During the preparation of food, there is usually a certain amount of waste or loss. When fruits and vegetables are peeled, and when meat is cooked, the amount of cooked product is usually less than the amount of raw product that was purchased.
The difference between the raw weight and the cooked weight is called the product’s “yield percentage,” and there are tables available that list the yield percentage for different fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Using these yield percentages, it is possible to calculate how much raw product is needed to produce the amount of cooked product that is desired.
The amount of raw product is called the “As Purchased” or AP amount. The amount of prepared or cooked product is called the “Edible Portion” or EP amount.
The formulas used are: Yield Percentage = EP ÷ AP EP = AP x Yield Percentage AP = EP ÷ Yield Percentage
Example
Broccoli Cheese Soup is on the menu, and the recipe calls for 5 lb. of chopped broccoli florets. The yield percentage for raw broccoli is 0.81. This means that for every pound of raw broccoli, 81% will be edible yield and 19% will be waste (stalks, leaves).
How many pounds of raw broccoli heads must be purchased to get 5 lb. of trimmed broccoli florets? AP = EP ÷ Yield Percentage AP = 5 lb. ÷ 0.81 = 6.17 lb. Approximately 6-1/4 lbs. of raw broccoli heads should be purchased.
Roast Turkey is on the menu, and there are 3- 12 lb. turkeys in the freezer. How many 3-ounce servings of turkey would this supply?
The yield percentage for whole turkey is 0.47. AP amount is 36 lb. of raw turkey EP = AP x Yield Percentage EP = 36 lb. x 0.47 = 16.92 lb. 16.92 lbs x 16 oz./lb. = 270.72 oz. 270.72 oz ÷ 3 oz./serving = 90 Approximately 90 – 3-ounce servings of roast turkey would be provided.