The Importance of Cream of Tartar | Cook's Illustrated (2024)

To find out, we made two lemon meringue pies, one with the requisite 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar for the four-egg-white meringue and one without.

After a stay in the refrigerator, the meringue without cream of tartar showed beads of moisture on its surface. The pie prepared with cream of tartar emerged in much better shape, with a dry, smooth, bead-free meringue.

The explanation? When egg whites are whipped, the protein strands within begin to unwind and form a network that holds water and air bubbles in place. But egg whites contain sulfur atoms, which form strong bonds that can over-strengthen this network. Acidic cream of tartar slows the formation of the sulfur bonds, preserving the stability of the network so that air and water stay put.

The bottom line:

For smooth, stiff beaten egg whites that keep their shape, don’t skip the cream of tartar. If you don’t have cream of tartar, substituting 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar per egg white works almost as well.

The Importance of Cream of Tartar | Cook's Illustrated (2024)

FAQs

The Importance of Cream of Tartar | Cook's Illustrated? ›

Acidic cream of tartar

cream of tartar
Potassium bitartrate, also known as potassium hydrogen tartrate, with formula KC4H5O6, is a chemical compound with a number of uses. It is the potassium acid salt of tartaric acid (a carboxylic acid). In cooking, it is known as cream of tartar.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Potassium_bitartrate
slows the formation of the sulfur bonds, preserving the stability of the network so that air and water stay put. The bottom line: For smooth, stiff beaten egg whites that keep their shape, don't skip the cream of tartar.

Why is cream of tartar important? ›

Cream of tartar stabilizes the tiny bubbles in the egg whites, by precluding the egg proteins from sticking together. It thus speeds up the egg white whipping process and contributes to a stable, billowy, glossy meringue, perfect for cookies, topping pies, and folding into cake.

What is the use of cream of tartar? ›

Cream of tartar has many uses, including:
  1. Making fluffier cakes. ...
  2. Lifting and stabilizing whipped cream and meringue. ...
  3. Preventing sugar crystallization. ...
  4. Adding a tangy flavor to cookie recipes. ...
  5. Preserving fruits and veggies.

Does cream of tartar expire or go bad? ›

Cream of tartar does not expire so long as you store it in a cool and dry space. When in doubt, check for a powdery, white appearance and a slightly acidic smell. Discard your cream of tartar if it has become discolored or if it has a strong smell.

What is the purpose of the cream of tartar as it relates to foams? ›

While sugar helps stabilize those whipped egg whites as you beat more air into it, there's still a risk of collapse. Cream of tartar is an added safeguard; it gives more stability to that foam structure, therefore setting up your meringue for success.

Is cream of tartar good for your kidneys? ›

Cream of tartar may reduce the chances of UT infections. But, excess potassium levels in the blood put kidneys under pressure. It is because potassium is a potent diuretic. Therefore, an increase in potassium levels leads to a rise in the diuretic action of the kidneys, which is harmful.

Is it safe to drink cream of tartar everyday? ›

The FDA recognizes cream of tartar as a safe ingredient when consumed in small quantities. Ingesting high amounts of it may lead to hyperkalemia, or dangerously high potassium blood levels.

What happens if you don't use cream of tartar? ›

Without cream of tartar, you'll get the same baked good in the end, but the consistency may not be as flawless. If you're worried about your cake coming out too flat or your lemon meringue pie going runny, adding cream of tartar is an effective way to prevent it.

What is a substitute for 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar? ›

This substitution is ideal because it can be used in any recipe without modifying the taste or texture of the final product. You can use baking powder to replace cream of tartar in recipes that also contain baking soda. Substitute 1.5 teaspoons (6 grams) of baking powder for 1 teaspoon (3.5 grams) of cream of tartar.

Is cream of tartar just baking soda? ›

Even though they're similar in colour, consistency and packaging, baking soda and cream of tartar are totally different ingredients. Baking soda is alkaline and commonly used in recipes that mix moisture plus an acidic ingredient (such as lemon juice, chocolate, buttermilk or honey) together to make batter rise.

Can I use 10 year old cream of tartar? ›

On average, cream of tartar retains potency four years after its manufacturing date, but this shelf life can be cut short by the usual culprits behind ruined pantry items: moisture and heat.

Does cream of tartar need to be refrigerated? ›

Refrigeration is unnecessary for cream of tartar and can introduce moisture to the container when taken in and out of the fridge. Stick to storing it in a cool pantry or cupboard to maintain its quality.

How to tell if cream of tartar is good? ›

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.

What was the problem with using cream of tartar? ›

Cream of tartar contains a significant amount of potassium. Consuming it in large quantities could lead to an excess of potassium in your blood, a condition known as hyperkalemia. Symptoms can include irregular heart rhythms, muscle weakness, and in severe cases, it may be life-threatening.

What else can you use cream of tartar for? ›

  • An Ingredient That Transcends Baking Recipes. Cream of tartar actually occurs naturally in many plants and is a natural byproduct of the winemaking process. ...
  • Keeping Ants Away. ...
  • Making Bath Bombs. ...
  • Unclogging Drains. ...
  • Removing Stains. ...
  • Whitening Laundry. ...
  • Clearing Up Skin. ...
  • Cleaning Your Coffee Pot.
Jan 16, 2024

Why do people drink cream of tartar? ›

It's known for treating arthritis, combatting heartburn and even clearing up acne-prone skin. The alkaline in cream of tartar can also prevent and treat bacterial infections, help to lower your blood pressure and, of course, it tastes great in any baked good.

Can I skip using cream of tartar? ›

In some recipes, you can leave out cream of tartar if there is no suitable replacement. You can simply omit cream of tartar from the recipe if you're making whipped egg whites, syrups, frostings, or icings.

What can be substituted for cream of tartar? ›

The Best Substitute for Cream of Tartar

For every 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar in the recipe, use 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar. As an example, if your cookie recipe calls for 1 teaspoon baking soda, add 2 teaspoons lemon juice instead of the cream of tartar.

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