Cucharadas

Cucharadas is the plural of cucharada, a unit of quantity used when something is taken with a spoon. In everyday Spanish, it signals an amount of food, liquid or medicine to be added or consumed, and is common in cooking, baking and dosing instructions. Examples include “una cucharada de aceite” or “dos cucharadas de azúcar.”

Measurement and variation: In culinary contexts, a cucharada typically corresponds to about 15 milliliters, roughly a tablespoon, and is often described as three teaspoons. However, the exact volume can vary by country, by the type of spoon referred to (sopa, postre, té) and local habit. For precise results, especially in professional settings or dosing, standardized measuring spoons or a scale are preferred.

Etymology and related terms: The word derives from cuchara, meaning spoon, with the suffix -ada indicating an amount or portion. Cucharadas belong to a family of spoon-based measures that also includes cucharaditas (teaspoons) and cucharones (larger serving spoons).

Usage notes: The concept of cucharadas provides a practical, non-technical way to convey quantities to readers or cooks. Nevertheless, in contexts requiring accuracy, such as medical dosing or standardized recipes, it is important to clarify the exact measurement or use precise tools. See also: cucharadita, cucharón, medida.