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15 April 2012

(Club) Soda


(Club) Soda is also known as Soda, Soda water, Sparkling water but it basically is water into which carbon dioxide gas under pressure has been dissolved, a process that causes the water to become bubbly.

Carbonated water is the defining ingredient of carbonated soft drinks. The method of dissolving carbon dioxide in water is called carbonation.

Preparation :

Carbon dioxide dissolved in water at a low concentration (0.2%–1.0%) creates carbonic acid (H2CO3), which causes the water to have a slightly sour taste with a pH between 3 and 4. An alkaline salt, such as sodium bicarbonate, may be added to soda water to reduce its acidity

The process of dissolving carbon dioxide in water is called carbonation. Commercial soda water in siphons is made by chilling filtered plain water to 8 °C (46 °F) or below, optionally adding a sodium or potassium based alkaline compound such as sodium bicarbonate to reduce acidity, and then pressurizing the water with carbon dioxide. The gas dissolves in the water, and a top-off fill of carbon dioxide is added to pressurize the siphon to approximately 120 pounds per square inch.

Uses :

Carbonated water is often drunk plain or mixed with fruit juice. It is also mixed with alcoholic beverages to make cocktails, such as whiskey and soda or Campari and soda. Flavored carbonated water is also commercially available. It differs from sodas in that it contains flavors (usually sour fruit flavors such as lemon, lime, cherry, orange, or raspberry) but no sweetener.
Carbonated water is a diluent. It works well in short drinks made with Alcohols and in long drinks such as those made with vermouth. Adding soda water to 'short' drinks such as spirits dilutes them and makes them 'long'. Report states that the presence of carbon dioxide in a cocktail may accelerate the uptake of alcohol in the blood, making both the inebriation and recovery phases more rapid] The addition of carbonated water to dilute spirits was especially popular in hot climates and seen as a somewhat "British" habit. Adding soda water to quality Scotch whiskey has been deprecated by whiskey lovers, but was a popular lunchtime drink or early evening pre-dinner or pre-theater drink until the late part of the 20th century.

 Health effects :

Carbonated water eases the symptoms of indigestion (dyspepsia) and constipation. This works in two different ways to reduce the effects of indigestion. First, the carbon dioxide gas encourages burping, which can help relieve pressure or a painfully full sensation in the stomach. Second, the sodium bicarbonate -- also known as baking soda -- helps neutralize excess stomach acid.

Researchers found that Club Soda with higher sodium levels reduced cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular problems in postmenopausal women.

Lesser Known Uses of Club Soda  :

food preparation

o    Club soda can be used in the kitchen to help with a variety of cooking projects. When making breakfast foods such as pancakes and waffles, substitute club soda for the liquid called for in the pancake and waffle recipes for a light, airy texture. Club soda may also be used to make inexpensive soft drinks by adding club soda to fruit juice. Those who love to eat oysters know that shucking them can become a difficult chore. Make shucking a bit easier by soaking oysters in club soda. The soda helps loosen the oyster shells, making the shucking process less cumbersome.

cloth Care

o    Grease and food stains sometimes seem impossible to remove from double knit fabrics,carpets and delicate fabrics. Treat stained fabric with club soda and scrub gently to help get the stain out properly. Club soda is also used to remove urine stains by blotting the spot with club soda. Club soda also alleviates the smell associated with urine.

Domestic Cleaning

o    Club soda can be poured directly on surfaces like ranges, counter tops and sinks. Wipe clean with a cloth and rinse with warm water. Club soda is also safe for use on porcelain fixtures. A benefit to using club soda for cleaning these surfaces is that it will not damage the finish or leave streaks like other commercial cleaners. Use club soda to help wash heavy cast iron pots and pans. Pour club soda into the used pot or pan while it is still warm to keep food from sticking. Pouring club soda on rusty nails, screws and blots helps alleviate the rust, making them easier to remove.

Plant Care

o    Water your house plants using leftover club soda which contains more minerals than tap water. Using club soda once a week helps plant achieve optimum growth.

Ornaments

o    Club soda is an effective jewelry cleaner for precious gems such as sapphires, diamonds, rubies and emeralds. Soak stone in a glass of club soda overnight.

Car Windshields

o    Keeping a spray bottle filled with club soda in the car helps drivers touch up the windshield. Bird droppings, bug splatter and other road stains cannot be prevented but the carbonation of club soda helps speed up the cleaning process.

Hair Color

o    Those who color their hair blonde know that chlorine exposure may cause hair to appear greenish. Rinse hair with club soda after swimming to help restore hair color.

Newspaper Preservation

o    A mixture of club soda and milk of magnesia is used to preserve newspaper clippings. Mix one capful of milk of magnesia with one quart of club soda and let the mixture stand overnight. Soak newspaper clippings for about one hour and blot dry.

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