IngredientsBaking
Natronbicarbonate of soda
Plain sodium bicarbonate, a single substance rather than a ready mixed raising agent. Fine white powder, no smell.
It goes into Lebkuchen, into several biscuits, and into any dough that already has something sour working in it.
Braucht Säureneeds acid
Bicarbonate only lifts when it meets acid: buttermilk, yoghurt, honey, vinegar, lemon. Without that partner the cake stays flat and tastes soapy.
That is the difference from baking powder, which carries its own acid. The two are not interchangeable.
Lauge für Brezelnthe pretzel lye
Spread on a tray and dried in the oven, bicarbonate turns into a stronger compound. Dissolved in water it gives the mild bath that pretzels are dipped in before baking.
It is weaker than baker's lye, but it delivers the brown crust and the typical flavour without handling caustic soda.
In Mexikoin Mexico
Bicarbonato de sodio, in every supermarket and every pharmacy. Straight off the shelf.
Some labels say only bicarbonato. Same thing, as long as it is food grade.