Baking soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a fine, white, powdery substance commonly used as a leavening agent in baking. It has a neutral, slightly salty taste and a gritty texture, which dissolves easily in liquids. In international cooking, it is mainly used to help dough and batter rise, making baked goods like bread, cakes, and cookies light and fluffy. Historically, baking soda has also played a vital role in cleaning, medicine, and even deodorizing, reflecting its versatile nature across different cultures and uses.