Elements present in baking powder
The Elements present in baking powder are:
- Sodium
- Hydrogen
- Carbon
- Oxygen
There are four elements present in Baking Powder. The Baking Powder is chemically called Sodium Bicarbonate and its IUPAC name is Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate.
Baking powder formula
Its chemical formula is NaHCO₃.
Uses
- Used for Baking, to increase the volume and lighten the texture of baked goods.
- Acts as a raising agent in Cakes, Bread and Biscuits
Baking Powder
Baking powder is a dry chemical leavening agent. It is a mix of carbonate or bicarbonate and a weak acid. The reaction between the Acid and base present in the Baking Powder is prevented by including a buffer such as cornstarch.
Working on Baking Powder
As mentioned earlier, Baking Powder is used to lighten the texture and increase the volume of baked goods. this is done by relating carbon dioxide to the dough or batter by the acid-base reaction.
This acid-base reaction causes bubbles in the batter or dough, makes them expand and leaves the mixture. It even releases carbon dioxide at room temperature as soon as it is dampened (To make something a litter wet).
Baking Powder vs Yeast
Baking powder and Yeast, both of them do the same job. But Baking power is used in some end products where the fermentation flavours are undesirable.
Also to speed up the production of baked goods. This is because the carbon dioxide is released at a quicker rate than through the fermentation of yeast. After the introduction of baking soda into the market, it revolutionized by reducing the time and labour involved in Baking.
Also, it led to the creation of new food products such as Cakes, biscuits, Cookies etc.
