Friday, December 18, 2009

What is Cream of Tartar and how long does it keep on the spice shelf?

I think I pretty much know what kinds of recipes it's used in (lemon pie, etc., if not WHY it's used. I'm asking what is it actually made of - and thus how long will it be active to do whatever the heck it does in the recipes that call for it.What is Cream of Tartar and how long does it keep on the spice shelf?
Before baking soda and baking powder were available, how did cooks keep their baked goods from being heavy? They frequently used cream of tartar.





Cream of tartar is the common name for potassium hydrogen tartrate and is essentially an acidic salt. It is manufactured by mixing potassium hydroxide with tartaric acid.





For centuries it has been formed from the sediment left over in barrels after the winemaking process. (An impure form, called tartar or argol, forms naturally during the fermentation of grape juice into wine and crystallizes in the wine casks.) Thus, cream of tartar has been around for a long time.





Cream of tartar is found in some baking powder, and is often used to help stabilize egg whites, or to produce creamy frostings and candy.





If a cook is out of baking powder, he can substitute cream of tartar and baking soda, carefully, to mimic the action of baking powder, which is actually formed from these two compounds.





However, homemade baking powder can pack a kick, so it should be substituted with great care. This is how most cooks made their baking powder before it became commercially available.





Cream of tartar is sold in the spices or baking section of most grocery stores. Even a small container will last for some time, since very little cream of tartar is usually needed for the desired results.





White vinegar or lemon juice can be substituted for cream of tartar, but it takes about three times more vinegar than cream of tartar to produce the right amount of acidity.





Cream of tartar also has other household applications. It can be used to clean brass and copper cookware. It is also helpful in removing stains from sinks and bathtubs. Cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide can remove even the most stubborn rust stains, without scratching a delicate surface. Always test the solution in an inconspicuous area first, however, to ensure its suitability for use on that surface.





When kept away from heat and light, the shelf life for cream of tartar is indefinite, making it a better buy. This unassuming baking aid is a useful addition to any kitchen.What is Cream of Tartar and how long does it keep on the spice shelf?
Cream of Tartar (tartaris) frequently is used in baking powder along with baking soda and other trace ingredients. As far as I know it never goes bad. It might get weaker after 5 or 6 years, but not bad. I helps stabilize eggs foams, can reduce discoloration in some cooked vegetables, sugar syrup from crystallizing鈥t鈥檚 an acid salt. Acids seem to last a really long time unless exposed to a base or diluted by water and to a degree and acid can be substituted for any other.
Cream of tartar is baking powder. To check the shelf life of baking powder put a tsp of it in a glass of water, if you see bubbles coming up it is good for use . The efficiency decreases with time , check it by performing the above experiment. Else discard and buy a new pack !

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