You have probably heard of baking powder widely on many YouTube videos of cooking or baking. You want fluffy pancakes? Use baking powder. You want fluffy breads? Add baking powder. It is even used in making many savoury food items as well. It is a very versatile product which is mostly used in the kitchen but it can serve many other purposes too.
Many times people use baking powder as a substitute for yeast in baking bread. The activation of yeast in bread making itself takes a lot of time (about 2-3 hours) whereas, baking powder is instant, saves time and can do the work in a few minutes. You want a quick batch of biscuits, cookies or even a loaf of banana bread? Use baking powder instead of yeast to get a quickie solution to your baked food cravings.
Chemistry classes in school remind us of the good old days where we used to learn about the mechanism of action of this product and first understood what is baking powder. Little did we know about the multiple uses of this product then! The very first baking powder was called pearlash in the late 1790s. Women made use of the fireplace ashes to make a substance called lye which was then put it boiling water to make a salt which could then be used in baking and get those fluffy bagels. It also eliminated the bitter taste which yeast brought in. Alfred Bird created the first baking powder as his wife was allergic to yeast and eggs. Never knew that love can create miraculous ingredients which are now a staple in most households.
What is baking powder?
Baking powder is called as a leavening agent that makes batter rise and become fluffy. Mixing it in an acidic medium of buttermilk or vinegar activates it and creates bubbles of carbon dioxide (Chemistry, sigh.) The expansion of these bubbles causes the batter to rise. Adding the correct amount is essential in getting that puff. Adding too little can cause unrisen cakes whereas adding too much can cause a bitter taste in the cake. Baking powder becomes inactive when exposed to heat or moisture. To test its effectiveness, add it to a cup of hot water. The effectiveness of baking powder is proportional to the amount of fizzing. You can even make baking powder at home by mixing cream of tartar, baking soda and cornstarch. Also, bonus points for baking powder for it being vegan!
Is baking powder good for health?
Uses of baking powder in kitchen:
1. Spilled oil? Don’t you worry? Just add 3 tbsp. of baking powder with half cup of water and clean it with a cloth before your mumma comes to know.
2. Had an eggy accident? We all know how messy and smelly an egg spill can get. Put 3-4 tbsp. of baking powder over the spill and in about 15 minutes the spill will coagulate making cleaning easier.
3. Make a paste of baking powder in your greasy pots and pans and leave it overnight. Clean it in the morning with a brush and your pan will be as good as new. Baking powder uses are many and can also be used to clean tiles and microwaves.
4. How annoying are clogged sink drains? Pour a cup of baking powder followed by a cup of vinegar through the drain. The fizz will take away the entire clog with it. Add hot water to clear the drain. (Be careful with the hot water in case you have plastic pipes)
The uses of baking powder in cleaning can be a better and an inexpensive option than store bought ones.
Uses of baking powder on skin:
2. Baking powder has the ability to soak up any smell and thus can be used to make a deodorant. Mix coconut oil, baking powder and essential oils and rub this mixture on your underarms to make it sweat and odour free (Sensitivity alert: Do a patch test)
3. It can be used to whiten teeth. Make a paste of baking powder and water and brush it on the teeth gently. Let it sit for 15 mins and rinse it off. It is useful in removing stains.
4. Add baking powder to warm water and soak your tired feet in it for relieving the ache and to soften your heels.
Uses of baking powder in food:
2. Vegan pancakes often become lumpy due to the absence of eggs. Adding baking powder to the pancakes can help them rise.
3. Savoury Indian snacks like dhokla, bhajiya, dosa etc. require the batter to rise. Adding baking powder can make it light and fluffy.
4. Restaurants often add baking powder to their rice to make it shiny and stiff.
5. It can also be used to scrub off wax and grime off vegetables and fruits while washing.
6. It can also be used in chocolate mousse to make it thicker and creamier.
Uses of baking powder on face:
2. Baking powder mixed with vinegar can be used to eliminate dandruff. Apply the mixture to the hair after shampooing and rinse off with cold water.
3. Mix baking powder with water to make a paste. It can be used as a spot treatment for acne and to relieve mosquito bites.
Conclusion:The uses of baking powder are extended beyond cooking and food. These hacks on the uses of baking powder can surely answer your queries on how to use baking powder. Baking powder uses are somewhat very minimal in the kitchen. This can decrease the efficiency of baking powder over time. The uses of baking powder in cleaning are not only effective in utilizing the less active baking powder but also safe to use for pets and babies. They are quick to make, cost friendly, and without any artificial ingredients and heavy fragrances. Baking powder is hence a very versatile product and a must-have in every house.