The hosts explore the uses and variations of baking soda, including its impact on baking and cleaning. They discuss the controversial legacy of Armand Hammer and the origins of baking soda. They also touch on LGBTQ+ history, podcast genres, and the production process of baking soda.
Baking soda is a versatile ingredient used for baking, cleaning, and more.
The United States' extensive baking soda deposit in Wyoming secures its position as a major player in production and export.
Deep dives
Baking Powder and Baking Soda
Baking powder is a combination of baking soda and an acidic ingredient, providing a convenient leavening agent for recipes. The name 'Armand Hammer' almost took over the popular baking soda brand due to a strange name coincidence with a businessman named Armand Hammer. Baking soda was first discovered in the mid-1800s and is made by combining brine with limestone and ammonia. The United States mines its baking soda from a massive deposit in Wyoming, which is expected to last for thousands of years of production.
The Secrets of Baking Soda
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, has a fascinating history and various uses. It was first synthesized in the 1860s and revolutionized baking, providing a cheap and plentiful leavening agent. The United States plays a significant role in baking soda production, thanks to a massive deposit in Wyoming that contains billions of tons of mineable ore. This deposit ensures a steady supply of baking soda for years to come.
The Origins and Chemistry of Baking Soda
In the mid-1800s, a Belgian chemist discovered a process to make baking soda from seawater, marking a major breakthrough in its production. Baking soda is technically a crystalline salt made up of sodium, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. This easily accessible and versatile ingredient can be used for various purposes such as leavening baked goods, cleaning, and more. The United States mines a significant amount of baking soda from a vast deposit in Wyoming, ensuring a stable supply for the country and beyond.
The Wyoming Baking Soda Bonanza
Wyoming, in the United States, possesses an exceptional deposit of baking soda, making it a major player in its production. Discovered in 1938, this deposit contains an astounding amount of mineable ore, enough to last over 2,000 years at the current rate of production. This geological advantage allows the United States to mine and export baking soda to meet the worldwide demand. The vast Wyoming deposit has solidified the country's position as a prominent player in the baking soda industry.