What is Cream of Tartar? Where to Buy and How to Use It?

Introducing a baker's secret weapon - an ingredient that is not only a game-changer in the baking industry but also boasts an incredible additional benefit.

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Let’s learn more about cream of tartar. Join us as we explore this fascinating ingredient!

1 What is Cream of Tartar?

Cream of Tartar, also known as “wine diamonds,” is a fine white powder used as a baking additive. It is odorless, has a slightly acidic taste, and its chemical composition is KC4H5O6, a product of tartaric acid reacting with compounds of potassium, which is found in grapes.

What is Cream of Tartar?

This powder is a byproduct of the wine-making process and can be found in wine cellars, on corks, and in old wine barrels.

It’s important to note that Cream of Tartar is not a leavening agent itself, but rather an aid in the leavening process.

2 Where to Buy Cream of Tartar?

Despite its unfamiliar name, Cream of Tartar is readily available at baking supply stores and supermarkets nationwide. You can choose from two price points to suit your budget:

The 25-gram box of Cream of Tartar costs approximately: 11,000 VND.

While the 42-gram box costs approximately: 98,000 VND.

Where to Buy Cream of Tartar?

3 Uses of Cream of Tartar

Cream of Tartar has numerous useful applications in cooking, especially in baking.

It helps stabilize whipped egg whites, preventing them from collapsing, and also prevents sugar from crystallizing when making syrups.

What are the Uses of Cream of Tartar?

Additionally, it can be combined with baking soda to make baking powder and is excellent for stabilizing whipped cream.

4 Can Cream of Tartar be Substituted?

Yes, it can be substituted! If you don’t have access to Cream of Tartar, you can use lemon juice and a pinch of salt as a replacement in simpler cakes that require less mixing, like chiffon cakes.

The substitution ratio is 3 grams of Cream of Tartar to 6 milliliters of lemon juice.

Can Cream of Tartar be Substituted?

However, for more intricate cakes like macarons and meringues, it is best to use Cream of Tartar as lemon juice can cause the delicate structure of these desserts to collapse.

5 How to Store Cream of Tartar

Storing Cream of Tartar is simple and similar to storing other powders. Keep it in an airtight glass jar or plastic container. If you buy in bulk, divide it into smaller portions and store them in the refrigerator to extend its shelf life.

How to Store Cream of Tartar

Now you know all about Cream of Tartar! We hope this knowledge will help you create delicious baked goods and enhance your culinary creations.

Frequently asked questions

Cream of tartar is a fine, white powder used as a cooking and baking ingredient. It is made from tartaric acid, which is a natural byproduct of the wine-making process.

You can find cream of tartar in most grocery stores, usually in the baking aisle. It is commonly sold in small containers or packets, and you can also purchase it online from specialty food stores or retailers like Amazon.

Cream of tartar is often used as a stabilizer and leavening agent in recipes. It is added to beaten egg whites to create a meringue with a light, fluffy texture. This is commonly used in desserts such as pavlova or angel food cake. It can also be combined with baking soda to create a homemade baking powder, adding leavening to baked goods.

If you don’t have cream of tartar on hand, there are a few substitutes you can use. Lemon juice or white vinegar can be used in place of cream of tartar when making meringue, providing the necessary acidity. You can also use baking powder as a substitute when a recipe calls for both cream of tartar and baking soda; simply use the specified amount of baking powder and omit the other two ingredients.

Aside from its role in baking, cream of tartar has a variety of other uses. It can be added to boiling water when cooking vegetables to help retain their color and texture. It is also a key ingredient in making play dough, as it prevents the dough from sticking to hands and surfaces. Additionally, cream of tartar can be used for household cleaning; mix it with water to create a natural, non-toxic cleaner for surfaces like stainless steel or porcelain.