How Much is a Bunch in Cooking Really?

So, a recipe just asked you to add a bunch of something. You carefully inspect your measuring spoons and cups but none of them seems to suggest that it’s the one you are supposed to use for measuring a bunch.

The general consensus is that, when it comes to cooking, a bunch is equivalent to one to two ounces of an ingredient. Commonly, a bunch is used in recipes when specifying a certain amount of fresh herbs. However, there are times, too, when a bunch is used to refer to adding a cluster of leafy greens.

Herbs are used for adding flavor and, in some instances, also color to many different dishes.

Since pleasing your taste buds is the priority, it isn’t surprising why many recipes instruct adding a bunch of herbs instead of giving a specific amount of those aromatic edible plants, such as a certain number of leaves, stems or teaspoons.

It gives you the opportunity to adjust the recipe in order to obtain just the right amount of flavor and aroma.

And while we are still on the subject of using herbs, let’s kick things off by answering this pressing question that many occasional cooks feel too embarrassed to ask…

Fresh Herbs vs. Dried Herbs: Which Ones are More Potent?

Dried herbs are more potent and concentrated than fresh herbs. So, in other words, using a small amount of dried herbs is enough to obtain the desired outcome. When substituting fresh herbs with dried herbs or vice versa, the correct ratio is a teaspoon of dried herbs to a tablespoon of fresh herbs.

When shopping for herbs, it’s not unlikely for you to come across a couple of choices: fresh and dried.

Some recipes call for the use of fresh herbs, while other recipes call for the use of dried herbs. You may also use fresh herbs or dried herbs in place of what the recipe requires specifically — it’s all about your taste.

However, when making substitutions, it’s of utmost importance that you use the right amount of herbs. That’s because the same type of herb can have a different flavor and aroma, depending if it’s fresh and dried. Most of the time, herbs are more potent and concentrated when dried.

Dried herbs have very small amounts of water in them. As a matter of fact, dried herbs usually have only around 10% moisture left in them. On the other hand, the moisture content of fresh herbs ranges from 75% to 90%.

It’s because of this why the components of dried herbs are more concentrated, thus making them pack more flavor and aroma.

As a result, you will have to use smaller amounts of them in recipes that call for the use of fresh herbs. Otherwise, you may end up with a dish with an overpowering flavor and aroma.

The golden ratio, as mentioned earlier, is one teaspoon of dried herbs to a tablespoon of fresh herbs.

So, if the recipe says you should add half a tablespoon of a chopped type fresh herb but all you have in your kitchen is the dried kind, then all you have to do is add half a teaspoon of it. But as always, you can add a little less or a little more in order to obtain the specific level of flavor and aroma that’s right for you.

How Much is a Bunch in Ounces?

A bunch is equivalent to one to two ounces. When using herbs, a smaller amount of dried herbs should be used even though they are lighter in weight and take up less space. That’s because the absence of a lot of water makes them more potent and concentrated than their fresh counterparts.

How Much is a Bunch in Grams?

A bunch is equivalent to 28 to 57 grams. A bunch means one to two ounces in weight or volume. An ounce is equivalent to 28 grams, which is why the equivalent of a bunch of herbs, fresh or dried, depending on what the recipe calls for, is anywhere from 28 to 57 grams. Since dried herbs are more potent, slightly less may be used.

How Much is a Bunch in Tablespoons?

A bunch is equivalent to two to four tablespoons. When measuring a bunch of herbs, which amounts to one to two ounces, use at least two tablespoons but a maximum of four tablespoons. Stick to the ratio of a teaspoon of dried herbs to a tablespoon of fresh herbs when substituting fresh herbs or dried herbs with the other.

How Much is a Bunch in Teaspoons?

A bunch is equivalent to six to 12 teaspoons. When measuring a bunch of herbs, which is anywhere from one to two ounces, go for not less than six teaspoons but no more than 12 teaspoons. When substituting fresh herbs or dried herbs with the other, use the ratio of a teaspoon of dried herbs to a tablespoon of fresh herbs.

How Much is a Bunch in Cups?

A bunch is equivalent to anywhere from 0.125 cups to 0.25 cups. Since a bunch of herbs means one to two ounces, using cups instead will require the use of a little more than a tenth of a cup to a quarter of a cup. Adjusting the amount may be necessary when using dried herbs — less dried herbs are needed as they are more potent.

Related Article: How Much is a Splash Anyway?

Just Before You Add a Bunch of Something

A bunch of something means an amount of a specified ingredient that lies somewhere in between a little of and plenty of. More often than not, in cooking, a bunch is used to refer to an amount of herbs.

While the author of a recipe that calls for a bunch of a particular ingredient gives the cook the opportunity to adjust the flavor and aroma by adding the desired amount, the general consensus is that a bunch is equivalent to one to two ounces of an ingredient, usually an herb that can make a big difference in just a small amount.

Being able to customize the recipe is a good thing because you can make the dish your own.

However, it’s a good idea to add a bunch of something in an amount that is accepted by many to be customary. Consider adding a small amount at a time if you are not that confident with your estimation of a bunch.

That’s because you can always add some more ingredients in order to adjust the taste, but removing some can be a real challenge.

And when in doubt, just remember that one teaspoon of dried herbs is equivalent to one tablespoon of fresh herbs, and your dish will be a star!

What is the difference between a bunch and a lot?

In cooking, both a bunch and a lot means that the recipe calls for a generous amount of the required ingredient. While a bunch is just around one to two ounces of something, a lot is a larger amount since the goal, if it’s used in a recipe, is to make sure that the ingredient’s presence will be known.

What is the difference between a bunch and a cluster?

A bunch and a cluster, cooking-wise, are pretty much the same, which means a group of herbs or other ingredients that come bundled together. Outside the culinary arts, a bunch is a group of similar things, such as those that grow together, while a cluster is a group of items close to each other.

What is the difference between a bunch and a sprig?

A bunch is measured in either weight or volume or both, which is why a bunch of herbs a recipe calls for is approximated in ounces. On the other hand, a sprig is a linear measure, and in cooking, it means a stem with leaves and/or flowers that is anywhere from two to four inches in length.