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CT

Here's a question for all you farmers out there -- We have all heard the old saying "A bushel and a peck" and think we know how much a bushel is because we know what a bushel basket looks like. But, what/how much exactly is a "peck"?

Thanks,

RVSK

7/18/2001 6:08:15 PM

Commack, NY

unit of capacity in the U.S. Customary and British Imperial systems of measurement. In the United States the peck is used only for dry measure and is equal to 8 dry quarts, or 537.6 cubic inches (8.810 litres). In Great Britain the peck may be used for either liquid or dry measure and is equal to 8 imperial quarts (2 imperial gallons), or 554.84 cubic inches (9.092 litres). The peck has been in use since the early 14th century, when it was introduced as a measure for flour. The term referred to varying quantities, however, until the modern units were defined in the 19th century.

from encylopedia brittanica.com

scott

7/18/2001 6:42:37 PM

Coolville, OH

I had the same question last year when a local produce auction opened for business. I would go from basket to basket of the same item and pick them up. There was a definite weight difference between them. There used to be a list in the canning books for all the wieghts for various fruits & veggies by bushel, peck, etc. I have noticed that it is no longer there.

So, I called the Ohio Dept. of Agriculture to find my answer. Realizing you are in CT, this may not apply to you. In Ohio however, there has not been a recognized peck or bushel in nearly 35 year. The terms are still used, but because of the variation from year to year in the water content of produce (because of variations in weather conditions, ect.)and how tightly/loosly stuff is packed in a basket, the actual amount and actual amount of whatever it is in the basket will vary.

2/17/2006 5:37:15 PM

Coolville, OH

Last line should read "actual amount and actual weight"

2/17/2006 5:38:34 PM