National Bicarbonate of Soda Day is celebrated on December 30 each year. Bicarbonate of soda, better known in the U.S. as baking soda, is one of the most useful ingredients in the kitchen. It helps cookies, cakes and quick breads rise, and around the house it's used for cleaning, deodorizing and science experiments. The day celebrates this humble white powder and the chemistry behind it.
History of National Bicarbonate of Soda Day
People have used natural soda minerals, such as natron in ancient Egypt, for cleaning and preserving for thousands of years. In the late 1700s, French chemist Nicolas Leblanc developed a way to make soda ash, and chemists later learned to produce sodium bicarbonate.
In 1846, John Dwight and Austin Church began selling baking soda in New York, packaging it for home bakers. Their businesses later grew into a famous baking soda brand. In the 1860s, the Belgian chemist Ernest Solvay developed a more efficient process to produce soda, making it cheap and widely available.
Baking soda changed baking. Instead of relying on yeast or beaten eggs, bakers could make 'quick breads' like biscuits and pancakes rise in minutes. In the United States, much of the raw material comes from trona deposits in Green River, Wyoming. Who created National Bicarbonate of Soda Day is not documented.
Why National Bicarbonate of Soda Day Matters
Baking soda is a kitchen essential that makes countless recipes possible.
It's also an inexpensive, gentle cleaner and deodorizer, useful for reducing harsh chemicals at home.
It makes chemistry fun: the classic baking soda and vinegar 'volcano' introduces kids to chemical reactions.
How to Celebrate National Bicarbonate of Soda Day
- Bake something: make biscuits, pancakes or soda bread.
- Clean naturally: scrub sinks with a baking soda paste.
- Deodorize: put an open box in the refrigerator.
- Do an experiment: make a baking soda and vinegar volcano.
- Learn the difference: compare baking soda and baking powder.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, share a quick tip about using baking soda to freshen the office fridge. In classrooms, students can conduct baking soda and vinegar experiments, measure the gas produced, or learn about acids and bases. At home, families can bake soda bread or pancakes, try natural cleaning tips, or build a volcano. Don't ingest baking soda as a remedy without medical advice.
Fun Facts About National Bicarbonate of Soda Day
- Baking soda's chemical name is sodium bicarbonate.
- Commercial baking soda sales began in New York in 1846.
- Much U.S. soda comes from trona deposits in Wyoming.
National Bicarbonate of Soda Day FAQs
When is National Bicarbonate of Soda Day?
National Bicarbonate of Soda Day is celebrated on December 30 each year.
What is bicarbonate of soda?
It's sodium bicarbonate, commonly called baking soda in the U.S.
How does baking soda make cakes rise?
When mixed with an acid, it releases carbon dioxide gas, which makes batter rise.
What's the difference between baking soda and baking powder?
Baking powder contains baking soda plus an acid; baking soda needs an acid in the recipe.
Can baking soda be used for cleaning?
Yes, it's a gentle abrasive and deodorizer.
When was baking soda first sold?
Packaged baking soda was first sold in New York in 1846.