Convert Dessertspoon (US) (dessertspoon) to Barrel (UK) (bbl (UK)) instantly.
About these units
Dessertspoon (US) (dessertspoon)
The US dessertspoon, though rarely used today, traditionally equals 2 teaspoons or about 10 mL. Unlike the UK version, it never gained strong cultural traction in American cooking. Most US recipes skip directly from teaspoons to tablespoons, leaving the dessertspoon as a historical curiosity that occasionally appears in antique cookbooks. Despite its near-obsolescence, understanding the dessertspoon is important for culinary historians and those interpreting older domestic manuals.
Barrel (UK) (bbl (UK))
The UK barrel also varies by context but is commonly set at 36 imperial gallons, or about 163.66 liters. Used in British breweries, distilleries, and older trade systems, the UK barrel historically held ale, beer, and spirits. Barrel sizes were not only a reflection of trade standardization but also taxation. Governments often taxed based on container size, prompting industries to standardize capacities for legal and economic stability. Though less prevalent today due to metrication, the UK barrel remains in use in traditional breweries and historical references. It is an enduring symbol of Britain's long brewing heritage and the complex history of imperial trade.