8 Facts about Baking Soda

Sunday, May 3rd 2015. | Culinary

Facts about Baking Soda present the information about the sodium bicarbonate. This chemical compound is called sodium hydrogen carbonate based on the IUPAC name. The formula of baking soda is NaHCO3. If you buy this compound in the store, you can have it in a fine powder, but actually this crystalline is available in white solid. The baking soda is a bit similar with sodium carbonate or washing soda because it has salty alkaline taste. Here are the interesting facts about baking soda:

Facts about Baking Soda 1: the food additives

The European Union includes baking soda as one of the food additives. The initial for sodium bicarbonate is E500. Actually baking soda is not a new agent. It has been around more many years. Therefore, it has various names such as bread sofa, bicarbonate soda and cooking soda.

Facts about Baking Soda 2: saleratus

During the 19th century, both sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate were called as saleratus. But the word is not used anymore today.

Facts about Baking Soda

Facts about Baking Soda 3: soda ash

Nicolas Leblanc was the French chemist who generated sodium carbonate called as soda ash in 1791.

Facts about Baking Soda 4: the first factory

The first factory which manufactured baking soda was established by John Dwight and Austin Church in 1846. Both were two New York bakers who created the baking soda from carbon dioxide and sodium carbonate. It was known as saleratus. The main function was for preventing the freshly caught fish from spoiling. Therefore, this item was very popular in commercial fishing in 1800s.

Baking Soda

Facts about Baking Soda 5: baking soda for cooking

Baking soda is also used as a leavening agent. The baked goods such as pancakes, quick breads, cakes, fried foods, soda bread, cookies and other breads will be lighter and softer when it is mixed with baking soda. The carbon dioxide will be released since baking soda reacts with acidic component. Find out facts about American food here.

Facts about Baking Soda 6: the acidic compounds

The reaction of baking soda with acidic compounds will occur if the dough is mixed with lemon juice, phosphates, buttermilk, yogurt, vinegar, cocoa, vinegar, and cream of tartar.

Baking Soda Pic

Facts about Baking Soda 7: substitute

If you decide to bake, but you are running out of baking soda, you can substitute it with baking powder. It can also give you enough acid reagents.

Facts about Baking Soda 8: vegetables

In the past, people often used baking soda to cook vegetables. It made the veggies softer. However, this cooking method is very old fashioned and is not used today. People want to have firmer veggies. Find out facts about bagels here.