How To Store Baking Powder Long Term And Substitutes

Baking powder is a must-have item for both bakers and home users. It’s used to make cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. But what happens if you run out of baking powder and don’t have time to go to the store? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered! In this blog post, I’ll teach you how to store baking powder long-term and give you some substitutes for emergencies.

How Long Stored Baking Powder Lasts?

Unopened baking powder can easily last for 2 years. However, once opened, its shelf life is about 6 months. Moreover, it starts to lose its potency after these six months.

So how can you tell if your baking powder is still good? The best way is to test it!

To test baking powder, mix one teaspoon with half a cup of water. If it’s still active, it will fizz and bubble. If not, it’s time to toss it out and get a new one.

Best Storage Methods for Baking Powder

Vacuum Sealed Mason Jars

Mason jars are a great way to store baking powder long-term. All you need is an unsealed jar, some parchment paper, and a vacuum sealer.

To start, cut a piece of parchment paper slightly larger than the mouth of the jar. Then, insert the parchment paper into the jar and seal it with the vacuum sealer. Ensure the parchment paper is tight against the lid so no air can get in.

Once you’ve sealed the jar, store it in a cool, dark place.

Check out the right way to store baking soda and its benefits for emergencies.

Mylar bags

Mylar bags are another great option for storing baking powder long-term. They’re made of a material that’s impermeable to air, so they’ll keep your baking powder fresh for a long time.

To use them, simply place your baking powder in the Mylar bag and seal it. Then, store the bag in a cool, dark place.

Original Container

If you’re going to use your baking powder within six months, you can just store it in the original container. However, if you want to extend its shelf life, we recommend using one of the methods above.

Uses of Stored Baking Powder Besides Cooking and Baking

Bartering

In an SHTF scenario, baking powder can be used as currency. This is because it’s a valuable commodity that not everyone will have access to. So, if you have extra baking powder, you can use it to trade for other goods and services.

Cleaning

Baking powder can also be used for cleaning. For example, you can use it to clean your oven or get rid of stains on your clothes.

Fire Extinguisher

Baking powder can be used as a fire extinguisher in a pinch. Simply sprinkle it on the fire, and it will smother the flames.

The Difference Between Baking Soda and Baking Powder

Baking soda and baking powder are both leavening agents, which means they help baked goods rise. However, they work in different ways. Baking soda is a base, while baking powder is an acid. When used alone, baking soda needs an acidic ingredient (like yogurt or lemon juice) to activate and make baked goods rise. Baking powder, on the other hand, is a combination of baking soda and an acid. When mixed with liquid, it starts to work immediately.

Because of this difference, you can’t substitute one for the other in recipes. So if a recipe calls for baking powder and you only have baking soda, you’ll need to add an acidic ingredient to make it work. And if a recipe calls for baking soda and you only have baking powder, you’ll need to add more liquid.

You might also want to learn how to store flour to have in your emergency pantry.

How to Test Your Baking Powder is Still Good to Use

Baking powder is one of those ingredients that we all have in our pantry, but may not use very often. And when we do need it, we might be wondering if it’s still good. So here is how you can test if it’s good:

• Mix a teaspoon of baking powder with a cup of water. If the mixture bubbles, then the baking powder is still good.

• Give the baking powder a sniff. If it doesn’t smell fresh, it will probably not work well in your baking.

• Take a look at the expiration date on the can or package. If it’s expired, it’s time to toss it and get a new one.

Is It a Good Idea to Store Baking Powder? What to Do Instead

Baking powder is a crucial ingredient in many recipes, giving them a light and airy texture. If you love to bake, you might wonder if it’s a good idea to stock up on this pantry staple. Here’s what you need to know about storing baking powder long-term.

Baking powder doesn’t have a very long shelf life. The average is about 2 years, but it can start to lose potency after 6 months of opening. That’s because the two main components of baking powder, sodium bicarbonate and cream of tartar, can start to break down over time.

If you’re in a pinch and need a substitute for baking powder, there are a few options. You can make your own by combining one part baking soda with two parts cream of tartar. Or you can use self-rising flour, which already contains baking powder.

To extend the shelf life of your baking powder, store it in the fridge or freezer. This will help keep the ingredients from breaking down as quickly. Just be sure to tightly seal the container to prevent moisture from getting in and ruining your powder.

So stockpiling baking powder ingredients, namely Baking Soda, Cream of Tartar, and Cornstarch, are good alternatives to storing baking powder itself. With some simple kitchen hacks, you can easily have this key ingredient on hand when you need it.

No Baking Powder? No Problem: Try These Recipes: 

Hardtack

If you don’t have baking powder and can’t get to a store, there are still plenty of recipes you can make. Hardtack is a type of unleavened cracker that was popular during the Civil War. It’s made with flour, water, and salt. You can add other seasonings if you’d like, but they’re not necessary.

To make hardtack:

1. Mix the flour, water, and salt together in a bowl.
2. Use your hands to knead the dough until it’s smooth.
3. Roll the dough out onto a floured surface and use a knife to cut it into squares.
4. Prick each square several times with a fork.

Bake the hardtack at a low temperature, around 200 degrees Fahrenheit, for about an hour. Once they’re done, they’ll be hard and dry. Store them in an airtight container, and they’ll last for months.

Southern beaten biscuit

There are few things in this world as Southern as a good, old-fashioned biscuit. And while you might think that you need baking powder to make them, that’s not necessarily the case. In fact, many recipes for beaten biscuits don’t call for any leavening agent at all.

So, what exactly is a beaten biscuit? They’re a type of biscuit that’s made by beating the dough with a rolling pin or another tool until it’s very thin. This results in a dense and chewy biscuit, as opposed to light and fluffy. And while you might think that omitting the baking powder would make for a dense, dry biscuit, that’s not the case.

If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any baking powder on hand, give beaten biscuits a try. You might just be surprised at how delicious they are. Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

– ½ cup (120 ml) of milk

– ¾ cup (180 g) of all-purpose flour

– ½ teaspoon of salt

– ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, whisk together milk, flour, and salt. Add butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 30 seconds. Roll out to ½-inch (13-mm) thickness and use a biscuit cutter to cut out biscuits. Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Enjoy!

Tortillas

Tortillas are a staple in many households, and luckily, they don’t require any baking powder. All you need is flour, salt, water, and oil. The dough is easy to make and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

To make tortillas without baking powder:

1. Combine flour and salt in a large bowl.
2. In another bowl, whisk together water and oil.
3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until everything is combined.

Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about five minutes. Divide the dough into 12 balls and let them rest for 15 minutes.

To cook the tortillas, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add oil to the pan and cook each tortilla for about 30 seconds on each side.

These tortillas are delicious on their own, but you can also fill them with your favorite toppings. Try them with beans, cheese, salsa, or guacamole.

Check out these great 5 ingredients survival bread recipes to add your emergency food recipe book.

Conclusion

Baking powder is an essential ingredient in many recipes, but it doesn’t last forever. Therefore, you must know how to store baking powder long-term.

You can extend its shelf life by storing it properly and using substitutes in a pinch. By following the tips I’ve mentioned above, you can be sure that your baking powder will be there when you need it.