Cream of Tartar: What is it, where does it come from and more!

[Weedygarden]

Cream of what now?
Cream of tartar is one of those mystery ingredients you might have seen in your grandma's pantry without knowing what it's used for. After all, its name doesn't give you a clue—not like baking powder or baking soda. Yet just a touch of it makes a big difference in your baking and cooking. Here's what it is and how to use it in recipes, and even around the house. #multitasker
What is cream of tartar?
First of all, it's not creamy. It's a dry, powdery, acidic byproduct of fermenting grapes into wine. Its sciency name is potassium bitartrate, aka potassium hydrogen tartrate or tartaric acid (hence the commercial name). But you can find it in the spice aisle labeled as plain ol' cream of tartar. It is a byproduct of the wine making process.
What is cream of tartar used for?
Adding a small amount of cream of tartar when you're beating egg whites—usually 1/8 teaspoon per egg white—speeds up the creation of foam and helps stabilize the structure of those miniscule air bubbles you're whipping up. In baking, this means mile-high meringue pies, melt-in-your-mouth meringue cookies, and angel food cakes that practically float off the plate.
Why is cream of tartar in snickerdoodle cookies?
It's what separates a tangy, chewy snickerdoodle from an ordinary cinnamon-coated sugar cookie. The acid in cream of tartar gives snickerdoodles their distinctive tangy flavor, and the chew happens because cream of tartar prevents sugar in the cookie dough from crystalizing into crunchiness. Science!
How else is cream of tartar used in recipes?
When combined with baking soda, it becomes a leavening agent (the stuff that makes baked goods puff up in the oven) by producing carbon dioxide gas. If you ever run out of baking powder, you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar for 1 teaspoon baking powder.
Add a pinch of cream of tartar to boiling vegetables to help them retain their bright, fresh color.
A pinch of cream of tartar also helps stabilize whipped cream to prevent it from deflating.
Make colorful, edible play dough!
What can I substitute for cream of tartar?
Use 2 teaspoons lemon juice or vinegar to create the acidic effect of 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar in a recipe.
What is cream of tartar's shelf-life?
Cream of tartar keeps its freshness indefinitely, as long as you store it in a cool, dry spot. When in doubt, you can test it by looking at it and smelling it. It should look white and powdery, and it should smell mildly acidic.
How else is it used around the house?
Cream of tartar makes an effective non-toxic household cleaner all by itself or combined with other earth-friendly kitchen ingredients such as lemon juice or vinegar. Try these ideas:
Metal polish: Add water to make a paste to polish stainless steel and aluminum. This also removes scratches on white bowls and plates caused by knives and forks.
Copper polish: Add lemon juice in a 1:1 mixture. Rub on, rinse off.
Poreclain sink, tub, toilet scrub: Add distilled white vinegar in a 1:1 solution.
All-purpose scrub: Add distilled white vinegar in a 4:1 solution (i.e., 1 cup vinegar to 1/4 cup cream of tartar). This also cleans stainless steel sinks like nobody's business.
Original Origin Unknown
Tami’s Home & Pantry

 

[LadyLocust]

It also works for cleaning kidskin gloves.

 

[Supervisor42]

...And here I always thought it was the key ingredient in "Tartar Sauce", but no, it isn't.

 

[Amish Heart]

I keep it in the event I didn't have baking powder. And for some recipes.

 

[Weedygarden]

I have some and have had it for years. I'm glad to know it is one of those things that really never goes bad unless it gets wet. I had forgotten what it was used for.

 

[Pearl]

I have some and have had it for years. I'm glad to know it is one of those things that really never goes bad unless it gets wet. I had forgotten what it was used for.

Really neat thread Weedy!!

 

[Morgan101]

Who knew? I didn't even know it was available as a powder. The only place I ever used Tartar Sauce was on fish. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Weedygarden]

Who knew? I didn't even know it was available as a powder. The only place I ever used Tartar Sauce was on fish. Thanks for sharing.

Check out the spice section the next time you are in the grocery store. There just might be some in with your spices at home!

 

[zoomzoom]

First of all, it's not creamy. It's a dry, powdery, acidic byproduct of fermenting grapes into wine. Its sciency name is potassium bitartrate, aka potassium hydrogen tartrate or tartaric acid (hence the commercial name). But you can find it in the spice aisle labeled as plain ol' cream of tartar. It is a byproduct of the wine making process.

That's not how it was explained to me.
Tarter is a small animal, similar to a snipe. You need to send someone out to do a "tarter hunt" which is nearly identical to a "snipe hunt".
When the hunter returns, the tarter is ground up into a fine powder or paste and voila, you have cream of tarter.

 

[lilmissy]

Lots of health benefits too
https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/cream-of-tartar.html

 

[Weedygarden]

Lots of health benefits too
https://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/cream-of-tartar.html

Thank you! This article has such good information! If you take any medications or have health concerns, COT might help. It is something that can be in our medical go bags. Printing out the information and adding it to medical binders is also a good idea.

The comments really illustrate how good it is. There is lots of good information and feedback from people who have tried it. It has the affect of making you need to stay close to the bathroom.

When our RR was taking medications, one was furosemide, which is evidently cream of tartar. After she took her meds, she was in and out the door to do her business. She would go out and 10 minutes later need to back out. That is why I started taking her to dog parks so we weren't needing to go in and out.

Cream of tartar, known scientifically as potassium bitartrate or potassium acid tartrate, is more than just a byproduct of winemaking. This versatile substance, forming as crystalline deposits in wine casks, offers a range of uses from culinary to cleaning. As a white, slightly acidic powder, it plays a significant role in baking and household maintenance.

Nutritional Value​

Understanding the nutritional aspects of cream of tartar illuminates its health benefits. One teaspoon (3 grams) provides a mere 8 calories, without any fat, protein, or fiber. However, its standout feature is the high potassium content, with one teaspoon offering 495 milligrams. Potassium is crucial for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels and supporting heart health.

Health Benefits​

Relieves Migraines​

Cream of tartar is traditionally thought to alleviate migraine headaches.

Helps Quit Smoking​

Interestingly, cream of tartar has been suggested to assist in smoking cessation efforts, offering a natural aid for those looking to quit.

Electrolyte Balance​

Due to its high potassium content, cream of tartar is believed to help maintain electrolyte balance in the body, which is vital for nerve function and muscle contraction.

Urinary Tract Health​

Some people use cream of tartar as a home remedy for urinary tract infections (UTIs), believing that it can alter the pH of urine, which may help to flush out bacteria.

Reducing Water Retention​

As a natural diuretic, cream of tartar is sometimes used to reduce water retention by promoting increased urination. This can be helpful in reducing bloating and swelling.

Acne Treatment​

Anecdotal reports suggest that cream of tartar, when mixed with water or lemon juice and applied topically, can help treat acne due to its acidic properties.

Heartburn Relief​

Some individuals use cream of tartar as a home remedy for heartburn, believing its alkaline properties can help neutralize stomach acid.

Nicotine Removal​

In addition to helping with smoking cessation, there is a belief that cream of tartar can help cleanse the body of nicotine.

Joint Pain Relief​

Due to its purported anti-inflammatory properties, cream of tartar is sometimes used in home remedies for relieving joint pain, particularly associated with conditions like arthritis.

Historical Uses​

The historical applications of cream of tartar are diverse and fascinating.

• Medicinal Purposes: It was used as a diuretic and laxative in ancient Greece and Rome. Additionally, it found applications in treating arthritis, heartburn, and acne-prone skin.
• Food Preservation: Dating back to the 18th century, cream of tartar was a key ingredient in preserving food, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria or fungi.
• Cleaning Agent: In the 19th century, it was a popular cleaning agent. Mixed with water to form a paste, it was used to clean brass, copper, and aluminum surfaces.

Potential Side Effects​

Cream of tartar is generally safe when used in cooking or baking in small amounts. However, like many substances, it can have side effects, especially if consumed in large quantities or used improperly. Here are some potential side effects to be aware of:

• Hyperkalemia: Since cream of tartar is high in potassium, consuming it in large amounts can lead to hyperkalemia, a condition characterized by excessively high levels of potassium in the blood. Hyperkalemia can be dangerous and lead to heart problems, including irregular heartbeats and cardiac arrest.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Overconsumption of cream of tartar can lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. This is due to its acidic nature and laxative properties.
• Risk of Heavy Metal Contamination: In some cases, cream of tartar may contain trace amounts of heavy metals like lead, particularly if it's not food-grade or if it's been contaminated during processing. This can pose a health risk, especially with long-term exposure.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some people might experience allergic reactions to cream of tartar. Symptoms can include hives, itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing.
• Interactions with Medications: Cream of tartar can interact with certain medications, particularly those that affect potassium levels in the body (like some heart medications and diuretics). It's important to consult with a healthcare provider before using cream of tartar medicinally if you're on medication.
• Nutrient Imbalances: Excessive use of cream of tartar, especially as a diuretic or for other health purposes, can lead to imbalances in other nutrients, like sodium and chloride.
• Dental Issues: Its acidic nature can potentially erode tooth enamel if used frequently for dental purposes or consumed in large amounts.
• Skin Irritation: When used topically, cream of tartar can sometimes cause skin irritation, especially in people with sensitive skin or when applied in high concentrations.

Conclusion​

Cream of tartar is a multifaceted ingredient, rich in history and applications. While some of its health benefits are anecdotal, its potassium content is indisputable, contributing to various bodily functions. In the kitchen, it adds flavor and texture to recipes, and as a cleaning agent, it remains a reliable household staple. Although more research is needed to fully understand its health implications, cream of tartar continues to be a valuable component in both culinary and domestic realms.
Please continue reading to learn how our readers have used Cream of Tarter. Please let us know if this remedy helped you!

 

[Haertig]

I have some and have had it for years ... I had forgotten what it was used for.

I had to laugh about this. That is something I would say about my house - an item I found in the deep dark recesses of one of my cabinets, having laid there untouched since the 70's. I did not expect you to say it.

 

[Weedygarden]

I had to laugh about this. That is something I would say about my house - an item I found in the deep dark recesses of one of my cabinets, having laid there untouched since the 70's. I did not expect you to say it.

LOL! You don't know my house! I have another thread I want to start about situations like mine!

 

[Bluedanube]

In addition to using it for snickerdoodles (primary purpose of it in our house!) and whipping eggs, I put a small pinch in the steam canner and my pressure canner when canning. It keeps the jars from getting a film on them and keeps the bottom of the canners looking nice by preventing the oxidation that makes the insides turn dark grey. It’s less aggressive than using vinegar and you don’t get any odors from it.