Many of us get confused about baking soda, bicarbonate of
soda and baking powder. Some people
also believe they all refer to the same ingredient and can be used interchangeably. If you are planning to use any for health, culinary, home, hygiene, skin and hair reasons, you have to understand what each is and what each can be used for.
Baking soda is the same as bicarbonate of soda and contains
only sodium bicarbonate. Baking powder is a mixture of baking soda (sodium
bicarbonate), cream of tartar and sometimes cornstarch. Both baking soda and
baking powder are leavening agents but baking soda is more potent and they are
different chemically because of the other ingredients added to baking soda
which is a base.
Both baking soda and baking powder make foods rise but baking
soda is about 4 times stronger than
baking powder. When too much of baking soda
is used in cooking, it can leave a metallic taste in the finished food. This is
mainly because sodium bicarbonate is a base which reacts with acids to form
carbon dioxide.
Baking powder has a neutral taste while baking soda has a
slightly salty, alkaline taste. Baking powder is smooth while baking soda is grainy
Baking soda is more popularly used for health, hygiene, skin
and hair purposes while baking powder is more commonly used in cooking. So if
you are thinking of baking, pastry etc., think more of baking powder.
Have you got anything to add or ask about baking soda and
baking powder? Please do so below. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell for updates.
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