Ammonia Powder
Description
Ammonia powder, also known as baker's ammonia or ammonium carbonate, is a leavening agent used in the preparation of certain baked goods. It is a fine, white powder that is characterized by its strong smell, which dissipates during baking. In various recipes, especially those from Europe, ammonia powder can be found as a critical ingredient providing unique results not easily replicated by modern leavening agents.
Common uses
Ammonia powder is primarily used as a leavening agent in baked goods. It's often favored for recipes that require a very crisp finish, such as certain cookies or crackers. However, due to its strong smell, it is used sparingly and usually only in recipes that are baked at high temperatures for sufficient time to allow complete evaporation of the gas produced.
Nutritional value
Calories
As a leavening agent used in small quantities, ammonia powder does not contribute significantly to the caloric content of a recipe.
Protein
Ammonia powder contains no protein.
Fat
There is no fat in ammonia powder.
Carbohydrates
Ammonia powder is not a source of carbohydrates.
Vitamins
There are no vitamins in ammonia powder that are significant to the dietary content of a dish.
Minerals
Ammonia powder does not provide minerals of nutritional value in the quantities used in cooking and baking.
Health benefits
Given its use in very small amounts primarily for its chemical properties, ammonia powder is not consumed for health benefits.
Potential risks
Ammonia powder should be used with care, as it is a potent chemical. It should never be ingested in its raw form, and only the amount called for in a recipe should be used. High concentrations can be irritating to the eyes, skin, and respiratory system. It is critical to bake goods thoroughly to ensure the ammonia gas produced is entirely expelled.
Common recipes
Ammonia powder is commonly used in European recipes, such as Swedish 'drömmar' cookies or German 'Lebkuchen'. It may be used in some traditional American recipes as well.
Cooking methods
This ingredient is always used in baking, where high heat ensures the chemical reaction necessary to leaven baked goods and allows the strong ammonia gas to evaporate.
Pairing with other ingredients
Due to its strong nature, ammonia powder does not have specific food pairings but is a component of the overall recipe that provides texture rather than flavor.
Summary
Ammonia powder, a traditional leavening agent known for its unique properties, is used in specific recipes to create baked goods with crisp textures. While it has been largely replaced by modern leavening agents, it remains a staple in certain European baked goods. When using ammonia powder, it is important to adhere closely to the recipe instructions to ensure safety and the desired culinary outcome.