Ingredient Library

The PrepStation Ingredient Library is a curated database of thousands of ingredients with pre-built data—nutrition facts, unit conversions, preparation yields, and allergens. Import ingredients to get a head start instead of entering everything from scratch.

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What's Included

When you import an ingredient from the library, you get:

Data	Description
Nutrition Facts	Comprehensive nutrition data per 100g (calories, macros, vitamins, minerals)
Unit Conversions	Pre-built conversions (e.g., "1 cup = 125g" for flour)
Preparation Yields	Common prep methods with yield percentages (e.g., "Peeled" = 85%)
Allergens	Major allergens already tagged
Categories	Food category classification

All data is researched and verified from trusted sources including USDA FoodData Central.

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Finding Ingredients in the Library

From the Ingredient Search

When you search for ingredients anywhere in PrepStation, the library appears as a section:

1. Start typing an ingredient name
2. Results show in sections:
   • Your Ingredients — Already in your database
   • Prep Recipes — Your prep recipes that can be used as ingredients
   • PrepStation Library — Available to import

From the Ingredients Page

1. Go to Ingredients
2. Click New Ingredient
3. Search for the ingredient
4. Look for the PrepStation Library section

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Importing from the Library

Quick Import

1. Search for an ingredient
2. Find it in the PrepStation Library section
3. Click to select it
4. The ingredient is imported with all its data

What Gets Imported

Data Type	What Happens
Basic Info	Name and description copied
Unit Conversions	All conversions added to your ingredient
Preparation Yields	Common prep methods with yields added
Allergens	All known allergens tagged

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Imported Data Examples

Unit Conversions

An imported flour ingredient might include:

Measure	Grams
1 cup	125g
1 tablespoon	8g
1 teaspoon	3g

These conversions enable accurate cost calculations when your recipes use volume measurements but you buy by weight.

Preparation Yields

An imported carrot ingredient might include:

Preparation	Yield
Peeled	85%
Diced	92%
Grated	95%
Sliced	95%

Allergens

An imported milk ingredient would include:

• Dairy (Definite)

An imported flour ingredient would include:

• Wheat (Definite)
• Gluten (Definite)

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Syncing Updates

The library is continuously updated with new data. You can sync your imported ingredients to get the latest information.

When Updates Are Available

PrepStation notifies you when library updates are available for your imported ingredients.

How to Sync

1. Open an ingredient that was imported from the library
2. Look for the Sync from Library option
3. Click to update

What Syncing Does

Action	Behavior
New conversions	Added to your ingredient
New yields	Added (existing yields unchanged)
New allergens	Added (existing allergens unchanged)
Your customizations	Preserved—never overwritten

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Library vs Custom Ingredients

Use the Library When

• The ingredient is common (flour, butter, chicken, etc.)
• You want accurate nutrition data
• You want pre-built conversions and yields
• You want allergens already tagged

Create Custom When

• The ingredient is proprietary or unique
• You have specific data requirements
• The ingredient isn't in the library
• You're creating a house-made prep ingredient

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After Importing

Imported ingredients work just like any other ingredient. You'll want to:

1. Add Vendor Pricing

The library doesn't include pricing (that's specific to your suppliers):

1. Open the imported ingredient
2. Add vendor items with your pricing
3. Set a preferred vendor

See Vendor Costs for details.

2. Review Yields

Library yields are based on industry averages. Adjust based on your kitchen:

1. Check the Preparations section
2. Modify yields if your prep differs
3. Add custom preparation methods if needed

See Preparation Methods & Yields for details.

3. Verify Allergens

Double-check allergen information:

1. Review tagged allergens
2. Add any additional allergens
3. Verify with your suppliers

See Allergens for details.

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Duplicate Prevention

PrepStation prevents importing the same library ingredient twice:

• Already imported — You'll see it in "Your Ingredients" instead of the library
• Previously archived — You'll be prompted to restore the archived ingredient

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Common Questions

Q: Is the library data free to use?
A: Yes, the ingredient library is included with all PrepStation plans.

Q: How accurate is the nutrition data?
A: Nutrition data is sourced from USDA FoodData Central and other verified sources. For official nutrition labeling, consult a registered dietitian.

Q: Can I edit imported ingredients?
A: Yes! Once imported, the ingredient is yours. Add pricing, adjust yields, modify allergens—whatever you need.

Q: What if I can't find an ingredient in the library?
A: Create it manually. You can always add ingredients that aren't in the library.

Q: Will my changes be overwritten if I sync?
A: No. Syncing only adds new data from the library. Your customizations are preserved.

Q: How often is the library updated?
A: The library is continuously updated with new ingredients and improved data.

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Next Steps

• Managing Ingredients — Create custom ingredients
• Vendor Costs — Add pricing to imported ingredients
• Preparation Methods & Yields — Customize yield data