What baking powder contains?

Baking powder is a leavening agent that is commonly used in baking. It contains the following ingredients:

1. Acid: This can be any of the following:

* Cream of tartar: (potassium bitartrate)

* Monocalcium phosphate: (MCP)

* Sodium acid pyrophosphate: (SAPP)

2. Base: This is typically:

* Baking soda: (sodium bicarbonate)

3. Filler: This is used to prevent clumping and keep the mixture dry:

* Cornstarch: or other starches

How it Works:

When baking powder is mixed with wet ingredients, the acid and base react, producing carbon dioxide gas bubbles. These bubbles become trapped in the batter, causing it to rise and become light and airy. The type of acid used in the baking powder will determine the rate at which the reaction occurs, resulting in different baking properties.

Types of Baking Powder:

* Single-acting: Contains only one acid and reacts when mixed with liquid.

* Double-acting: Contains two acids. One reacts when mixed with liquid, and the other reacts when exposed to heat during baking.

It's important to note that baking powder is a chemical leavening agent, meaning it relies on a chemical reaction to produce leavening. This is different from biological leavening agents like yeast, which rely on living organisms to produce carbon dioxide.