Using baking soda

Using baking soda - Crop woman with bottle of soda sitting on floor with laptop

What is baking soda used for, and how much should be added?

baking-soda


Best Answer

Baking soda is used in cooking for two purposes:

  1. As a leavening agent, in order to make baked goods rise. It does this by reacting with acids in the batter or dough, and producing carbon dioxide gas.
  2. To soften beans during cooking, particularly chickpeas. The alkalinity of the soda helps the complex carbohydrates and fiber in some types of beans break down, allowing them to puree more smoothly.

I can't answer "how much is added" unless I know what you're making.



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Quick Answer about "Using baking soda"

Baking soda is a versatile ingredient whose uses extend far beyond cooking. This household staple shines when it comes to neutralizing odors and cleaning, as it helps remove tough stains, eliminate foul odors, and clean difficult areas like the oven, microwave, and tile grout.

What should you not use baking soda for?

4 Things You Should Never Clean with Baking Soda
  • Aluminum cookware. While you can give many metal surfaces a scrub with baking soda, use caution if you're cleaning aluminum cookware. ...
  • Antique silver. ...
  • Gold-plated serving pieces. ...
  • Marble surfaces.


    • What else is baking soda good for?

    For Health Add baking soda to your bath water to relieve sunburned or itchy skin. Make a paste of baking soda and water, and apply to a burn or an insect bite for relief. If you crave sweets, rinse your mouth with one-teaspoon baking soda dissolved in a glass of warm water.

    Is it OK to eat baking soda?

    Drinking small amounts of baking soda is not usually dangerous. In adults, this can provide short-term relief from indigestion. However, drinking large amounts of baking soda is dangerous, and it is not suitable for long-term use, use during pregnancy, or use in children.

    What happens if you use baking soda instead of baking powder?

    If you swap in an equal amount of baking soda for baking powder in your baked goods, they won't have any lift to them, and your pancakes will be flatter than, well, pancakes. You can, however, make a baking powder substitute by using baking soda.



    More answers regarding using baking soda

    Answer 2

    According to the King Arthur website, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda is enough to leaven 1 cup of flour. Baking soda leavens by reacting with acidic ingredients and moisture (plus a little more when heat is added). It begins to lose its leavening effect as soon as it is mixed, so cooking soon is critical.

    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Tim Samuel, RODNAE Productions, SHVETS production, Polina Tankilevitch

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