Potassium hydrogen tartrate is a chemical derived from the fermentation of grape juice and is also known as cream of tartar or potassium bitartrate. It exists as a white crystalline powder with an acidic taste. The powder has several different applications for cooking and cleaning.
The Basics
Potassium hydrogen tartrate's chemical formula is KC4H5O6. The powder forms through crystallization of fermented grapes during winemaking. When winemakers scrape potassium hydrogen tartrate from the wine barrels, the powder is white and odorless. Specifically, the crystallization results from the combination of tartaric acid and potassium hydroxide. This crystallization can also occur during the fermenting of unadulterated grape juice.
Uses in Food
As an ingredient in recipes, potassium hydrogen tartrate can improve many of the qualities of food. For example, this powder can stabilize whipped cream stiffness after the whipping process and maintain the smooth texture of the mixed ingredients. Additionally, potassium hydrogen tartrate can maintain the color of boiled vegetables help prevent the crystallization of sugar syrups. Many baked goods also use cream of tartar in recipes for different types of pastries such as angel food cakes and muffins. Individuals on a low sodium diet can also use potassium hydrogen tartrate in combination with potassium chloride to replace salt in some recipes.
House Cleaner
As a household cleaner, you can use potassium hydrogen tartrate as an organic cleanser free of harsh chemicals that can adversely affect your living environment. By combining the powder with white vinegar, you can also form a mildly abrasive paste to clean sinks and bathtubs made of porcelain and other types of stones. Additionally, potassium hydrogen tartrate can clean copper, brass and other types of metals.
Other Uses
Potassium hydrogen tartrate also has a medicinal use. The powder can function as a mild laxative for both humans and domestic animals. Some manufacturers use potassium hydrogen tartrate to add color to metals. Additionally, the chemical industry uses potassium hydrogen tartrate as raw material in the preparation of tartrate compounds.
References
- "Illustrated Guide to Home Chemistry Experiments"; Robert Bruce Thompson; 2008
- "Why There's Antifreeze in Your Toothpaste"; Simon Quellen Field; 2007
- "Dictionary of Food Ingredients"; Robert Igoe; 2011
- "Concepts in Wine Chemistry"; Yair Margalit; 2010
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