"John Baglow" > wrote in message
om...
> Pardon me if this has come up before.
>
> In a number of on-line recipes, I have noticed that, in the list of
> ingredients, when a whole potato, onion, garlic clove, etc. is meant,
> the "unit of measure" listed is "ea." Since this can't mean "each,"
> could someone enlighten me? This sort of thing can keep one awake
> nights...


"Each" is the common unit of measure for the smallest level of stocking of
an item. Usually, you buy potatoes by the potato, i.e. potato, raw, russet,
1 each -- not potato, raw, russet, 8 tablespoons. Same with onions, garlic
etc. They are each one whole item. Each potato is one whole potato. Each
is one complete something. So each means "one whole" making it a
measurement (if impercise), rather than just a number identifier of one.

-Matt