If you are using an 8 fl oz measuring cup, then level it off. If you are using a random cup from your cupboard, then just be consistent.
If you really want precision and repeatability, get a digital scale. But even then, the composition is not that reliable. Margins of errors of +-20% seem common both in published data and food labels.
Makes sense. I was measuring sunflower seeds(6 Tbsp) But what about something bigger like soybeans, or Lima beans? I assume it's the same procedure of scooping, and then leveling. Right?
So let's say we are to measure a cup of dry soybeans or limas. You will level off that too as with something smaller like sugar.
The point is, it doesn't matter. Every number is just an estimate, with margins of errors often greater than 40%. Two or three more soybeans per cup won't make any difference.
Answers
those measurements are specific. For example see https://www.ars.usda.gov/northeast-area/beltsville-md-bhnrc/beltsville-human-nutrition-research-center/methods-and-application-of-food-composition-laboratory/mafcl-site-pages/measurement-conversion-tables/
If you are using an 8 fl oz measuring cup, then level it off. If you are using a random cup from your cupboard, then just be consistent.
If you really want precision and repeatability, get a digital scale. But even then, the composition is not that reliable. Margins of errors of +-20% seem common both in published data and food labels.
@jefmcg
Makes sense. I was measuring sunflower seeds(6 Tbsp) But what about something bigger like soybeans, or Lima beans? I assume it's the same procedure of scooping, and then leveling. Right?
So let's say we are to measure a cup of dry soybeans or limas. You will level off that too as with something smaller like sugar.
The point is, it doesn't matter. Every number is just an estimate, with margins of errors often greater than 40%. Two or three more soybeans per cup won't make any difference.