Guide Note

Baking soda, also called sodium bicarbonate, is a commonly used leavening agent. It is also used extensively as a cleaner and deodorizer.

Fast Facts

1. Component of baking powder
2. Alkaline
3. Promotes browning
4. Used to put out grease fires
5. Gentle abrasive
6. Removes silver tarnish
7. Weak buffer used in cell culture media
8. Used to clean Statue of Liberty

Baking powder is a more active leavening agent than baking soda; it makes things rise faster. Why? Baking powder adds cream of tartar, an acid salt (don't confuse it with tartar sauce, the creamy white stuff you put on fish!) to baking soda, making the reaction even more intense. Because the two react so quickly when exposed to moisture, cornstarch is added to commercial baking powder to prevent it from reacting.

Short on baking powder, or allergic to corn? 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda is equivalent to 1 teaspoon commercial baking powder. Homemade baking powder must be used right away, or it will lose its effectiveness.