Ingredient Size Variants

Many ingredients, especially produce, come in different sizes. FourFork tracks these size variants to ensure accurate measurements and conversions.

What Are Size Variants?

Size variants represent different physical sizes of the same ingredient:

• Small: Below average size
• Medium: Average, most common size
• Large: Above average size

This matters for:

• Recipe accuracy
• Shopping convenience
• Portion control
• Nutrition calculations

Which Ingredients Have Size Variants?

Produce

• Fruits: Apples, oranges, lemons, bananas, etc.
• Vegetables: Onions, potatoes, tomatoes, bell peppers, etc.
• Eggs: Small, medium, large, extra-large

Items with Variable Sizes

• Fish fillets
• Chicken breasts
• Steaks and chops

How Size Variants Work

In Recipes

When a recipe calls for "1 medium onion":

• The system knows the average weight
• Can convert to grams if needed
• Provides guidance for shopping

Example:

• 1 medium onion = approximately 150g
• 1 small onion = approximately 110g
• 1 large onion = approximately 200g

In Shopping Lists

Size variants help when shopping:

• You know what size to look for
• Can substitute if needed (2 small = 1 large)
• Weight equivalents provided for bulk sections

In Nutrition Calculations

Each size has specific nutritional data:

• Based on average weight for that size
• More accurate than generic "1 onion"
• Adjusts automatically based on size selected

Using Size Variants in Recipes

As a Recipe Creator

When writing a recipe:

1. Select the ingredient
2. Choose the size variant (if applicable)
3. Enter quantity (e.g., "2 medium apples")
4. System converts to weight in background

Best Practices:

• Use medium size as default
• Specify size when it matters for the recipe
• Provide weight alternatives in notes

As a Recipe User

When reading a recipe:

• Check the size specification
• Use similarly sized items
• Weight equivalents shown in parentheses
• Can adjust serving size, weights update automatically

Size Definitions

Small

• Below 75th percentile
• Typically what you'd find in smaller packages
• Good for snacks or garnishes

Medium

• 25th to 75th percentile
• Most common supermarket size
• Recipe default when size not specified
• Best for accuracy

Large

• Above 75th percentile
• Often sold individually
• May be labeled "jumbo" in stores

Common Size Conversions

Onions

• Small: ~110g (tennis ball size)
• Medium: ~150g (baseball size)
• Large: ~200g (softball size)

Apples

• Small: ~150g (tennis ball size)
• Medium: ~180g (fist size)
• Large: ~220g (large fist)

Potatoes (Russet)

• Small: ~170g
• Medium: ~210g
• Large: ~300g

Eggs

• Small: ~43g
• Medium: ~50g
• Large: ~57g
• Extra Large: ~64g

Tomatoes

• Small: ~90g (Roma)
• Medium: ~120g
• Large: ~180g (Beefsteak)

When Size Isn't Specified

If a recipe just says "1 onion":

• System assumes medium
• Weight shown: ~150g
• You can adjust if needed

Substituting Sizes

If you have different sizes:

• Use weight equivalents
• 2 small ≈ 1 large (approximately)
• System can help calculate

Example: Recipe calls for 2 medium onions (300g total):

• Can use 3 small onions (~330g)
• Can use 1.5 large onions (~300g)
• Can weigh out 300g of any size

Shopping with Size Variants

In the grocery store:

• Look for the specified size
• Check weight if buying loose
• Pre-bagged items often specify size
• Use your judgment for approximate matches

Contributing Size Data

Help improve size variant accuracy:

• Vote on average weights
• Provide measurements from your region
• Note brand or type differences
• Regional variations matter

Prep Forms and Sizes

Some ingredients have both:

• Size variant (medium onion)
• Prep form (diced)
• Combined: "1 medium onion, diced"
• System knows: 1 medium onion → diced = ~1.5 cups or 150g

Advanced: Per-Unit Weights

For ingredient library nerds:

• Each size has a "count_unit_weight"
• Stored in grams
• Used for all conversions
• Community verified for accuracy