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What is Baking Powder? The Magic Ingredient for Baking Success

Sometimes, when you bite into a delicious steamed bun, you may detect a subtle unpleasant odor. Many people assume that the bun has gone bad and is no longer edible. However, the truth behind this odor is the presence of a leavening agent known as baking ammonia or ammonium bicarbonate. So, what exactly is baking ammonia, and what is its purpose in baking?

Administrator

20 July, 2024

1 What is Baking Ammonia?

Baking Ammonia, also known as Ammonium Bicarbonate, is a white, opaque, dry powder with a characteristic pungent odor. It is commonly used in the confectionery industry as a leavening agent to make baked goods rise.

In reality, baking ammonia is still a chemical that can decompose on its own. When heated, it quickly decomposes, eliminating the unpleasant odor.

However, some people take advantage of baking ammonia to create a crisp texture without allowing it to fully decompose. As a result, the compound NH4HCO3 breaks down into NH3, a toxic compound with a pungent odor. If the gas vaporizes, those who consume or handle the food will be poisoned.

Many scientists have advised food manufacturers to use only pure baking ammonia and avoid cheap, unknown sources.

Baking Ammonia

2 Common Uses of Baking Ammonia

Creating Airy and Crispy Baked Goods

Baking ammonia has a similar function to baking powder but performs better if you want airy and fluffy baked goods.

Although it is not as popular as baking soda or baking powder, when used correctly, baking ammonia will make your baked goods puffy and airy without affecting your health.

It is especially useful for fried dough foods like crullers and sesame seed biscuits, as baking ammonia is essential for achieving the desired crispness.

Creating Airy and Crispy Baked Goods

Making Baked Goods Rise Evenly

Baking ammonia is also commonly used in steamed buns, as the high temperature during steaming causes more gas to be released, making the buns rise bigger. This not only makes the buns more visually appealing but also improves profitability for sellers.

Making Baked Goods Rise Evenly

3 Where to Buy Baking Ammonia

As a food additive, baking ammonia can be purchased from specialty baking ingredient stores, dried food stores, or even reputable online retailers in Vietnam.

Various sources for buying baking ammonia

4 How to Store Baking Ammonia

For optimal storage of baking ammonia, it is recommended to:

Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from moisture and insects.
Store it in an airtight food container or vacuum-sealed packaging.

Proper storage of baking ammonia

5 How to Use Baking Ammonia in Baking

Steamed Buns

For every kilogram of flour, use 5-50 grams of baking ammonia, diluted with water at a ratio of 1:5 before mixing with the flour. For steamed buns, it is recommended to steam the buns multiple times to ensure complete decomposition of the baking ammonia. After kneading the dough, avoid leaving it out for too long and steam it promptly.

Baking ammonia is used to make steamed buns

Sesame Seed Biscuits

Baking ammonia is best suited for small-sized baked goods like sesame seed biscuits to ensure complete decomposition of NH3. It should not be used for sponge cakes to prevent residual NH3 in the cake’s structure, which can be harmful to health.

Baking ammonia is ideal for fried and baked goods at high temperatures. If you want to make crispy and airy crullers, baking ammonia is a must. While baking soda or baking powder can be used as substitutes, the results won’t be as good.

Baking ammonia is essential for sesame seed biscuits

When purchasing baking ammonia, opt for reputable sources with clear origins. Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, it can last for up to a year.