What is baking powder?
Q: What is baking powder?
A: Baking powder is a dry chemical leavening agent used to make baked foods lighter and less dense.
Q: How does baking powder work?
A: Baking powder works by making a reaction between an acid and a base, producing carbon dioxide bubbles that make the mixture light.
Q: Who invented baking powder?
A: Baking powder was invented by the English chemist Alfred Bird in 1843.
Q: Why is baking powder used instead of yeast?
A: Baking powder is used when the food should not taste of yeast, or when the mixture is not elastic enough to hold bubbles for very long.
Q: Do all baking powders have the same ingredients?
A: No, most baking powders are made up of an alkaline (usually baking soda), one or two acid salts, and a starch (cornstarch or sometimes potato starch).
Q: What are quick breads?
A: Breads made with baking powder are called quick breads because carbon dioxide is made faster than yeast.
Q: Who invented self-rising flour?
A: Henry Jones invented self-rising flour in 1845.
