Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Chemistry => Topic started by: Simulated on 11/01/2008 22:39:00

Title: Baking Soda and Tea..
Post by: Simulated on 11/01/2008 22:39:00

Baking soda is a base and it supposed to taste bitter.

So why does putting baking soda in a mixture of sugar water and tea take the bitterness out of the tea?

Title: Baking Soda and Tea..
Post by: Karen W. on 11/01/2008 23:32:06

I don't find it bitter tasting but slightly salty tasting.. I have never heard of that.

Thats interesting! I have drank baking soda and water for heartburn.. reminds me of strong alka seltzer!

Title: Baking Soda and Tea..
Post by: Simulated on 12/01/2008 00:45:36

Well I just though of it. Water is nuetral and that would bring the pH of the baking soda down right?

And yeah i didn't either until dad looked up a sweet tea (sorry its different then tea ain't it?) recipe awhile ago.

Title: Baking Soda and Tea..
Post by: Karen W. on 12/01/2008 01:18:10

I think the water might!

I am no good at that stuff!

Thats interesting though and a good topic question. I hope someone else can give you a real answer!

Title: Baking Soda and Tea..
Post by: lightarrow on 12/01/2008 11:39:03

Quote from: Simulated on 11/01/2008 22:39:00

Baking soda is a base and it supposed to taste bitter.

Not exactly bitter, it tastes...basic.

Quote

So why does putting baking soda in a mixture of sugar water and tea take the bitterness out of the tea?

I don't know maybe bitter compounds contained in the tea are acid, so baking soda reacts with them neutralizing the taste.

Title: Baking Soda and Tea..
Post by: lightarrow on 12/01/2008 11:40:11

Quote from: Simulated on 12/01/2008 00:45:36

Well I just though of it. Water is nuetral and that would bring the pH of the baking soda down right?

Baking soda is basic so it increases the pH.

Title: Baking Soda and Tea..
Post by: Simulated on 12/01/2008 12:47:27

Ah I remember that now

And ya..

THanks liightarrow

Title: Baking Soda and Tea..
Post by: Bored chemist on 12/01/2008 14:44:36

"Well I just though of it. Water is nuetral and that would bring the pH of the baking soda down right?
Baking soda is basic so it increases the pH."
It depends which side you look at it from. The pH of the water is reduced and the pH of the water is raised.
Tea, as has been said, is slightly acid. Neutralising this would make it less sour so it might taste sweeter on account of that.

Title: Baking Soda and Tea..
Post by: Simulated on 12/01/2008 14:49:18

Thankss mr. bored chemist