Bicarbonate of soda, or baking soda, is an alkaline compound that’s used in baking and cooking as a raising agent. When it reacts with acids, such as vinegar, lemon juice, or yogurt, it produces carbon dioxide gas, causing dough or batter to rise. Outside of the kitchen, baking soda is also valued for its deodorizing, cleaning, and pH balancing properties.
Nutritional Information (per 100g):
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Protein: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Sugars: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 27.4g (or 27,370mg, given that it’s essentially sodium bicarbonate)
- Potassium: 0mg
(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on the brand and specific processing methods. Baking soda is not typically consumed in large amounts due to its high sodium content.)
Ingredients:
- Sodium bicarbonate
How to Use: In baking: Mix bicarbonate of soda with acidic ingredients in recipes to help baked goods rise.
Cleaning: It can be used as a gentle abrasive to clean surfaces or mixed with water to form a paste for tougher spots.
Deodorizing: Sprinkle in areas (like inside shoes or trash cans) to neutralize odors.
pH Balancer: Used in pools and various DIY projects to maintain or adjust pH levels.
Recipe Idea – Fluffy Pancakes: Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a tsp of lemon juice/vinegar added)
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, bicarbonate of soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and melted butter.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Don’t overmix.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup batter onto the skillet for each pancake.
- Cook until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until the other side is golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite toppings like maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream.
Diets it fits into:
- Vegetarian
- Vegan (depending on what it’s combined with)
- Gluten-free (by itself, but always check the specific recipes/products)
Note: When using baking soda in recipes, it’s crucial to measure accurately. Too much can impart a bitter taste and can also affect the texture of the dish.
