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Letter Re: DIY Baking Powder Solves a Shelf Life Dilemma
James:
Regarding storing baking powder. Reader LCHS wrote:
• Baking Powder does not have a long shelf life and will let you down
if it’s old or improperly stored, but some things cannot be made
without it.
• Baking Soda has multiple uses; besides the original anti-acid and
an ingredient in toothpaste, adding some to the filling of pies will cut
the need
for sugar as it cuts the acidity. It cannot, however, be substituted
for Baking Powder.
This suggests that availability could be a problem post TSHTF. A quick web-searching
expedition confirms that Baking Powder does not, as LCHS states, store well.
However, it can be made on demand with the following recipe found at the
Frugal Living web site:
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons cream of tartar
• 1 teaspoon corn starch (optional)
A little more research suggests that if baking soda and cream of tartar are put
up individually that they will store "indefinitely".
I am not a chef or student of the culinary arts, nor have I played one on television.
I do enjoy problem solving though and would enjoy reading if others have practical
experience with making their own. - Robert W.
JWR Replies: Thanks for that valuable information. OBTW,
SurvivalBlog reader PWO sent us a link with a bit more detail on making
your own baking powder, from Wise Geek.com.
