Hirvensarvisuola = Cream of Tartar in recipes?

[EP]

According to my dictionary cream of tartar is in Finnish viinikivi.

And this is the first time in my life when I have heard the word.

[Hank W.]

Its E336, so if theres a baking powder can it usually has that. Its sold in a pharmacy - as a strong laxative... are you sure you're not mixing up merengue and macarena

[Hank W.]

Potassium bitartrate also potassium hydrogen tartrate has formula KC4H5O6. It is a byproduct of winemaking. It is also known as cream of tartar

So unless you know a tartar that gives you a pearl necklace after drinking wine, it is.

Potassium nitrate is saltpetre, and your cooking is guano then.

[Rosamunda]

I have cream of tartar I bought in the UK. In GB we use it for making scones and soda bread. I have never used it for making meringues though.

The tub I have is BEST BEFORE OCT 03 2100 looooong shelf life. If you want I can bring you some back from the UK after Christmas and post it to you. I never found it in Finland (but I never really looked hard).

OTOH.... Tartaric acid is now unavailable in the UK (banned substances...) so I always buy up a few packs and take them home when I go. My mum uses it for making elderflower syrup and stuff like that. It's called viinihappo in Finnish and is available in all the supermarkets (usually near the vinegars).

[Rosamunda]

But now that you mention it I seem to remember my mum always put a few drops of vinegar in her meringues (she makes a pavlova to die for). Not sure of the chemistry though. My meringues are no good

[Hank W.]

Hirvensarvisuola=Baker's Ammonia

[jessesuomi]

With proper technique and a clean dry bowl you shouldnt need anything to help the merengue.