Cream of Tartar...cream of the crop

We have heard a lot in recent years about the benefits of coconut oil but do you know the secrets of cream of tartar?

1. Reduce Blood Pressure

Low potassium levels can often be a cause of blood pressure issues. Cream of tartar can be a good source of potassium with 100 grams of cream of tartar containing 16 500 milligrams of potassium. It is always important to consult a physician for health related issues such as blood pressure to discuss the causes of your particular symptoms and whether potassium could help you. If they agree that it could be, 1 tsp of cream of tartar mixed with water each night may be a natural answer to your blood pressure issues.

2. Ease Arthritis Pain

Soaking in a bath of cream of tartar and Epsom salts can be heavenly for a person suffering with arthritis pain. There is 2 milligrams of magnesium in each 100 grams of cream of tartar. This can ease inflammation and bring relief to sore aching bones, muscles and joints

3. Help Kick Smoking For Good

When mixed with orange juice, cream of tartar can help reduce cravings, draw nicotine out of your system and has even been said to make smoking undesirable after drinking the mixture. The vitamin C in the juice will also help flush the toxins and nicotine from the body.

4. Add to egg whites for higher peaks in baking

Angel Food cakes become even more heavenly, meringue is fluffier and stands taller with just an 1/8 tsp of cream of tartar per egg white. A pinch added to whipped cream will stop it from deflating.

5. It Rises To The Occasion

Cream of tartar can be combined with baking soda as a substitute for baking powder. (1/4 tsp. baking soda with 1/2 tsp cream of tartar equals 1 tsp. baking powder). Cream of tartar combined with baking soda becomes a leavening agent (makes baked goods puff up while baking in oven).

It is also what gives snickerdoodles their distinct taste that sets them apart from other cookies.

6. Keep Vegetables Bright

Add a pinch of cream of tartar to boiling vegetables to help them keep their bright and vibrant colours.

7. Polish Metals, Copper and Appliances

Add a shine to kitchen appliances, bring life back to old copper pots and polish your grandmother's silver with a paste of lemon juice and cream of tartar.

8. Prevent Crystallization in Syrups

Adding a pinch of cream of tartar to sugary syrups can stop crystallization and keep your syrups smooth as silk.

9. Clear Clogged Drains

If you have run out of drain cleaner and have a clog, try mixing 1/4 cup of salt, 1/4 cup of baking soda and 1 tbsp of cream of tartar. Pour with one cup of water into the clogged drain and let sit for at least 30 minutes then run hot water to clear drain. You can also use cream of tartar to shine the porcelain.

10. Stain Remover

Lemon juice and cream of tartar paste can also be a great stain remover for clothes and carpeting. The past should sit on the stain for at least an hour then blot with a damp cloth and machine wash clothing as usual. Scrub on collars to remove stubborn collar discolouration.

Cream of Tartar has a long shelf life and is great to keep in the pantry just in case.