Love to make cakes? If so, of course you already know that baking powder is one of the ingredients that are often mixed into various types of cake batter, cookies, ice cream, to meatballs! Unfortunately, the freshness of baking powder doesn't last forever, and when it's expired, the chemical reactions that should have occurred won't be optimal. As a result, the snacks you make will not be able to expand perfectly. If stored properly, baking powder can last for about a year. If the baking powder in your kitchen cupboard has exceeded this time, it's best to check its freshness before mixing it into the batter.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Checking the Freshness of Baking Powder
Step 1. Bring enough water to a boil
First, fill the electric kettle or kettle with tap water until it reaches its minimum line. Even though you only need about 120 ml of hot water to check the freshness of the baking powder, keep filling the kettle or kettle to the minimum so that overheating doesn't risk damaging the kettle or kettle. Then, turn on the kettle or stove, and bring the water to a boil.
Do not use more water than is actually necessary so that the boiler's energy is not wasted heating the excess water
Step 2. Pour some baking powder into a bowl
Add about 1 tsp. into a bowl, glass, or other heat-resistant container. After the water boils, immediately pour it into a bowl of baking powder. That's why, you should use a heat-resistant container that won't break or break when doused with boiling water.
If you want, you can also use the same method to check the freshness of the baking soda
Step 3. Measure and pour the water
After the water boils, immediately pour it into a special measuring cup. Then, very carefully, pour the water in the measuring cup into the bowl of baking powder.
To check the freshness of baking soda, instead of baking powder, add 1 tsp. white vinegar into the boiling water before pouring it into the bowl of baking soda. The acid levels in the vinegar will react when exposed to baking soda, and can activate fresh baking soda
Step 4. Observe the number of bubbles that appear
Baking powder is still fresh and suitable for use if it emits bubbles and a hissing sound when doused with boiling water. The hissing sound itself indicates that the baking powder is still fresh and suitable for use as a developer.
The more bubbles you produce, the fresher your baking powder will be
Part 2 of 3: Making a Substitute for Baking Powder
Step 1. Mix baking soda with cream of tartar
In fact, baking powder is indeed baking soda mixed with dry acid. Therefore, if the baking powder you have is no longer fresh, try mixing in 1 tsp. baking soda with 2 tsp. cream of tartar to make about 1 tbsp. baking powder.
If you need more baking powder, try mixing baking soda and cream of tartar in a ratio of 1:2 and storing the rest in an airtight container
Step 2. Mix baking soda with buttermilk
Another acidic ingredient that can be used to turn baking soda into baking powder is buttermilk. To make it, you only need to mix tsp. baking soda with 120 ml of buttermilk. This alternative option is suitable for use in recipes that do call for buttermilk, such as:
- Pancake
- Muffins
- Biscuits
- Waffles
- Coating flour
- Donuts
Step 3. Mix baking soda with lemon juice or vinegar
Both contain acids that can help activate the baking soda and turn it into baking powder. To make it, you only need to mix tsp. baking soda with 1 tsp. lemon juice or vinegar, which equals 1 tsp. baking powder.
If the baking powder is made using this recipe, don't forget to reduce the portion of the other liquid listed in the recipe by the same amount. For example, if you make 2 tsp. baking powder from a mixture of baking soda and lemon juice, also reduce the amount of milk by 2 tsp
Part 3 of 3: Storing Baking Powder
Step 1. Store the baking powder in an airtight container
If stored properly, baking powder will stay fresh for 18 months or more. For that, don't forget to store baking powder in an airtight container so that it doesn't get exposed to oxygen. Several types of containers are good to use:
- Mason jar or glass jar with a lid
- Glass or plastic containers with lids
- Metal or ceramic cans with lids
Step 2. Increase the shelf life of baking powder by storing it in a dry place
If exposed to moisture, baking powder can clump and reduce its effectiveness. Therefore, do not forget to store baking powder in a dry and cool place, such as on the kitchen counter, cupboard, or other area that is free from moisture. For the same reason, it's best not to store baking powder in a damp basement, under a sink, or in an area prone to dripping or leaking water.
In fact, moist air contains water, yeast, and other elements. All of these elements can change the chemical composition of baking powder. As a result, the higher the moisture level in baking powder, the less effective it will be
Step 3. Place the baking powder container in a cool place
Another way to maximize the shelf life of baking powder is to store it in a place that is not exposed to excessive heat. In particular, excessively hot temperatures can activate baking powder, especially if the developer is not stored in a dry place, such as in an area not near an oven or stove.
