Ammonium Bicarbonate - E503(ii)

Ammonium bicarbonate (E503(ii)), also known as ammonium bicarbonate or hartshorn salt, is used in food as a leavening agent, either alone or in combination with other salts such as baking soda.

It emits an ammonia smell during baking; however, after baking, the risen dough no longer has any ammonia odor (or taste).

Ammonium bicarbonate is commonly used in traditional Christmas recipes such as gingerbread, speculoos, and German Springerle.

This additive has the advantage of not imparting an alkaline (or "soapy") taste often encountered with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), and it does not affect the pH of preparations.

In high-moisture bakery products (more than 5%), ammonium bicarbonate can lead to the development of an ammoniacal taste. Hence, it is particularly suitable for low-moisture products such as cookies, crackers, shortbread, or wafers.

Typically, this ingredient is mixed with liquid ingredients to ensure its perfect dissolution before being incorporated into the dry mixture. In some formulations, it is used in combination with 30 to 50% baking soda.

Packaging: 80g jar

Ingredients: Ammonium bicarbonate powder

Produced in the European Union

Product authorized in the European Union and compliant with Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008 on food additives.

Six things to know about ammonium bicarbonate:

1. Taste: Ammonium bicarbonate is often used in biscuit-making as it does not impart a bitter taste to preparations (unlike some chemical leavening agents, especially when overdosed).

2. Usage: In large cakes, such as cakes, for example, the ammonia gas (released during baking by the bicarbonate) remains trapped in the dough. It cannot escape and gives an unpleasant smell to the cake. Therefore, it is only used in flat, thin, and porous biscuits where the surface allows ammonia to escape.

3. Storage: Caution, this product should be stored in an airtight jar and in a cool place; otherwise, it will evaporate.

4. Another name: Ammonium bicarbonate is also known as hartshorn salt or English salt.

5. A deer's story: Hartshorn in English literally means "deer horn" (ground), which was supposed to be used before ammonium bicarbonate entered commercial production. It's not very clear, but it seems they have similar properties... you can always try cooking with deer antlers!

6. Another use: Ammonium bicarbonate is also used in a dish to purify the air or as aromatic salts.

7. Still good or not? To check if it's still active, mix a teaspoon of ammonium bicarbonate with a few drops of lemon juice or vinegar and see if it fizzes. If it doesn't, it has expired. You can discard the jar.