Introduction
For many years, baking powder and bicarbonate soda have been used interchangeably in various recipes. However, are they the same thing? This article aims to answer this question and provide readers with a better understanding of the two ingredients.
Bicarbonate Soda
Bicarbonate soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a white, crystalline powder that is commonly used in baking. It is an alkaline compound that reacts with acidic ingredients in recipes to produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes the mixture to rise. Bicarbonate soda is also used as a cleaning agent and in medical applications.
Baking Powder
Baking powder is a mixture of bicarbonate soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch. Unlike bicarbonate soda, baking powder does not require an acidic ingredient to activate it. Instead, the cream of tartar in the baking powder reacts with the bicarbonate soda to produce carbon dioxide gas. Baking powder is commonly used in recipes that do not contain acidic ingredients, such as cakes and cookies.
Differences
As mentioned, the main difference between bicarbonate soda and baking powder is that baking powder contains cream of tartar and cornstarch. Additionally, baking powder is double-acting, which means it releases carbon dioxide gas twice during the baking process. On the other hand, bicarbonate soda is a single-acting ingredient that only releases gas once when combined with an acidic ingredient.
Substituting
If a recipe calls for baking powder but you only have bicarbonate soda, you can substitute it by adding cream of tartar. For every teaspoon of baking powder, mix 1/4 teaspoon of bicarbonate soda with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar. On the other hand, if a recipe calls for bicarbonate soda, you cannot substitute it with baking powder as the cream of tartar and cornstarch will affect the outcome of the recipe.
Conclusion
In summary, bicarbonate soda and baking powder are not the same thing. While they both produce carbon dioxide gas, they differ in their composition and how they are activated. Understanding the differences between these two ingredients can help bakers achieve better results in their recipes.
Remember:
Bicarbonate soda is a single-acting alkaline compound that reacts with acidic ingredients to produce carbon dioxide gas, while baking powder is a mixture of bicarbonate soda, cream of tartar, and cornstarch that does not require an acidic ingredient to activate.