Definition: Baking soda, or bicarbonate of soda, is a leavening agent used in baked goods like cookies or quick breads. It is used when the dough or batter contains an acidic ingredient, like buttermilk, lemon, brown sugar, sour cream, or yogurt. The soda, or base, combines with the buttermilk, or acid, to produce carbon dioxide and the baked goods expand, or rise. It is an ingredient in baking powder. Make sure not to confuse the two when baking, or your product will be ruined.
Examples:
Sift the baking soda with the flour and salt and add it to the cake batter.
