When did a cup become a cup?

[gary]

As in terms of measurements? I was taught at the hearth cooking class that a housewife use whatever "cup" she had. When were cup as in a term of measurement become a cup? Or was it always what it was but commercially sold measurement cups became available much later?

 

[donna]

I am researching this one. Good question.

 

[donna]

Most Food Historians write that Fannie Farmer invented the dry measuring cup in 1896. She said that precise measurements were essential in cooking. Before people used terms like a teacup, wine glass full, etc.. Fannie Farmer was author of cookbook "The Boston Cookbook". Many know it today as 'The Fannie Farmer Cookbook". She was also director of the Boston Cooking School.

 

[nitrofd]

Most Food Historians write that Fannie Farmer invented the dry measuring cup in 1896. She said that precise measurements were essential in cooking. Before people used terms like a teacup, wine glass full, etc.. Fannie Farmer was author of cookbook "The Boston Cookbook". Many know it today as 'The Fannie Farmer Cookbook". She was also director of the Boston Cooking School.

Before using the cup didn't the the term gil.

 

[donna]

Gill was liquid measure equal to 1/4 pint.

I brought up the glossary I had posted.

 

[donna]

The Glossary is in Cook Book and Author section of Food Forum.

 

[nitrofd]

Gill was liquid measure equal to 1/4 pint.

I brought up the glossary I had posted.

So a gill is 4oz. ..1/2 cup.

 

[DaveBrt]

My Grandfather-in-law was a commercial baker. Came over, about 1900, from Sweden at age 9 and ended up in Chicago. Owned bakeries in Chicago and St. Louis.

In old age, he and the wife moved to Texas, to the same street/block on which my new girlfriend lived. She (my wife of 52 years now) says he had a green cup which he ALWAYS used when measuring flour. He said it did not matter about the other ingredients, but the flour had to be the same every time you did a recipe in order to get good quality baked goods.

All his recipes were in his head -- and all were bakery-size. When he baked in Texas, he had pans upon pans of sweet rolls, yeast rolls, whatever that he went door to door giving away to the neighbors.

 

[gary]

Thank you so much Donna.

 

[saddlebum92]

Some of those old measurements may have been more accurate than thought. A wineglass with a specific volume was highly desireable to a Butler who was responsible for the Boss's drinkables. Thats been true for all the time since bottles were invented and manufactured. Miz Farmer was Correct. Cooking is a kind of chemistry, and precision leads to repeatability. I DO know this: one reason for lousy coffee across the country, particularly in gas stations and such, is the term "cup".Properly, a coffeecup is SIX oz., NOT eight. Yet when the counterhops fill a coffeemaker, they use the 8 oz measurement. This results in 20percent less coffee in the mix, and thus, VERY WEAK COFFEE. This is consistent in road stops from Maine to Moana Loa. The only worse thing is using a dirty coffeepot to make Iced Tea....

 

[Anna Elizabeth Henry]

Some of those old measurements may have been more accurate than thought. A wineglass with a specific volume was highly desirable to a Butler who was responsible for the Boss's drinkables. Thats been true for all the time since bottles were invented and manufactured. Miz Farmer was Correct. Cooking is a kind of chemistry, and precision leads to repeatability. I DO know this: one reason for lousy coffee across the country, particularly in gas stations and such, is the term "cup".Properly, a coffee cup is SIX oz., NOT eight. Yet when the counterhops fill a coffeemaker, they use the 8 oz measurement. This results in 20 percent less coffee in the mix, and thus, VERY WEAK COFFEE. This is consistent in road stops from Maine to Moana Loa. The only worse thing is using a dirty coffeepot to make Iced Tea....

I'm sure consistency was achieved as cooks of the era used the same 'tea cup' for their measurements. My grandmother used a tin cup - which I'd estimate to be about a cup and a half when scooping out flour for baking. I think it was brought over from Austria when she emigrated. Her breads always tasted the same, so whatever method of measuring you do, as long as it's the same every time you'll yield good results.

Oh, and don't get me started on the places who use the coffee container for iced tea!

 

[gary]

Saddlebum - thank you for your insight into gas station coffee. The few times I've had it it was so watered down it was virtually flavourless. You have to add creme just to give it some flavour. Now I know why.

BTW, I generally go to that fine Celtic dining establishment, McD for my road coffee. It's better than overpriced Starbucks.