36 teaspoons = 12 tablespoons = ¾ cup 48 teaspoons = 16 tablespoons = 1 cup Contact IndyStar reporter Cheryl V. Jackson at [email protected] or 317-444-6264.

But remember, a heaping tablespoon is not a true tablespoon--that would be a tablespoon and a half. Now you know how nerdy I am--conducting research experiments on my spoons. Anywho.

Olive oil consumption increased from an average of 1.6 grams per day at the start of the study period, in 1990 to about 4 grams per day, or about one-third of a tablespoon, in 2010, the data showed.