Salajka - leavening powder of grandmothers

Ammonium bicarbonate (also known as ammonium, salt, or deer salt) is a type of baking powder used extensively by grandmothers in the past. This compound breaks down into carbon dioxide, water and ammonia when heated, which helps the cake to gain volume. However, its use has largely been replaced by more common leavening agents, such as baking powder and baking soda , and is increasingly rare in modern baking recipes. After baking, the dough is hard, but after filling with jam, cream or other filling, it softens after a few hours. Since you do not need to add fat, the dessert is also lower in calories. As a result, the dessert is long-lasting, soft and without unnecessary extra fat.

Deer salt or Salajka, has some typical properties that distinguish it from other leavening agents:

Ammonia smell: Salajka releases ammonia when heated, which can have a strong odor during baking. After the collision with oxygen (ie when you open the package) it quickly evaporates.

Storage: Store the salad in a dry and dark place. Due to the influence of humidity, it can evaporate, and after opening it, you may be surprised by an empty package. As soon as you buy Salajka, we recommend using it for baking as soon as possible. That is, even with long storage, there is a risk that it will expire.

Crunchy texture: Salajka is often used in recipes where a crisp texture is required, such as in certain types of desserts or savory pretzels.

Specific recipes: Salajka is more often used in traditional or regional recipes, such as stuffed gingerbread, potato honeydew or Košice punch slices. If you're following a recipe that specifically calls for them, it's fine to use them.

Limited Availability: Salad may be more difficult to find in some countries compared to baking powder and baking soda. In Slovakia, you can buy Salajka in our e-shop.

Do not hesitate to be inspired by our recipes that contain Salajka:

Gluten free:

Gluten-free gingerbread

Gluten-free Pardubice gingerbread

Gluten-free drumstick cut

Gluten-free English custard

Gluten-free pretzels

With gluten:

Coffee dessert

Pardubice gingerbread

Doboš cut

English cream

Košice punch cuts

Potato honey cake filled with jam

Slovak Krémovník