Sodium bicarbonate is a chemical compound which is also called baking soda. It is white in colour but has a crystalline appearance. It is a salt, appearing as a fine crystal. In cooking, baking soda acts as a leavening agent which causes fermentation in batter. The baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients in the batter and releases carbon dioxide as a result.This causes the dough to expand. Thus baking soda increases the characteristic features of cakes, quick breads and other baked foods.
Baking Process
Baking is the process of preparing food primarily using an oven. The well known baked item is bread. But while preparing cakes, heat gradually transfers from the surface of cakes or pieces of bread to the centre and transforms the prepared batter into baked food items. More people are getting interested in preparing cakes either as a home baker or professional ones. There are several baking classes in Chennai available to take the candidates’ skill to the next level.
Baking is arguably as old as humanity itself. Wheat was cultivated by the first civilizations in recorded history, the Egyptians and Mesopotamians. After learning that wheat kernels could be eaten in a pleasant form by grinding and turning them into flour, then adding water to make a paste that could be baked and consumed, they developed the art and craft of baking bread. Fire and manual labour were essential for the development of primitive baking methods at the time.
No Need For Baking Soda
The baking skills are important as baked food items become important for improving health.
Baking has been done in many places from home to restaurants. When the requirements for baked items become higher, the more automated machines are invented. For people unfamiliar in this field, professional baking courses in Chennai are available which provide training in baking and the equipment used in this process.
Sodium bicarbonate, or baking soda, is generally used as a leavening or raising ingredient in baked goods including muffins, pancakes, cookies, and other fast breads. Baking soda is a basic, or alkaline, chemical. When it’s combined with an acidic ingredient like lemon juice or cream of tartar, carbon dioxide gas is produced, allowing baked goods to expand and rise, resulting in a soft, fluffy texture.
Cake without Baking Soda
It is not compulsory to use baking soda while preparing cake. Many types are available under this. However, the cakes turn out to be delicious. An example is cheesecake which does not require baking soda but is entirely a dairy-based cake. Mug cakes are also another popular option for baking without adding baking soda. However, it is healthier also. Therefore, if the person is strong in what they are making, then there is no need for adding baking soda as some persons find it unhealthier.
When people are interested in preparing more cake recipes, then the usage of baking soda in the right amount will give positive results in health. The best baking classes in Chennai provide classes on how to prepare various recipes on baking such as brownies, cup cakes, tea time cake, cakes in jars and butter scotch pastry.