Where Is Cream of Tartar in the Grocery Store?
Cream of tartar, a seemingly obscure baking ingredient, often hides in plain sight. Generally, you’ll find cream of tartar in the spice aisle, usually near other baking ingredients like baking soda, baking powder, vanilla extract, and food coloring. Sometimes, it might be located within the baking aisle itself, near the flour and sugar.
Decoding Cream of Tartar’s Grocery Store Hideout
Finding cream of tartar in a grocery store can sometimes feel like a scavenger hunt. This guide will help you navigate the aisles with ease and understand why this ingredient is so important in baking and cooking.
What Exactly Is Cream of Tartar?
Cream of tartar, scientifically known as potassium bitartrate, is a byproduct of winemaking. It’s the sediment that forms inside wine barrels during fermentation. This sediment is then purified, processed, and ground into a fine, white powder.
The Culinary Powerhouse: Uses and Benefits
Despite its somewhat mysterious origins, cream of tartar is a versatile ingredient with many uses in the kitchen.
Stabilizing Egg Whites: Perhaps its most well-known use is stabilizing egg whites when making meringues, soufflés, or angel food cakes. It helps prevent the egg whites from collapsing and creates a lighter, airier texture.
Preventing Sugar Crystallization: Cream of tartar can be added to sugar syrups and candies to prevent unwanted crystallization, resulting in a smoother, creamier consistency.
Activating Baking Powder: It’s a key ingredient in homemade baking powder. When combined with baking soda, it creates a leavening agent that helps baked goods rise.
Softening Cake and Cookie Textures: A small amount of cream of tartar can help tenderize cakes and cookies, creating a more delicate crumb.
Reducing Vegetable Discoloration: Adding a pinch to boiling water can help prevent vegetables like cauliflower and potatoes from discoloring during cooking.
Decoding the Aisle: Where to Start Your Search
As mentioned previously, the spice aisle is your best bet. However, here’s a breakdown to help you narrow your search:
Look for Baking-Specific Sections: Within the spice aisle, look for sections dedicated to baking ingredients. These are usually grouped together.
Scan for Familiar Brands: Popular spice brands often carry cream of tartar. Familiarize yourself with common brands in your local grocery store.
Consider the Baking Aisle: If you can’t find it in the spice aisle, check the baking aisle. It may be stocked near the flour, sugar, and other dry baking ingredients.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common pitfalls when searching for cream of tartar:
Assuming it’s Only in the Spice Aisle: While it’s the most common location, don’t limit your search. Check the baking aisle too.
Overlooking the Bottom Shelf: Sometimes, less popular items are placed on the lower shelves. Don’t forget to scan these areas.
Confusing it with Baking Powder: While related, baking powder contains both cream of tartar and baking soda. Cream of tartar is pure potassium bitartrate.
A Table Comparing Cream of Tartar and Baking Powder
| Feature | Cream of Tartar (Potassium Bitartrate) | Baking Powder |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Pure potassium bitartrate | Cream of tartar, baking soda, drying agent |
| Leavening Action | Requires baking soda to create leavening | Self-contained leavening agent |
| Primary Use | Stabilizing egg whites, preventing crystallization, activating baking soda | Leavening agent for baked goods |
What to Do if You Still Can’t Find It
Ask a Store Employee: This is often the quickest and most effective solution.
Check Online Retailers: If you can’t find it in-store, online retailers like Amazon usually carry a wide variety of cream of tartar products.
Consider a Substitute: While not ideal, there are some substitutes for cream of tartar, such as lemon juice or white vinegar, though they may affect the flavor and texture of your recipe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can cream of tartar expire?
While cream of tartar doesn’t truly expire, it can lose potency over time. It’s best to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. You should replace it if it no longer produces the desired results in your recipes.
Is cream of tartar the same as tartar sauce?
No, cream of tartar is completely different from tartar sauce. Tartar sauce is a condiment made with mayonnaise, pickles, and other ingredients. Cream of tartar is a dry, acidic powder used in baking.
Can I make my own cream of tartar?
No, you cannot make cream of tartar at home. It’s a byproduct of winemaking and requires specific industrial processes to extract and purify it.
What can I use as a substitute for cream of tartar?
Lemon juice or white vinegar can be used as substitutes, though they may slightly alter the flavor and texture of your recipe. Use half the amount of substitute as you would cream of tartar. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar, use ½ teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar.
Is cream of tartar safe to consume?
Yes, cream of tartar is generally considered safe to consume in the small amounts typically used in baking and cooking.
Does cream of tartar have any nutritional value?
Cream of tartar has minimal nutritional value. It’s primarily used for its chemical properties in baking rather than as a source of vitamins or minerals.
Can I use cream of tartar in savory dishes?
While less common, cream of tartar can be used in some savory dishes to help stabilize sauces or prevent discoloration of vegetables.
How should I store cream of tartar?
Store cream of tartar in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. This will help preserve its potency.
Can cream of tartar help with cleaning?
Yes, cream of tartar can be used as a natural cleaning agent. It can be mixed with water to form a paste for cleaning metal surfaces, removing stains, and polishing.
Why does cream of tartar stabilize egg whites?
Cream of tartar helps to denature the proteins in egg whites, making them more stable and allowing them to hold air for a longer period. This results in a lighter, fluffier meringue or soufflé.
Is cream of tartar gluten-free?
Yes, cream of tartar is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable ingredient for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
What is the chemical formula for cream of tartar?
The chemical formula for cream of tartar, or potassium bitartrate, is KC4H5O6.