Cream of Tartar: Exploring the Uses and Benefits of the Kitchen Essential

Modified Jul 26, 2023 12:12 GMT

Cream of tartar (Image via Getty Images)

Cream of tartar, a kitchen essential with a fascinating history, has become a beloved ingredient among cooks and bakers across the world. Derived from winemaking, this powdery white substance, scientifically known as potassium bitartrate, has gained popularity for its numerous culinary applications.

It has proven to be incredibly beneficial in cooking, especially for baking. From stabilizing egg whites to preventing sugar crystallization and activating baking soda, cream of tartar plays a vital role in achieving delectable and visually appealing results in various recipes. Its versatility and impact on culinary creations have earned it a well-deserved place in every kitchen pantry.

How Is the Cream of Tartar Made?

Cream of tartar, aka potassium bitartrate, is a valuable byproduct obtained during the winemaking process. Grapes naturally contain tartaric acid, and as wine ferments, this acid crystallizes into sediment within wine barrels.

These crystals, charmingly referred to as wine diamonds, are carefully collected and subjected to a meticulous purification process, ensuring the removal of any impurities. After purification, the crystals are dried and finely ground to create the familiar tartar cream, which is a white powder cherished for its multifunctional role in cooking.

Culinary Uses of Cream of Tartar

Stabilizing egg whites: Tartar cream is a baker's best friend when it comes to stabilizing egg whites. By incorporating a small amount of cream of tartar, egg whites whip up to a stable foam, making it ideal for creating fluffy meringues, soufflés, and airy cakes.

Preventing sugar crystallization: When making syrups, frostings, or candies, adding a pinch of tartar cream can help prevent sugar crystallization. This ensures a smooth and creamy texture in sweet preparations.

Activating baking soda: When combined with baking soda, this cream becomes a leavening agent in baking. The chemical reaction produces carbon dioxide, resulting in light and fluffy baked goods.

Syrups and frostings: Tartar cream also finds its way into recipes for syrups and frostings, adding a touch of tanginess and balancing flavors.

Non-culinary Applications

Cleaning agent: Beyond its use in the kitchen, tartar cream doubles as an effective and natural cleaning agent. It can be used to remove stains and grime from various surfaces around the house.

Playdough recipe ingredient: Parents and teachers often use tartar cream as an essential ingredient in homemade playdough recipes, providing a smooth and pliable texture.

Stain remover: Tartar cream, combined with lemon juice or vinegar, creates a powerful stain-removing paste, suitable for tackling tough stains on fabrics and surfaces.

Health Benefits of Cream of Tartar

Relieving joint pain: Some alternative medicine practitioners suggest that tartar cream mixed with orange juice can help alleviate joint pain.

Detoxifying properties: Tartar cream is believed to possess detoxifying properties, helping the body eliminate toxins and impurities.

Supporting heart health: The potassium content in tartar cream may contribute to heart health by aiding in blood pressure regulation.

Anti-inflammatory benefits: Tartar cream has been associated with anti-inflammatory effects, which may offer relief from certain inflammatory conditions.

Side Effects and Precautions

Although the ingredient is generally safe for consumption in small amounts, excessive intake may lead to digestive issues due to its high acid content.

It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using it for medicinal purposes.

Cream of Tartar vs. Baking Powder

Many people confuse the cream of tartar with baking powder. While both are leavening agents, baking powder is a mixture of tartar cream and baking soda, along with a starch component.

Tartar cream's rich history and diverse range of applications make it a true kitchen essential. From stabilizing egg whites to being a natural cleaning agent and offering potential health benefits, its significance goes beyond the culinary world. So, next time you spot that little jar of tartar cream in your kitchen, you'll know just how versatile and valuable it truly is.

Lastly, to maintain the quality and potency of the ingredient, store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.