SODA TARTARATA Meaning and
Definition
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Soda tartarata refers to a crystalline compound known as sodium hydrogen tartrate or sodium bitartrate, which is commonly used in cooking and baking. The term "soda tartarata" comes from its historical association with the use of sodium carbonate (soda) in the process of extracting the compound from wine-making residues, where it is naturally found in the form of crystals known as "crude tartar."
Chemically, soda tartarata is a white, odorless powder with a slightly acidic taste. It is mainly composed of sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen atoms. This compound is highly soluble in water and its aqueous solution is acidic. It is also soluble in alcohol.
In culinary applications, soda tartarata is primarily used as a leavening agent in baking. It reacts with baking soda to produce carbon dioxide gas, which causes dough or batter to rise, resulting in light and airy pastries, breads, and cakes. The fizzing reaction occurs when the acid in soda tartarata, namely the hydrogen tartrate, reacts with the alkaline nature of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate).
Furthermore, soda tartarata can function as a stabilizer and an acidulant in various food products. It can be added to jams, jellies, and gelatin desserts to enhance their consistency and prolong their shelf life. Additionally, soda tartarata contributes a tangy taste to certain beverages and candies.
Moreover, soda tartarata has been utilized for medical purposes, including as an ingredient in certain toothpastes for its potential teeth whitening properties.
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Tartrated soda, potassii et sodii tartras (U.S.).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SODA TARTARATA
Etymology of SODA TARTARATA
The term "soda tartarata" comes from Italian, where "soda" means "soda" and "tartarata" refers to "tartaric acid". The word has its roots in the chemical process of making baking soda or bicarbonate of soda from tartaric acid. Tartaric acid is derived from grapes, which was traditionally used to produce baking soda. The combination of the words "soda" and "tartarata" describes this specific chemical reaction.
