Cream of tartar, or potassium bitartrate, is a natural byproduct of winemaking, so it’s actually been around since ancient times. The refined form we use today has several applications in baking, makes an excellent cleaner, and hasmany other household uses.
In order to make the most of your bottle of cream of tartar, you’ll need a better understanding of what it is, where it comes from, and what effect is has when used in different applications. Luckily, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cream of tartar in this post!
What Is Cream Of Tartar?
Cream of tartar begins with tartaric acid, natural crystalline acids that form on the walls of wine vats during the fermentation process.Grapes are a natural source of tartaric acid, and once those acids have crystallized, they can be ground into a powder and used to make cream of tartar.
But tartaric acid isn’t the only ingredient in cream of tartar — it also contains potassium hydroxide, which lowers the acidity of the final product so it’s easier to use. (After all, it’s much easier to use 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar in a recipe than a tiny fraction of that amount!)
Because cream of tartar makes use of a byproduct that would otherwise be discarded, it’s a more sustainable product than many other pantry staples. It’s also completely natural and vegan, too.
Is Cream Of Tartar Safe To Eat?
In small amounts, likethose used in typical baking recipes, cream of tartar is perfectly safe to eat. Consuming a small amount of cream of tartar by itself can have a laxative effect, but too much can push your potassium level beyond where it should be.
Because cream of tartar comes from grapes, it can be toxic to dogs. So keep your cream of tartar out of your dog’s reach, and if you use it to deter ants, be sure to keep pets away from the area.
Where Can I Buy Cream Of Tartar (And Why Is It So Expensive)?
The tartaric acid crystals that go into cream of tartar are sometimes called “wine diamonds” because of their value and scarcity. That makes cream of tartar more expensive than baking supplies likebaking soda and baking powder. Luckily, cream of tartar is one of those foods that never go bad or expire, so once you’ve bought a bottle, you shouldn’t need to buy another for a long,long time.
You can find cream of tartar alongside the spices and seasonings in most grocery stores. You can also buy cream of tartar online — a 4-ounce bottle of Watkins Cream of Tartar is just $5.99 on Amazon.
Using Cream Of Tartar In Baking
The stabilizing effect of cream of tartar makes it highly useful in baking. Just a pinch of cream of tartar can stabilize egg whites — even at high temperatures — in meringues, angel food cakes, and other creations. It’s also effective as an anti-caking agent.
Cream of tartar is also what turns baking soda into baking powder. When introduced to liquid, the acidic cream of tartar reacts with the baking soda and produces carbon dioxide that will leaven baked goods. You can actually make your own baking powder at home by combining baking soda and cream of tartar.
Cream of tartar can also prevent sugar crystals from forming, making it a useful addition to syrups and icing. When used in cookie recipes, it adds a tangy flavor and chewy texture, which is why some snickerdoodle cookie recipes call for cream of tartar.
Cream Of Tartar Substitutes
You can use lemon juice, white vinegar, and a variety of other ingredients as a substitute for cream of tartar in a pinch, but some of these substitutions will be easier or more effective than others. Substituting another ingredient for cream of tartar often involves changing the amount of liquid in the recipe, which may effect the outcome of the recipe in general.
Other Uses For Cream Of Tartar
The acidity of cream of tartar makes it a great natural cleaner, and you can use cream of tartar for a variety of cleaning tasks around the house, including removing rust, polishing stainless steel, and treating laundry stains.Cream of tartar is often used in recipes for homemade play-dough, and it can also help prevent your whipped cream from deflating.
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You can also use cream of tartar to make a delicious low-carb gluten-free cloud breador homemade American Cheese, or even use it for a quick toilet bowl clean-up. All things considered, cream of tartar might just be one of the most versatile ingredients in your pantry!
How do you use cream of tartar around the house?
