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Sizing Up Herbs

Herbs come in all shapes, sizes, and weights. If a recipe call for 1/2 cup chopped basil, how many ounces should you buy? Here's a chart to help you gauge.

Woody Herbs

Whole Leaves per 1/2 ounce: 1/2 cup

Finely Minced Leaves per 1/2 ounce: 2—2 1/2 tablespoons

  • Thyme
  • Rosemary

Leafy Herbs

Whole Leaves per 1/2 ounce: 3/4 cup

Finely Minced Leaves per 1/2 ounce: 3 tablespoons

  • Parsley
  • Cilantro
  • Dill
  • Tarragon
  • Mint
  • Basil

Other

Whole Leaves per 1/2 ounce: No whole leaves

Finely Minced Leaves per 1/2 ounce: 4 tablespoons

  • Chives

Delicate (fluffy)

Whole Leaves per 1/2 ounce: 3/4 cup

Finely Minced Leaves per 1/2 ounce: 5 tablespoons

  • Oregano
  • Marjoram

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