What Is Cream Of Tartar And How Do I Use It?

Today it’s all about cream of tartar and how do I use it. In simple terms, cream of tartar is tartaric acid. Only, cream of tartar is the powdery form. Most of us have no clue what tartaric acid is, but now you will! So, what is cream of tartar and how do you use it?

What Is Cream of Tartar?

As I mentioned above, cream of tartar is a different form of tartaric acid. Tartaric acid is a crystalline organic acid that occurs in many fruits naturally, it’s also white in color. It’s nice to know that you are using something that is natural and thus occurs in nature. If you like to use all-natural ingredients, you are on the right track with cream of tartar.

How Do I Use Cream of Tartar?

Now that you know what cream of tartar is, you may be wondering how to use it. Honestly, it’s a great item to have in the kitchen because you just never know when you’ll need it.

I’m going to share a few ways in which you can use cream of tartar in the kitchen.

#1. Substitute Baking Powder

Let’s say that you just started baking something delicious, but you realize you don’t have any baking powder. Do you have cream of tartar? Do you have baking soda? If you have both of these ingredients, you don’t need baking powder!

Cream of tartar and baking soda can help ensure your baked cookies are light and ever-so-fluffy! You can make your own baking powder by mixing 1/2 tsp of cream of tartar and 1 tsp of baking soda.

#2. Keep the Color in Those Veggies

Are you disappointed when you cook veggies because they lose their color? Cream of tartar can help your veggies keep their color. As you are cooking, add a pinch of cream of tarter to the recipe. From there, you’ll notice the veggies keep their color and are a little more appetizing to enjoy.

#3. Meringue to the Rescue

Most of us make some sort of meringue around the holidays or for special events. You can use cream of tartar to make an awesome meringue. For every egg white that you use, you need 1/8 of a teaspoon of cream of tartar.

What Can Be Used Instead of Cream of Tartar?

If you are looking for alternatives to cream of tartar, then you are in luck. When it comes to baking there is always an alternative. Instead of using the cream of tartar if you don’t have it, you can use 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. You can also use 1 teaspoon of vinegar. If you are baking and realize you don’t have cream of tartar on hand, you are all set! 

Is Cream of Tartar and Baking Soda the Same Thing?

The short answer is no! Cream of tartar and baking soda are not the same thing. Cream of tarter is the powdered form of tartaric acid. Baking powder contains both cream of tartar and baking soda. When baking, the cream of tartar and baking soda create a reaction together, resulting in leavening action.

When to Use Cream of Tartar

Now that you know what cream of tartar is and how to use it, you may be wondering when to use it. There are several situations in which you would use cream of tartar. 

Creating Creamy Frostings

If you are creating a creamy frosting, cream of tarter may come in handy. There are a lot of recipes out there that call for cream of tartar to be used in the recipe to help with creaminess.

Leavening Agent

We covered the fact that cream of tartar can be a leavening agent. Mostly, cream of tartar is used in baking to help as a leavening agent. It helps your baked goods come out nice and even and light and fluffy.

Egg White Stabilization

For some recipes you will need to use egg whites, and cream of tartar can help stabilize those egg whites! Cream of tarter will help those egg whites keep those beautiful white peeks, even though the hot temperatures it experiences in the oven.

How Long is Cream of Tartar Good For You To Use?

When you buy cream of tartar, you may not think “how long is this going to be good for?” Cream of tartar isn’t expensive and it’s not something you use all the time. It’s safe to say that cream of tartar is going to be good in your cabinet for at least four years! I’d say that is pretty incredible.

Final Word

Now that you know everything you’ll need to know about cream of tartar, you can go out and buy it to have on hand! Baking season is upon us and it’s nice to know that you have cream of tartar in your cabinet and ready to use! You can also use cream of tartar as a cleaning agent! Did you know that? If you have run out of baking soda or baking powder, get out that cream of tartar and get to cleaning! May God bless this world, Linda

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