Why You Should Start Baking Your Baking Soda

Baking your baking soda might initially sound unnecessary, but there are compelling reasons to consider this simple process. Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a common ingredient in many recipes, known for its leavening properties. However, when you bake baking soda, you transform it into sodium carbonate, which is more alkaline. This change enhances its effectiveness in certain culinary and cleaning applications. For instance, in cooking, baked baking soda is often used to achieve a specific texture in foods like ramen noodles, giving them a chewier consistency. It's also useful in recipes that require a strong alkaline environment to enhance browning, such as pretzels or certain cookies. Beyond the kitchen, baked baking soda has additional applications. Its increased alkalinity makes it an excellent cleaning agent, capable of breaking down grease and grime more efficiently than its unbaked counterpart. This versatility can be particularly beneficial in tough cleaning tasks around the home. The process of baking is simple: spread the baking soda on a baking sheet and heat it in the oven at a low temperature for about an hour. By incorporating baked baking soda into your pantry, you can expand your culinary and cleaning repertoire with minimal effort.