In cooking, what does the abbreviation "oz" refer to?

The abbreviation "oz" refers to "ounce," which is a unit of measurement commonly used in cooking to quantify ingredients, particularly liquids. An ounce is equal to one-sixteenth of a pound and is used to measure both weight and volume depending on the context. For example, recipes may specify the amount of a liquid ingredient such as water or oil in ounces for consistency in preparation. This precise measurement helps both home cooks and professional chefs ensure that they use the correct amount of each ingredient, which is crucial for achieving the intended flavors and textures in recipes.

Understanding this measurement is essential for anyone in the culinary arts, as it frequently appears on packaging and in recipes, thus influencing how dishes are prepared and served.