I've had the same cans of baking powder and container of baking soda in my cupboard for a couple of years. Now, I want to bake cookies, so I'm wondering if they loose their ability to make cookies rise or not.
2006-12-12 15:22:26 · 7 answers · asked by nb 1 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
baking powder typically has an expiration date.
If it's double acting baking power, you can take a little spoonful and put it in a little water. If it's good it should fizz up quickly. If the powder just sort of sits there, it's time to get another container.
The baking soda should be okay. put a little in vinegar. That should bubble vigorously. If not, get another box.
It's probably a safe assumption that it's time to get a new boxes of baking powder and baking soda.
2006-12-12 15:35:38 · answer #1 · answered by lots_of_laughs 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baking powder is a dry bond of an acid and a base, when you add water it reacts and after a short time does nothing. This is why it is kept in an air tight container, the moisture in the air will cause the two bonds to react to eachother and over time they will not react when you want them to. This means that baking powder goes bad quickly, I suggest checking it every six months with a little water to check it still produces gasses. Baking powder also goes bad when exposed to air, mostly because it takes on the aroma of where you keep it, and also because the air does contain acids that will react with the base (baking soda). You should unfortunately taste the soda before use to make sure it doesn't taste completely repulsive, and as a second test throw some vinegar in with a little in a bowl to make sure the reaction is still there(this should bubble up).
2006-12-12 23:55:29 · answer #2 · answered by greengirl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Baking soda loses its effectiveness after about 6 months, whereas baking powder as a rule of thumb lasts about a year.
2006-12-12 23:38:04 · answer #3 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
On both boxes their should be an expiration date on them. On the box for the baking soda its on top, but on the baking powder its usually at the bottom. I don't know if that helps any I hope it does
2006-12-12 23:31:47 · answer #4 · answered by froggy070386 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I replace my baking powder and soda every six months. I write the date I buy them on the container in sharpie marker so I know when it's time to toss them.
2006-12-13 02:07:26 · answer #5 · answered by heart o' gold 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes! just like spices, you should probably replace your baking soda and baking powder about every six months or so if you don't use them often.
2006-12-12 23:43:13 · answer #6 · answered by Freespiritseeker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sure that they do, but it would take wuite a while! I think more than a year or two! Good luck!
2006-12-12 23:24:31 · answer #7 · answered by fatiima 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋