Baking Powder: Everything You Need to Know

Baking powder is a type of leavening agent used in the cooking process to raise the dough in those baked goods. But, did you know that there are other reasons you should be stocking baking powder?

What is Baking Powder and How Does it Work?

Baking powder is a chemical leavening agent. It combines sodium bicarbonate, which is baking soda, and an acid. Baking powder makes baking easier because you don’t have to whip egg whites or worry about adding acid to make your baked foods rise.

How Does it Work?

The only way for baking powder to work is for it to come in contact with a liquid. As a dry powder, it is stable and doesn’t react, but when it comes in contact with liquids, the baking powder begins to react. Some baking powder requires both liquid and heat to react.

Types of Baking Powder

There are two types of baking powder: single-acting and double-acting. If you plan on stocking baking powder, you need to know the difference between the two.

Single-Acting Baking Powder

Single-acting baking powder is made with one acid and one base. The most common combination is sodium bicarbonate and cream of tartar. This type of powder needs liquid to start the reaction, but it will only work once. That’s why you have to be careful when measuring out this type of baking powder. Most common households will use this type of baking powder for all their baking needs.

Double-Acting Baking Powder

Double-acting baking powder is made with two acids. The most common combination is sodium bicarbonate and sodium aluminum sulfate. This type of powder doesn’t need liquid to start the reaction, but it will work twice. That’s why you don’t have to be as careful when measuring out this type of baking powder.

A double-acting baking powder will first react by creating gas bubbles twice, once when added to liquid, and again when exposed to heat, like when you bake the dough. Double-acting baking powder is typically used if you want to delay baking your mixture. It is used primarily in restaurants, cafeterias, and bakeries.

Can You Use Too Much Baking Powder?

Yes, you can. Using too much in your baking can cause large holes in cakes, or cause them to sink and cave in. When this happens, there’s no recovery from it. So, to avoid this mistake, use this rule of thumb when baking: Add 1 to 1 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder for every cup of all-purpose flour.

Baking Powder Health Benefits

Although lots of baked goods and sweets are not good for you, particularly due to the sugar content, this leavening agent actually does have quite a few health benefits. In fact, this leavening agent packs 33% of your daily intake of calcium and 60% of your daily intake of phosphorous in just 1 teaspoon. Both calcium and phosphorus are key to maintaining healthy bones, nails, and teeth. Please note, always check with your medical professional before relying on this tip as you strive for proper nutrient content in your foods. Here are just a few more benefits:

1. Can Improve Kidney Function

This leavening agent can help to improve kidney function. A study done on rats showed that those given baking powder had an increase in their GFR (glomerular filtration rate). The rats that were not given baking powder saw no change in their GFR. Please note, always consult your medical professional for confirmation of your diet plans.

2. Promotes Oral Health

Baking powder can promote oral health. This is because baking powder is a natural disinfectant and can help to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth. It has been studied for its role in preventing cavities and dental erosion due to its neutralizing acid.

3. Can Help with Weight Loss

If you are looking to lose weight, this leavening agent may help. It can help to promote a healthy digestive system and can also help to reduce water retention. Both of which will help you lose weight.

4. May Increase Exercise Performance

This baking ingredient may increase exercise performance. This is because baking powder can help to improve your body’s use of oxygen. A study done on rats showed that those given this leavening agent had an increase in their VO2 max (maximum oxygen uptake). The rats that were not given baking powder saw no change in their VO2 max.

5. Could Activate Anti Inflammatory Pathways

This common baking ingredient could activate anti-inflammatory pathways. A study done on rats showed that those given baking powder had an increase in their levels of interleukin 10 (IL-10). IL-10 is a cytokine that has anti-inflammatory effects. The rats that were not given baking powder saw no change in their levels of interleukin.

Other Uses for Baking Powder

Like baking soda, baking powder has other uses that you probably never even thought about. If you plan on stocking it, you should keep in mind all the ways you can use it.

1. Drain Opener

This common baking ingredient can be used as a drain opener. Just pour 1/2 cup of baking powder down the drain and follow it with 1/2 cup of vinegar. Wait 15 minutes and then run hot water down the drain to flush it out.

2. Freshen Carpets

It can also be used to freshen up your carpets.  Just sprinkle baking powder on the carpets and let it sit for 15 minutes. Then vacuum it up.

3. Polish Silver

If you need to polish your silver, it can do the trick. Just make a paste with 3 parts baking powder to 1 part water. Apply the paste to your silver and let it sit for 10 minutes. Use a soft cloth to wipe the residue and polish the metal.

4. Gas Blocker

Beans, beans, the magical fruit, the more you eat, the more you toot! Did you know that you can use this common baking ingredient while cooking your dried beans to lessen the gas and bloating that comes from eating beans?  Just add 1 teaspoon of baking powder to 4 cups of water while cooking your beans.

5. Deter Ants

If you have ants in your home, you can use this common ingredient to deter them. Just mix equal parts baking powder and sugar. Then put the mixture where you have seen the ants and they will take it back to their nest. The sugar will attract them and the baking powder will kill them.

6. Deodorize Your Fridge

If your fridge is starting to smell, use this leavening agent in your refrigerator. Just put an open box of baking powder in the back of your fridge and it will help to absorb any bad smells.

7. Extinguish a Grease Fire

If you have a grease fire, don’t reach for water! This will only make the fire worse. Instead, you can put out a grease fire by sprinkling baking soda or baking powder on it. Do not use it for big fires. Call 911.

8. Grease Spots on Clothes

If you have gotten grease on your clothes, you can use this leavening agent to remove it. Just make a paste with 3 parts baking powder and 1 part water. Apply the paste to the grease spot and let it sit for 30 minutes. Then wash your clothing as you normally would.

9. Clean Your Microwave

If your microwave needs cleaning, you can use baking powder. Just mix 1/4 cup of baking powder with 1 cup of water in a bowl. Then put the bowl in your microwave and turn it on for 5 minutes. The steam will help to loosen any dirt and grime. After 5 minutes, take the bowl out and wipe down your microwave to remove all the dirt and grime.

10. Unclog Your Shower Head

If your shower head is starting to get clogged, you can use this powder to clean it. Just mix 1/4 cup of baking powder with 1 cup of water in a bowl. Then put the bowl so the shower head is burried in the bowl and let it sit for 30 minutes. You may need to hang the bowl to make it work. After 30 minutes, turn on your shower and let the water run for a few minutes to clear out the baking powder.

Does Baking Powder Expire?

Like baking soda, it is fairly shelf-stable. However, baking powder can lose its potency over time, especially if it isn’t stored correctly. Even opening your container lets humidity in and it doesn’t take a lot of moisture for this leavening agent to react. Store it in a cool, dry place and it should be fine for up to 18 months. If you’re not sure if your powder is still good, just mix 1 teaspoon of baking powder with 1/3 cup of water. If it doesn’t fizzle, it’s time to replace it.

Final Word

Baking powder is a common ingredient in many homes, but there are many uses for it beyond baking. From freshening your carpets to cleaning your microwave, this leavening agent can do it all. Just be sure to check for potency before using it to bake. If you haven’t started stocking it, I highly recommend you do! May God Bless this world, Linda