Baking powder

Baking powder is a dry chemical leavening agent, a mixture of a carbonate or bicarbonate and a weak acid. The base and acid are prevented from reacting prematurely by the inclusion of a desiccant such as cornstarch. Baking powder is used to increase the volume and lighten the texture of baked goods.

It works by releasing carbon dioxide gas into a batter or dough through an acid–base reaction, causing bubbles in the wet mixture to expand and thus leavening the mixture.

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Source: Wikipedia · Image: Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0

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