Why does soda bread call for buttermilk?

Why does soda bread call for buttermilk? - Burgers on White Ceramic Plate

I've been looking for a soda bread recipe to try and I notice that most of them contain buttermilk. Buttermilk is not a standard part of my pantry. Part of the appeal of soda bread is that it's quick to throw together, so having to go shopping for a specific ingredient interferes with the spontaneous aspect.

I know there are lots of substitutions for buttermilk (using a bit of lemon juice in regular milk is the one I usually use), but I'm wondering what it is about buttermilk specifically that seems to be a standard part of soda bread. Is it just traditional? Or will it add a particularly noticeable flavour/texture?

Edited to add: I know that its functional purpose is to provide an acid to react with the soda for rising; so is it just that it used to be the most convenient acid?



Best Answer

Buttermilk has a delicious flavor that is not at all approximated by lemon juice.

It's true that lemon or vinegar with milk will clabber it a little and provide the acid that the recipe needs but the flavor will be distinctly lacking.

Get some buttermilk. It's inexpensive and has a longer shelf life than normal milk. It is also exceptionally easy to make. If you make it a standard part of your pantry you will find yourself enjoying life more (or at least pancakes.)




Pictures about "Why does soda bread call for buttermilk?"

Why does soda bread call for buttermilk? - Person Holding A Cheeseburger
Why does soda bread call for buttermilk? - Burger on Top of Newspaper
Why does soda bread call for buttermilk? - A Businessman on a Phone Call



Quick Answer about "Why does soda bread call for buttermilk?"

Buttermilk is the Secret Irish soda bread only requires a few ingredients, including buttermilk. Buttermilk reacts with the baking soda to provide the bread's leavening. It also adds wonderful flavor!

What can I use instead of buttermilk in soda bread?

How To Make Irish Soda Bread Without Buttermilk
  • Soy Milk \u2013 but any milk, even almond milk or oat milk, works well. I am using protein-fortified soy milk that is slightly dark in color and gives a lovely golden color to the bread crumb.
  • Lemon Juice or vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lime juice.


  • What do Americans put into soda bread that the Irish do not?

    When the Irish add raisins, currants or other ingredients to soda bread, it is almost always for "tea bread", not for the "plain soda" that is eaten everyday. The American version contains raisins and uses egg and butter to make the bread taste sweeter.

    What makes soda bread different?

    The unique texture of soda bread is a result of the reaction between the acidic sour milk and baking soda, which formed small bubbles of carbon dioxide in the dough.

    What is the difference between American and Irish Soda Bread?

    A soda bread defined in America According to Epicurious, Irish-American soda breads use caraway seeds and raisins in the recipe, while soda breads from Ireland lack both of these add-ins.



    How To Make Irish Soda Bread with Buttermilk




    More answers regarding why does soda bread call for buttermilk?

    Answer 2

    From what I understand soda bread needs an acid to activate the bicarbonate of soda (otherwise the bread won't rise as easily). It is possible to make soda bread without buttermilk but the flavour will be slightly different and the recipe may just not work as well.

    You're absolutely right about adding some lemon juice to milk though as a replacement, that's what I do too.

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

    Images: Polina Tankilevitch, Polina Tankilevitch, alleksana, Barbara Olsen