A lot of recipes call for a specific amount of a finely chopped fresh herb. But how do you know what length of sprig or how many sprigs you need for that?
Thats what this guide is for. Its a handy reference that tells you approximately how many teaspoons are in a sprig of a particular herb.
You can use this guide in the grocery store when shopping for a recipe. Or you can reference it before taking scissors to the potted herb plants in your kitchen or your garden.
NOTE: Please keep in mind that this resource is meant as a guide only. The amounts given for each herb are approximate because no two sprigs of a particular herb are the exact same and the number and size of leaves will vary to some extent.
A sprig is a small stem with leaves on it which has been picked from a bush or plant, especially so that it can be used in cooking or as a decoration.
How was this guide created?
To create this guide, I analyzed sprigs of all common culinary herbs. I included basil, chive, cilantro, dill, lavender, marjoram, mint, rosemary, parsley (flat leaf (Italian) and curly leaf), oregano, sage, tarragon and thyme.
I did each measurement three times, meaning I selected three sprigs of the same length for each herb. For each measurement, I cut the leaves off the sprig and packed them into a measuring spoon or cup and noted the amount. Then I finely chopped the leaves, transferred them into a measuring spoon and noted their volume. The amounts reported in this guide are the average of the three measurements.
How to calculate specific amounts:
You can calculate the specific amounts of finely chopped herb you need using the conversions for teaspoons to tablespoons and tablespoons to cups listed below.
Death to the Parsley Sprig!
FAQ
What does 1 sprig of parsley look like?
How large is a sprig of parsley?
What is a sprig of parsley leaves?
What counts as a sprig?
What is a parsley sprig?
A parsley sprig refers to a small stem or branch of the parsley plant, typically including several leaves. Parsley is a popular herb used in a variety of culinary dishes, adding a fresh, vibrant flavor to salads, soups, sauces, and more.
What is the healthier substitute of parsley?
Chervil may be substituted for parsley as it has a similar, but milder taste. Chervil contains the same vitamins and minerals as parsley, all in greater quantities, except for vitamin C. While chervil is lower in vitamin C, it contains bioflavonoids which have many benefits, including increasing your vitamin C absorption. Chervil also contains much higher dietary fiber per gram than parsley. Chervil may have much greater amounts of micronutrients and fiber, but it is also much higher in macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats). This ultimately means that chervil is much higher in calories than parsley. While this is not a bad thing, it that may be important to note for some people.
Do you need a sprig of parsley?
Parsley, with its dark green leaves and deeply cut lobes, adds a delightful touch to your dishes. When you need a sprig of parsley, opt for using scissors to snip off the desired amount, whether it’s a single leaf or the terminal end of the plant. Having scissors handy is especially helpful if you frequently use herbs in your cooking.
How many sprigs are in a bunch of parsley?
One bunch of flat leaf (Italian) parsley usually contains 20 to 25 long sprigs. One bunch of curly leaf parsley usually contains 20 to 25 long sprigs. Note: Finely chopped sage leaves won’t pack very tightly together because of their cotton-like texture.