precise measurements

[Slartibartfast42]

when a recipe says 1tsp or 1tbsp of a spice, how many grams is this?

It depends on the spice. Different spices have different densities.

I don't think it matters too much personally, and I'm usually an advocate for precise weight based measurements. Most people don't have a scale that can accurately measure such small volumes and spices vary so much with age and source that 4g of cumin for me might taste very different that 4g of cumin for you.

It was actually cumin that I spilled all over the kitchen counter today which prompted me to ask!
I have measuring spoons but they don't fit into the spice jars and when I try to pour from the jar into the measuring spoon I usually spill half the jar all over the kitchen. I do have a precise digital scale so thought that would be easier.

Do the smaller spoons for in the jar?

My teaspoon measure doesn't for example, but the ½ teaspoon does so I just use the one that fits

You can get measuring spoons designed to fit into spice jars.

IIRC a level 5ml tsp of table salt weighs 4g. My scales can weigh that. But as the PP said, it will be different for different spices, so not necessarily helpful.

Do the smaller spoons for in the jar?
@Summerofcontent
The smallest I have is half tsp which doesn't fit

You can get measuring spoons designed to fit into spice jars.
@Dilbertian
I did not know that, I've only ever seen round ones before! Thank you! (my bank account does not thank you as while browsing measuring spoons on Amazon I have accidentally added a set of new pans to my basket)

Roughly 5g for a tsp and 15 for a tbsp generally works.

I may or may not have bought a set of cake tins that I didn't need, because they came in a bundle with the measuring spoons that I wanted...

I went to Amazon for measuring spoons and I now have pans and earphones and chocolate arriving tomorrow.

I forgot the measuring spoons.

🙄

Or buy Sainsburys own brand herbs and spices - nice wide jars! I then decant other brands and have the Sainsburys jars upright in a drawer.

I put mine into old jam jars so I can get a tablespoon in if necessary 😃

@OliveHenry That is a very good idea! Those tiny spice jars are stupidly tiny and last no time at all.
Do you have to buy lots of spice jars to fill them up? Can you buy herbs and spices in bulk? I feel another shopping trip is in my immediate future

@BlueBlueCowWondering Oh! I don't usually shop in sainsburys but will pop in there and take a look, thanks for the tip!

I tend to get curry type spices from a local ethnic (Turkish/Indian/Chinese) supermarket in small packets. Others I just decant a standard supermarket own brand... even if it doesn't fill it!

Came on to say this. Fantastically designed packaging.