Finding the Best Cream of Tartar to Meet Your Needs
What is Cream of Tartar?
Cream of Tartar, also known as potassium hydrogen tartrate, is a white, acidic powder that is derived from tartaric acid. It is commonly used in baking as a leavening agent, and it can also be used to stabilize whipped cream and meringue.
How to Choose Cream of Tartar
When choosing Cream of Tartar, it is important to consider the following factors:
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Purity: Look for a brand that specifies that their Cream of Tartar is pure, as some brands may be cut with other ingredients such as cornstarch or flour.
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Packaging: Choose a brand that offers a resealable container, as Cream of Tartar can easily absorb moisture and odors from the air.
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Price: Consider the price per ounce when comparing brands, as prices can vary widely. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, so a higher price per ounce doesn't necessarily mean that the product is of higher quality.
Tips for Storing Cream of Tartar
- Store Cream of Tartar in a cool, dry place, away from heat and light.
- To keep it fresh for longer, transfer the Cream of Tartar to an airtight container.
- Avoid storing Cream of Tartar near strong-smelling ingredients, as it can easily absorb odors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing Cream of Tartar requires considering factors such as purity, packaging, and price. By following these tips and using high-quality Cream of Tartar, you can ensure that your baked goods will rise properly and have the perfect texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is cream of tartar mainly used for?
Cream of tartar is commonly used in baking to stabilize whipped egg whites in meringues and cakes, prevent sugar crystallization in candies and caramel, and act as an activating ingredient in baking powder.
2. Is cream of tartar just baking soda?
No, cream of tartar and baking soda are different ingredients. Cream of tartar is a white powder used for stabilizing egg whites and preventing sugar crystallization. Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a leavening agent that reacts with acids in recipes.
3. Why use cream of tartar in fudge?
Cream of tartar is used in fudge and caramel sauces to prevent sugar crystallization during cooking. It also helps prevent cooling sugars from forming brittle crystals, making it a secret ingredient in recipes like snickerdoodles.
4. Why do you put cream of tartar in egg whites?
Cream of tartar is added to whipped egg whites to provide support and stabilize the foam. It acts as a weak acid, lowering the pH and increasing the stability of the foam.
5. What is the difference between cream of tartar and baking soda?
Cream of tartar is tartaric acid, while baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. Cream of tartar is a byproduct of the wine industry and is used in baking for its stabilizing properties. Baking soda is a leavening agent that reacts with acids in recipes.
6. Are cream of tartar and baking powder the same?
No, cream of tartar and baking powder are not the same. Baking powder is made from cream of tartar and baking soda. You can substitute 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder for every 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
7. What are the functions of cream of tartar in a recipe?
Cream of tartar has multiple functions in recipes, including stabilizing egg whites, preventing sugar crystals in candy-making, adding loft to baked goods, adding tang to snickerdoodles, making fluffier whipped cream, retaining color in steamed and boiled vegetables, replacing buttermilk, and making homemade playdough.
8. What does cream of tartar do to taste?
Cream of tartar has a tinny, metallic taste that is most noticeable in snickerdoodle cookies. It is used as a leavener in baked goods and can help vegetables maintain their color when blanched.
Editor's Notes
During our cream of tartar research, we found 25 cream of tartar products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 66,906 customer reviews through our big data system to write the cream of tartar list. We found that most customers choose cream of tartar with an average price of $11.06.
The cream of tartar are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of cream of tartar, including Happy Belly, Herbaila, Badia, McCormick Culinary, Tone's. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!