In order for it to do it’s job of leavening your baked good, it needs an acidic component to react with. On the ph scale, it is considered a base. It is a salt composed of a sodium cation (Na +) and a bicarbonate anion (HCO 3 −).īaking soda, is just plain sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate (IUPAC name: sodium hydrogen carbonate), commonly known as baking soda, is a chemical compound with the formula NaHCO 3. WHAT IS BAKING SODA? Baking Soda Formula:NaHCO3 The leavening process not only raises the baked good, but also makes it more tender and supports browning. Baking powder and baking soda are both chemical leaveners, however they are chemically different.Ĭhemical leavener means that a substance that is mixed into a dough or batter and when baked, a chemical reaction occurs causing the baked goods to rise. Baking powder/Baking soda are two ingredients playing key role in baking.Understanding both of them will definitely make us better bakers.
