Bob's Red Mill
Bob's Red Mill Baking Soda
What it is
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a leavening agent. It is a white, crystalline powder that is odorless and has a slightly alkaline taste. When combined with an acidic ingredient and moisture, it produces carbon dioxide gas. This gas causes doughs and batters to rise, creating a lighter and fluffier texture in baked goods. It is a common pantry staple used in a wide variety of cooking and baking applications.
How people cook with it
This versatile ingredient is essential for many home baking projects. It also has practical uses around the kitchen and home.
- Leavening baked goods
- Cleaning kitchen surfaces
- Neutralizing odors
- Soaking vegetables
In baking, baking soda is typically combined with acidic ingredients like buttermilk, yogurt, lemon juice, or vinegar. The reaction begins as soon as the wet and dry ingredients are mixed, so it is often best to bake items made with baking soda soon after preparing the batter or dough. It can also be used in recipes that do not contain acid, in which case it reacts with heat to produce carbon dioxide. Beyond baking, it can be dissolved in water to create a cleaning solution or used as a deodorizer.
How it differs from similar foods
Baking soda is a stronger leavener than baking powder. Baking powder contains both an acid and a base, so it does not require an additional acidic ingredient to activate. Baking soda, on the other hand, needs an acidic component in the recipe to produce its leavening effect.
Who it is for
Home bakers and cooks who enjoy making cakes, cookies, and breads will find this ingredient indispensable.
How to keep the rest
To maintain its effectiveness, store baking soda in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. This prevents it from absorbing moisture and odors from the surrounding environment, which can reduce its leavening power and impart unwanted flavors.