Sodium bicarbonate: essential in baking

NaHCO3 is a special ingredient, widely used by many bakers to leaven their cakes and pastries, and make them light and fluffy. This everyday baking ingredient can really affect the way your goodies come together. Let’s investigate why sodium bicarbonate is a big deal in baking.

The Science Behind Why Baking Soda Makes Your Treats Light

Baking soda (which is also known as sodium bicarbonate) is a white powder that is used in baking to help baked goods rise. Mix baking soda and baking powder with acidic ingredients, such as vinegar or lemon juice, and you get bubbles of carbon dioxide gas. These bubbles can become lodged in the batter or dough, causing it to expand and grow fluffy. This is what makes cake tender and pastry have a nice crumb.

Baking Soda Balances Flavors

Occasionally they include acidic ingredients like buttermilk or sour cream. These can bring a tangy flavor, but they might also alter the taste and texture of the treat. Sodium bicarbonate neutralizes the acidity and the flavors are good, good. So, whenever you’re baking with acidic ingredients, be sure to include a bit of bicarbonate sodium baking soda.

What Baking Soda Does To Bread.parseLong(How Baking Soda Makes Bread Rise)

When you’re baking bread or batters, you invariably need the things to rise well to achieve the desired fluffy quality. Sodium bicarbonate helps with this, because when it comes into contact with moisture and heat, it produces carbon dioxide gas. The gas creates bubbles in the dough or batter, making it rise. This is why your bread fluffs, and why your pancakes are light.

Baking Powder and Ideal Crusts

Not only does baking soda help baked goods rise, it also results in an ideal crust. Heat bicarbonate sodium and it breaks up to create carbon dioxide gas. This gas is the magic trick that gives your baked goods a crispy, golden-brown crust, contributing to a yummy, crunchy flavor.

Why Any Baker Worth Their Salt Needs Baking Soda

Although there are many types of flour out there, baking soda is a staple to be found in any baker’s cupboards. Whether you’re baking cakes, cookies, bread or even pizza dough, baking soda is what gives you that spongey, chewy crumb, that crisp outside and tangy taste. So, the next time you’re baking, be sure to purchase a box of baking soda for perfectly balanced recipes.