Measurements to Convert Common Whole Spices to Ground
Buying whole spices instead of pre-ground spices means they have a longer shelf life and a stronger flavor. But that also means you have to do the sanding yourself. These measurements make it easy to convert whole spices to the amount you need when grinding. Use these measurements to convert ground spices to whole spice quantities.
If you grate large spices such as nutmeg, it is difficult to measure them in advance, but the spices you add to the grinder, such as whole black pepper or cardamom, coriander seeds and pods, are easier to measure in advance. Food52 has the following transformations:
Allspice : 1 teaspoon allspice berries = 1 teaspoon allspice powder.
Black pepper: 1 teaspoon peppercorns = 1 1/2 teaspoons ground pepper.
Cardamom: Approximately 12 non-flaking pods = 1 teaspoon ground cardamom.
Cinnamon: One 1 1/2 “(4 centimeters) stick = 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon powder.
Coriander: 1 teaspoon coriander seeds = 1 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander.
Cumin: 1 teaspoon of cumin seeds = 1 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Fennel: 1 teaspoon of fennel seeds = 1 1/4 teaspoon of ground fennel.
Nutmeg: 1/2 nutmeg = 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Mustard Seeds: 1 teaspoon of mustard seeds = 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground mustard.
By measuring ahead of time, you can confidently toss the freshly ground spices right into the platter, and you won’t have a ton left. Plus, the spices you store will stay intact, retaining their flavor until you want to use them.