Question re measuring fruit

[rinsav]

First of all, I'd like to say that I'm sorry to always ask questions and elicit your help on this board but rarely lend any help back. I feel like I'm always taking, taking, taking and not giving enough. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/frown.gif I hope to one day be able to reciprocate when I'm a better cook! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif But for now, I have yet another question...

I have a recipe that calls for 2 1/2 cups apples, peeled and sliced. Am I supposed to measure the apples before or after they're peeled. In other words, when I'm buying the apples, do I buy exactly 2 1/2 cups or should I buy a little more to account for the weight that will be lost after I peel them? Thanks so much!

[Vanessa]

Usually I buy a few apples if I will be using them for baking. I measure fruit after peeled & chopped or sliced. As a general rule:
Apples 1 medium =1 cup sliced
Bananas 3 medium =1 cup mashed

Cherries 1 quart =2 cups pitted
Cranberries 1 pound =3 cups sauce

[valchemist]

The way the recipe is worded it makes it sound like you should measure before. BUT, I think this is a case where they worded it incorrectly.

If they wanted you to measure the peeled and sliced fruit, they should have said "2 1/2 cups peeled and sliced apples."

The reason I think that is what they meant even though they didn't say it that way, is that no one measures a whole apple in a measuring cup. because it wouldn't fit properly. too much air/unused space.

This bulletin board would be nothing without people like you (and me!!) who have a lot of questions about cooking due to lack of experiences. I believe that the question askers have an equally important role as the question answerers. And the fact that there is a lot of overlap between these two groups indicates that all of us can learn a thing or two from each other, regardless of our levels of experience.

[RobinC]

Don't be sorry that you ask a lot of questions. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Often times questions spark a discussion that benefits many. So those who ask questions are also valuable contributors. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

There are many kind and generous cooks on this board who seem to enjoy making an effort to help out other cooks. Please continue to ask your questions!

[woodsl]

I always measure after they are peeled and chopped.

[rinsav]

Thanks so much! As always, I really appreciate the help! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif