cups with capacities of a quarter cup. a half cup. and one cup. A set of three stainless steel single capacity cups made in Dunedin conforms to New Zealand standard specifications. The one-cup measure is marked to show millilitres and quarter cups and can be used for liquids.

“The New Zealand standard sets the capacity of a metric teaspoon as 5 millilitres. with the dessertspoon at 10 millilitres and the tablespoon holding 15 milli-l litres. Metric tablespoons on] the market have been found to hold as much as 30 milli-i litres. Note that the Aust-I ralian standard metric tablespoon has a capacity of 201 millilitres so while we can! use their metric cup, we cannot use their metric table-: spoon except when following! Australian metric recipes. ! “Housewives who already, own non-metric measuring spoons may continue to use them, as here the difference! between imperial and metric measures is too slight to I matter. If you need to buy, there is a set of imported stainless steel measuring spoons which can be used provided the non-standard 30 millilitre tablespoon is removed. A set of our stainless steel spoons made in New Zealand does conform to New Zealand standard specifications and carries the ‘N.Z.S.’ mark.

“In future, it is desirable . that only metric equipment conforming to New Zealand standards should he imported or made locally. In this way,’ 'confusion and dissatisfaction | will be avoided. In the mean- : time, when selecting metric (measures for household use, I look tor' the ‘N.Z.S.’ mark, land otherwise assure yourI self that the product meets | New Zealand requirements “There is no New Zealand : standard for household scales. ISo far most of those on the ! market are the dual type with imperial weights more prominent than metric equivalents When buying, look for scales on which you read metric weights before imperial iweights and make sure that [you will be able to weigh out small amounts like 25 grams accurately.” Golf.—lnter-club match results; on Sunday were.—Blank Cup: Russley 5, Waitikiri 3; Avondale’ 5. Harewood 3; Templeton 41,; Waimairi Beach 3J; Coringa 4.; Christchurch 4. Simon Cup: Kaiapoi Templeton 2): Waitikiri 6. McLean’s Island 2; Russley 4?„i Hagley 3J; Windsor 41, Rawhitii 3'..