Baking Soda

[donna]

December 30 is National Soda Day (Baking Soda). Baking soda has been around for thousands of years. In 3500 B.C. ancient Egyptians used natron (primarily comprised of sodium carbonate, as a soap-like cleaning agent). They also used it to make mummies.

In 1843 Alfred Bird, a British chemist made the first version of baking powder for his wife.

In 1846 the Arm and Hammer brand was created. The iconic logo of Arm and Hammer represents Vulcan, the Roman god of fire eating metalworking. This logo was introduced in 1867.

In 1927 baking soda was promoted by "Good Housekeeping and McCall's magazines.

Baking soda has been so useful in the home, not only for baking but for cleaning.

From: http://brightnest.com/posts/a-brief-history-of-baking-soda

 

[MRB1863]

Thanks for bringing this to our attention. The article you linked has much information. I knew about baking soda as an ingredient in toothpaste, laundry detergent, cat litter, deodorant and antacids. It's also a main ingredient in fire extinguishers. Neat stuff. Thanks!

 

[John Winn]

Very interesting donna. It's not something one thinks about much but it is really useful stuff. We always have some in our fridge to kill odors.

 

[donna]

Thought bump this thread on baking soda. I will bump one on Arm and Hammer also.

 

[jackt62]

Excellent for scouring and cleaning wheel covers on cars.

 

[Shalom Hobbitess]

The emigrants on the California Trail (and the Oregon Trail as well, I think -- I seem to remember there's one in Wyoming) would collect the soda at various springs along the way as a rising agent. Reviews were somewhat mixed.

 

[RobertP]

Arm and Hammer makes the best cat litter IMO. Rarely any odor and they also sell the powder separately in the pet aisle to sprinkle in the box.

 

[donna]

Happy Baking Soda Day. It is a much appreciated ingredient.

 

[14NYSM]

I recall reading that soldiers would make some kind of baking soda for use in pancakes using wood ash.

 

[Mrs. V]

Also known as Sody Saluratus..which I learned from a childrens picture book..Epossomundus Saves the Day..