Baking soda

Is baking soda the same as baking powder?

Re: Baking soda

I would say not Mums, I call bicarbonate of soda baking soda. Baking powder is a mixture made up of of bicarb and cream of tartar.

Not sure about American recipes though, they may name things differently.

Re: Baking soda

Mups, I agree with Meg, the short answer is no.

Baking soda needs an acidic ingredient like lemon juice to activate it. Baking powder is basically baking soda with the acid already built in.

(btw baking soda and bicarbonate of soda are different names for the same thing)

Re: Baking soda

Thankyou ladies, what would I do without you. It's a bit confusing all this science.

Re: Baking soda

Why do we need baking soda . ?

Re: Baking soda

It is brilliant for cleaning sink drains - 1 tablespoonful, followed by a cupful of vinegar, then a cupful of boiling water - keeps the pipework lovely and clean.

Re: Baking soda

My nan used to take 'bicarb' every day in case she got indigestion
It is used as a rising agent, ginger bread for one thing would not be the same without it.

It is also good at cleaning certain things.
Some big kitchens clean their ovens then 'paint' with a paste of bicarb and water, it doesn't look very pretty but helps prevent things sticking on the oven and shelves.

Re: Baking soda

[QUOTE=Silver Tabby;695871]It is brilliant for cleaning sink drains - 1 tablespoonful, followed by a cupful of vinegar, then a cupful of boiling water - keeps the pipework lovely and clean.[/QUOTE

Well what a good idea I knew it was good for cleaning but never used it for the sink, but I shall now, thank you

Re: Baking soda

Mups, the names are confusing even when you know the difference!

Think of it this way...

Baking powder sounds like flour = baking only

Baking soda (bicarbonate of soda/bicarb has a million different uses from cleaning to health.
My mum used to mix about a third of a teasp of it in a little water and drink this several times a day if she thought she had a cold coming, swore it worked!!
You can buy the soda in crystals and heap them over the plug hole of the kitchen sink and pour boiling water over to cleanse it

Re: Baking soda

erm ... they look very similar to me and my bag of bicarb can easily be confused with my bag of salt