The Upcycled History of Cream of Tartar
We're back on Upcyclist History with another hidden Trashy tale.
Cream of Tartar is a powder many bakers use as a secret ingredient, but did you know this ingredient is an upcycled byproduct from winemaking?
That’s right, this powder comes from the sediment left in wine barrels during fermentation.
Let’s take a journey back to the vineyards where cream of tartar’s story begins.
As wine ferments in barrels, tartaric acid naturally forms crystals on the inside surfaces. These crystals, known as “wine diamonds,” are carefully scraped off and collected.
Historically, these crystals were discarded, but eventually, winemakers realized their potential. These "wine diamonds" were purified and ground into the fine powder we use in baking. It stabilizes egg whites, prevents sugar crystallization, and acts as a leavening agent in recipes like meringues and cakes.
As wine ages in barrels, tartaric acid crystallizes, forming a crusty layer inside the barrel. Winemakers once saw this sediment as a nuisance, but soon discovered its hidden value. By carefully scraping off these tartaric crystals, they could transform waste into a useful product.
The collected crystals undergo a meticulous purification process to remove any impurities. This involves dissolving the crystals in hot water, then filtering and re-crystallizing them to achieve the desired purity. Once purified, the crystals are dried and ground into the smooth, white powder we know as cream of tartar.
This process not only creates a versatile kitchen ingredient but also highlights the ingenuity of turning byproducts into valuable resources.
So, every time you stabilize your egg whites or perfect your meringue, you’re tapping into a rich history of upcycling and smart kitchen science!
The next time you reach for that little jar of cream of tartar, remember its journey from wine barrel to your pantry, and appreciate the clever transformation of what was once considered waste into a baking essential!
See you for next week's story.
And PS - June 24th is National Upcycled Food Day! Sign up via Email to celebrate with us.
xo,
Team Trashy
