Impressive Health Benefits and Uses of Cream of Tartar
Gunjan Sooden
October 13, 2022
Gunjan Sooden
October 13, 2022
Cream of tartar is a recipe staple, particularly in baking. However, most people are unaware that mixing cream of tartar and baking soda creates baking powder. Cream of tartar is a must-add to many baking recipes, like meringue or a souffle, because it stops sugar crystals from binding together. In addition, it can last an indefinite time when stored in air-tight jars away from heat and light. For culinary purposes, use a minimal amount of cream of tartar in baking goods and preparing desserts. There are more uses for cream of tartar than being a baking ingredient. It is a highly beneficial natural remedy for several ailments. For example, mixing half a teaspoon of organic cream of tartar with a glass of lukewarm water is the best way to lower blood pressure and tackle potassium deficiency.
Is cream of tartar really a cream?
First and foremost, it isn’t creamy. It’s a dry, powdery, acidic residue of grape fermentation. Potassium bitartrate, also known as potassium hydrogen tartrate or tartaric acid, is its scientific name (hence the commercial name). However, it’s labelled as plain ol’ cream of tartar in the spice section.
According to USDA, every 100g of cream of tartar contains the following nutrients.
Chemically, the cream of tartar is potassium bitartrate or potassium hydrogen tartrate. It is a derivative of tartaric acid. Hence, the name cream of tartar. The above nutritional facts reveal that cream of tartar isn’t specifically rich in any essential nutrient element. However, the excess presence of sodium proves the chemical reaction that occurs when the cream of tartar comes in contact with any liquid. This way, carbon dioxide gas is produced.
Cream of tartar is a byproduct of wine brewing as it crystallises out of the skin of grapes and wine. The cream of tartar is a powder form of tartaric acid. Therefore, it shows an acidic profile similar to lemon or vinegar. For example, the pH value of cream of tartar is about 3.557.
Potassium bitartrate or cream of tartar has some unique health benefits other than being a baking ingredient. Here’s a list of a few astonishing things cream of tartar can do for your health.
Migraine headaches are unbearable and annoying. However, you can get some help from the cream of tartar to reduce these headaches. You can drink half a teaspoon of cream of tartar in one glass of water and feel the difference. Cream of tartar is rich in potassium, and this element can reduce migraine. In addition, it acts as a buffer that controls acid-alkaline levels and boosts antioxidants in the body. It reduces the triggers of migraine.
Almost every other individual on this planet has experienced the pain of acidity and nausea. Cream of tartar consumption significantly lowers the hyper acidic pH of the stomach. This way, it helps properly digest food and prevents regurgitation.
No one would have thought that a remnant product of the winemaking process beholds such essential benefits. Cream of tartar is rich in potassium levels. Potassium is a crucial element that works in sync with the kidneys. Kidneys work more effectively when potassium levels are well-maintained in the body. Thus, if you are always getting infected with Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney disorders, then the cream of tartar might help you! Drinking one glass of warm water with a pinch of cream of tartar in it reduces the burning sensation and irritation caused due to malfunctioning kidneys or UTI bacteria.
Arthritis can be an extremely gruelling experience for many adults and senior citizens. The inflammation in the joints feels extremely painful when you consistently use your joints. Although there isn’t a permanent cure for arthritis, there are two home remedies you can try!
To make cream of tartar bath bombs, you will need the following ingredients:
In a bowl, add 50 g baking soda and 50 g cream of tartar. With a small hand whisk, mix it nicely. Add 50 g Epsom salt and mix thoroughly. Once mixing all the dry ingredients is accomplished, you can create portions of this mix. This way, you can make bath bombs of different flavours and colours. Add essential oils according to your preferences in all the mixtures. Once the dry ingredients and essential oils are combined, they should hold a shape when pressed between the palms. At this stage, add food colourings of your likeability to these bath bomb mixtures. You can add dried flower petals, leaves, fruit skins, etc., to make them aesthetically pleasing. Create bath bombs using circular bath bomb moulds and store them in an air-tight jar. Using these bath bombs will help you reduce the swelling around your joints.
This recipe got discovered in the 1990s. It claims consuming this drink will help you lessen the pain of arthritis. Here’s how you can prepare this drink:
Every time you feel a burning sensation in your upper thorax, it is majorly a sign of heartburn. Heartburn is due to improper functioning of the digestive system that may lead to regurgitation of acid from the stomach towards the chest. It is a painful experience, and everyone wishes to get rid of it quickly. So here’s what you can do! Mixing ½ tsp cream of tartar with ½ tsp baking soda in a glass of water and drinking it will fade the heartburn. The cream of tartar contains antioxidants that can fight against oxidative stress and acid reflux responsible for heartburn. And there is considerable research on how antioxidants work as a defence mechanism against oxidative stress.
Severe acne for prolonged periods is painful and disheartening. To cure persistent acne, you might have tried dozens of home remedies. However, this remedy of cream of tartar will bring you results faster than any other remedy. If you add 1 tsp of cream of tartar to a cup of water/juice/tea/coffee and drink it, you will soon get rid of acne. It is because cream of tartar aids in good digestion. A healthy gut is a key to healthy skin.
The cream of tartar detox properties keeps the skin acne-free. In addition, the anti-bacterial property of the organic cream of tartar fights against acne-causing bacteria occurring due to pollution, oil, and dirt. Further, a study shows that taking dietary antioxidants through the cream of tartar, grapes, and mulberries can prevent acne vulgaris.
Although cream of tartar has surplus health benefits, it can be toxic at the same time if consumed excessively. Moreover, there are certain myths associated with eating cream of tartar. These myths include:
There’s a myth bustling around that cream of tartar helps to quit smoking. It says that drinking orange juice with a pinch of cream of tartar in it helps flush out nicotine from your body. But unfortunately, no scientific data or research proves that a cream of tartar flushes out nicotine from your body. Moreover, eating excessive cream of tartar can prove to be toxic.
Studies claim that regular eating of cream of tartar severely affects your gut pH. It makes the gut pH hyper alkaline and stimulates more acid production. Hyperkalemia is a severe condition that may prove fatal as well. Higher potassium content in blood will also lead to the weakening of leg muscles and cause tremors. In addition, excess alkaline pH in the stomach can make you feel nauseous and uneasy.
Cream of tartar may reduce the chances of UT infections. But, excess potassium levels in the blood put kidneys under pressure. It is because potassium is a potent diuretic. Therefore, an increase in potassium levels leads to a rise in the diuretic action of the kidneys, which is harmful.
Keep your kitchen drains clean and running smoothly by pouring down a 4:1 ratio of baking soda to the cream of tartar. The bubbling action of this mixture removes rust stains and keeps your kitchen clean. Other uses of cream of tartar are:
The industrial manufacturing process of winemaking leads to the formation of cream of tartar. Therefore, it is impossible to generate the same at your home. However, there are substitutes for the same. Below are some alternatives for the cream of tartar in baking.
Cream of tartar is exquisitely a magical ingredient if you talk about the food industry. Here are some quick and easy recipes to try with cream of tartar:
Servings: 8
Cooking time: 2 hour
Servings: 12 biscuits
Cooking time: 30 min
It’s critical to ensure that the Cream of Tartar you purchase and use is non-GMO and non-irradiated.
Cream of tartar or potassium bitartrate is one of the secret ingredients in baking to level up the baking game. However, you can effortlessly mask the absence of cream of tartar by using ingredients like lemon juice, white vinegar, and baking powder. Cream of tartar doesn’t spoil, and it shouldn’t expire either when kept dry in a sealed container. Besides playing a significant role in baking, cream of tartar offers certain health benefits. You can use the cream of tartar as an effective home remedy to treat minor cases like acne and headaches. However, eat or use the cream of tartar in moderation.
A. Cream of tartar isn’t the same thing as baking soda. Baking soda is alkaline, whereas, on the contrary, cream of tartar is acidic. Both are combined and used in the formulation of baking powder. While the cream of tartar is potassium bitartrate, baking soda is potassium bicarbonate.
A. Yes, you can use baking powder as a substitute because it has baking soda and cream of tartar. Thus, baking powder can replace the use of these two ingredients individually.
A. It is not possible to prepare the same cream of tartar that you get at the market at home. It is because initially, cream of tartar comes from the remnants of the winemaking process. However, there are specific alternatives to it. One way is to mix lemon juice with vinegar. You can get a similar formulation by mixing buttermilk or curd with vinegar.
A. No, cornstarch and cream of tartar serve completely different functions. Cornstarch helps add crispness to your food and suits best for savoury items. However, cream of tartar is a baking ingredient. Thus, you cannot substitute cornstarch for cream of tartar.
A. A chemical reaction occurs, which leads to the formation of carbon dioxide gas. This gas forms as tiny bubbles in your liquid preparation. These bubbles help your batter to fluff evenly while baking.
A. Although you won’t get the exact consistency, there are certain substitutes for the cream of tartar. Lemon juice with vinegar, curd with vinegar, and baking powder with curd are some easy substitutes for the cream of tartar.
A. No, they are not the same thing as baking soda consists of sodium carbonate only. Therefore, it needs to get activated in the presence of a liquid and acidic source to be helpful. On the other hand, baking powder is sodium carbonate along with acid. Thus, baking powder can be activated quickly by coming in contact with a liquid.
A. Cream of tartar serves multiple purposes. You can add it to egg whites to make them fluffier. You can also use cream of tartar as a leavening agent in baking. Cream of tartar is good for baking spongy and soft cakes or bread.
Q. Can you substitute cream of tartar in macarons?
A. Yes, you can substitute cream of tartar in macarons. Instead, you can opt for lemon juice and vinegar mix and get similar results.
Q. How do you use cream of tartar in a cake?
A. Cream of tartar can be used while baking sponge cakes. They help produce perfect soft meringue as they stabilise the egg whites quickly.