what is cream of tartar

 

Unveiling the Mystery: A Comprehensive Look at Cream of Tartar

Have you ever encountered "cream of tartar" in a recipe and wondered, "What on earth is that?" Fear not, curious cook! This article dives deep into the fascinating world of cream of tartar, exploring its origins, functions, and how it can elevate your baking adventures.

Not-So-Creamy Chemistry:

Despite its name, cream of tartar isn't a creamy dairy product. It's a white, crystalline powder with a slightly acidic taste, scientifically known as potassium bitartrate. It's a byproduct of the winemaking process. As grape juice ferments, potassium bitartrate precipitates and forms crystals on the insides of casks. These crystals are then collected, purified, and ground into the cream of tartar we know in the kitchen.

A Multi-Talented Marvel:

While cream of tartar might seem like a niche ingredient, it's a surprisingly versatile kitchen companion. Here's a closer look at its key roles in baking:

• Leavening Agent Powerhouse: Cream of tartar is often paired with baking soda to create a double-acting leavening system. When combined with a liquid, the acidic cream of tartar activates the baking soda, causing bubbles of carbon dioxide to form. These bubbles expand during baking, resulting in light and airy baked goods. Think fluffy cakes, delicate cookies, and perfectly risen angel food cake.

• Taming the Gluten Beast: Cream of tartar, when used in combination with baking soda, can help tenderize gluten in some baked goods. This can lead to a slightly chewier texture, particularly in cookies.

• Stabilizing the Sweet Stuff: Cream of tartar shines when it comes to stabilizing egg whites. Adding a pinch of cream of tartar to your egg whites before whisking them helps them reach higher volumes and form stiffer peaks, crucial for creating airy meringues, soufflés, and angel food cake.

• Preventing Crystallization: A touch of cream of tartar can prevent sugar crystallization in certain recipes like simple syrup or candy. This ensures a smooth and syrupy texture.

Beyond Baking Bliss:

While cream of tartar reigns supreme in the baking world, it has some surprising uses beyond the kitchen:

• Natural Cleaning Powerhouse: Cream of tartar's mildly acidic nature makes it a natural cleaning agent. It can be used to clean and polish metal surfaces like copper and aluminum, leaving them sparkling clean.

• DIY Bath Bombs: Cream of tartar can be incorporated into homemade bath bombs for a fizzing effect, adding a fun and relaxing touch to your bath time.

Finding Your Cream of Tartar:

This baking staple is readily available in most grocery stores. Look for it in the baking aisle, typically near baking soda and other leavening agents. Cream of tartar usually comes in small containers, as you only need a small amount for most recipes.

Substituting for Cream of Tartar:

In a pinch, you can sometimes find substitutes for cream of tartar, depending on the recipe's function. Here are a few options:

• Leavening: For recipes using cream of tartar and baking soda, substitute with an equal amount of baking powder (already contains an acidic ingredient). However, this might alter the taste and texture slightly.

• Egg White Stabilization: Lemon juice or vinegar can be used in very small quantities (a few drops) to achieve some stabilization, but the results might not be as dramatic as with cream of tartar.

Tips for Using Cream of Tartar:

• Measure Accurately: A little goes a long way! Too much cream of tartar can leave a metallic aftertaste in your baked goods. Follow recipe measurements carefully.

• Freshness Matters: Like other baking ingredients, cream of tartar can lose potency over time. For optimal results, use cream of tartar within a year of purchasing.

Unlocking Flavorful Possibilities:

Cream of tartar is more than just a mysterious ingredient on a recipe list. It's a versatile baking companion that can elevate your creations from good to great. So, the next time you encounter cream of tartar in a recipe, embrace the adventure! With its unique properties and surprising uses, cream of tartar is sure to become a valuable addition to your baking arsenal.