Introduction
Cream of tartar, also known as potassium bitartrate, is a common yet often misunderstood ingredient in kitchens worldwide. It’s a fine, white, acidic powder with a slightly tangy taste that adds magic to many recipes. From stabilizing fluffy meringues to preventing sugar crystallization in delicate candies, cream of tartar is a baking essential for both novice and experienced bakers. What makes it particularly appealing is its natural origin and minimal processing, making it a perfect fit for the ethos of stores like Whole Foods Market. This article will explore the world of cream of tartar, focusing on how to find it at Whole Foods, understand its uses, and appreciate its place in a wholesome kitchen. We’ll uncover everything you need to know to confidently purchase and utilize cream of tartar from Whole Foods.
What is Cream of Tartar?
Cream of tartar has a surprisingly romantic origin story, deeply rooted in the world of winemaking. It’s a byproduct of the fermentation process when grapes are turned into wine. As the wine ages in barrels, tartaric acid crystals naturally form on the inside of the barrels. These crystals are then carefully harvested, refined, and ground into the fine powder that we recognize as cream of tartar.
The refining process is essential for achieving a pure and food-grade product. It involves dissolving the crystals in hot water, filtering out any impurities, and then recrystallizing the tartaric acid. This process ensures a consistent quality and purity, making it safe and effective for use in cooking and baking.
On a chemical level, cream of tartar is a weak acid, which contributes to its various functionalities. Its acidic nature is what allows it to stabilize egg whites, prevent sugar crystallization, and activate baking soda in certain recipes.
It’s important to clarify that cream of tartar is distinctly different from tartar sauce, a creamy condiment usually served with seafood. While both have “tartar” in their name, they are completely unrelated. Cream of tartar is a single-ingredient powder derived from winemaking, while tartar sauce is a complex mixture of mayonnaise, pickles, herbs, and other ingredients.
Benefits and Uses in Cooking and Baking
Cream of tartar is a versatile ingredient with a wide array of uses in the kitchen. Its chemical properties make it invaluable in both baking and cooking, offering several distinct benefits:
Baking:
Stabilizing Egg Whites: This is perhaps the most well-known use of cream of tartar. When added to egg whites during whipping, it helps to create a more stable foam that can hold its shape for a longer time. This is crucial for meringues, soufflés, and angel food cakes, where the structure relies heavily on the airy, whipped egg whites. Cream of tartar prevents the egg white proteins from collapsing, resulting in a taller, more voluminous final product.
Preventing Sugar Crystallization: When making candies, frostings, or syrups, sugar crystals can sometimes form, resulting in a gritty or undesirable texture. Cream of tartar helps to prevent this by interfering with the sugar molecules’ ability to bond together and form crystals. This ensures a smooth, creamy, and consistent texture in your sweet treats.
Activating Baking Soda: Cream of tartar is acidic, making it a natural leavening agent when paired with baking soda. When these two ingredients are combined with a liquid, they react to produce carbon dioxide gas, which helps to leaven baked goods. This is the fundamental principle behind baking powder, which is simply a mixture of cream of tartar and baking soda (along with a drying agent).
Adding a Tangy Flavor: Cream of tartar can impart a subtle tangy flavor to baked goods, adding a pleasant complexity to the overall taste. This is particularly noticeable in recipes like snickerdoodle cookies, where the tangy flavor complements the cinnamon and sugar.
Creating a Finer Crumb: In certain cakes and other baked goods, cream of tartar can help to create a finer, more tender crumb. It does this by weakening the gluten strands, resulting in a softer and less chewy texture.
Cooking:
Preventing Discoloration of Boiled Vegetables: Some vegetables, like cauliflower and potatoes, can turn brown or gray when boiled. Adding a pinch of cream of tartar to the cooking water can help to prevent this discoloration, keeping your vegetables looking bright and appealing.
Adding Tang to Sauces or Dishes: Cream of tartar can be used to add a subtle tang to sauces, gravies, or other dishes. This can help to balance out rich or heavy flavors, adding a refreshing touch.
Softening Water for Boiling: In areas with hard water, cream of tartar can help to soften the water, which can improve the texture of boiled vegetables and other foods.
Other Uses:
Natural Cleaning Agent: Beyond the kitchen, cream of tartar can be used as a natural cleaning agent. It can be mixed with water or vinegar to create a paste that can be used to clean and polish metal surfaces, remove stains from porcelain, and even whiten laundry.
Buying Cream of Tartar at Whole Foods
Whole Foods Market is a great place to find high-quality cream of tartar. Its commitment to natural and organic products aligns perfectly with the nature of cream of tartar itself. When shopping at Whole Foods, here’s what to look for:
Where to Find It:
Typically, you’ll find cream of tartar in one of two sections: the baking aisle or the spice aisle. It’s usually located near other baking essentials like baking powder, baking soda, and extracts. Sometimes, you might also find it in the bulk section, especially if your local Whole Foods has a well-stocked bulk department. The packaging is usually a small jar or container, clearly labeled as “Cream of Tartar”.
Brands Available:
Whole Foods usually carries several brands of cream of tartar. You’ll almost certainly find the Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value brand, which is their in-house brand known for its affordability and quality. Other brands you might encounter include Simply Organic, known for its certified organic spices and baking ingredients, and possibly other specialty or regional brands. It’s worth checking the labels to see if the cream of tartar is organic or conventional. Organic cream of tartar is produced from organically grown grapes and processed without the use of synthetic chemicals.
Price Comparison:
The price of cream of tartar at Whole Foods can vary depending on the brand, size, and whether it’s organic or conventional. Generally, you can expect to pay slightly more for cream of tartar at Whole Foods compared to some other grocery stores, but this is often justified by the higher quality and focus on natural ingredients. A small jar of conventional cream of tartar might cost around five dollars, while a larger jar or an organic version could be closer to ten dollars. Consider comparing prices per ounce to get the best value.
Checking the Label:
Before buying cream of tartar, take a moment to examine the label carefully. The ingredient list should be very short and straightforward: it should simply list “cream of tartar” or “potassium bitartrate.” Avoid any products with unnecessary additives or fillers. If you’re looking for organic cream of tartar, make sure the label clearly indicates organic certification. Also, check the manufacturing or expiration date to ensure that the product is fresh. Although cream of tartar has a long shelf life, it’s always best to use a product that is as fresh as possible. Finally, while rare, be mindful of potential allergens, though cream of tartar is generally considered safe for most people.
Bulk Option:
Many Whole Foods locations offer cream of tartar in their bulk section. Buying in bulk can be a more economical option, especially if you use cream of tartar frequently. It also reduces packaging waste. However, keep in mind that you’ll need to store the cream of tartar properly in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing moisture or odors.
Alternatives to Cream of Tartar
While cream of tartar is a valuable ingredient, there may be times when you need an alternative. This could be due to allergies, unavailability, or simply a desire to use what you already have on hand. Here are a few potential substitutes, along with their limitations:
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is acidic and can be used as a substitute for cream of tartar in some recipes. However, it will add a distinct lemon flavor, which may not be desirable in all dishes. Use approximately twice the amount of lemon juice as cream of tartar.
- White Vinegar: White vinegar is another acidic option that can be used as a substitute. Like lemon juice, it will add a slightly tangy flavor, but it’s less pronounced than lemon. Use approximately twice the amount of white vinegar as cream of tartar.
- Baking Powder: Since baking powder contains cream of tartar, it can be used as a substitute in certain recipes. However, you’ll need to adjust the recipe accordingly, as baking powder also contains baking soda. For every half teaspoon of cream of tartar, use one teaspoon of baking powder and reduce the amount of baking soda in the recipe by a quarter teaspoon.
It’s important to consider the trade-offs in terms of taste and texture when using alternatives. Lemon juice and white vinegar will add a noticeable tang, while baking powder will affect the leavening of the recipe.
Storing Cream of Tartar
Proper storage is essential for maintaining the quality of cream of tartar. Store it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. An airtight container is ideal for preventing the cream of tartar from clumping or absorbing odors.
Cream of tartar has a long shelf life, often lasting for several years if stored properly. However, it’s always a good idea to check the expiration date before using it. To tell if cream of tartar has gone bad, look for signs of clumping, discoloration, or a musty odor. If you notice any of these changes, it’s best to discard the product.
Potential Health Benefits and Considerations
While cream of tartar is primarily used for its culinary properties, it also contains some potential health benefits. It is a source of potassium, an essential mineral that plays a role in maintaining healthy blood pressure and nerve function. Some proponents also suggest it has antioxidant properties. However, it is crucial to note that the amount of cream of tartar used in most recipes is relatively small, so its contribution to overall nutrient intake is limited.
Cream of tartar is generally considered safe for most people, but some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as digestive upset, if consumed in large quantities. It’s always best to use cream of tartar in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
*Disclaimer: This section is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes.*
Recipes Using Cream of Tartar
Here are a few simple recipes that showcase the versatility of cream of tartar:
- Meringues: Cream of tartar is essential for creating stable and fluffy meringues. Simply whisk egg whites with sugar and a pinch of cream of tartar until stiff peaks form. Bake at a low temperature until dry and crisp.
- Snickerdoodle Cookies: These classic cookies get their signature tangy flavor from cream of tartar. Combine flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and cream of tartar, then roll the dough in cinnamon and sugar before baking.
- Homemade Playdough: Create a safe and natural playdough for kids using flour, water, salt, cream of tartar, and vegetable oil. Cook the ingredients together until a dough forms, then knead until smooth.
Conclusion
Cream of tartar is a versatile and valuable ingredient that deserves a place in every kitchen. From stabilizing egg whites to preventing sugar crystallization, its unique properties make it an indispensable tool for bakers and cooks alike. With its natural origin and minimal processing, cream of tartar aligns perfectly with the values of Whole Foods Market, making it a convenient and reliable place to find this essential ingredient. So, the next time you’re shopping at Whole Foods, be sure to pick up a jar of cream of tartar and unlock its culinary potential. Explore its uses in your favorite recipes and discover the difference it can make in your cooking and baking endeavors. You’ll find that cream of tartar adds a touch of magic to your kitchen creations.
