SC - re: steamed bread--forwarding Paul's reply

[Decker, Terry D.]

My question was not about the use of soda per se, but its use as a chemical
leaven in baking.  Nitrum was used in Roman recipes to keep color in the
vegetables, but I don't remember seeing it in any of the bake goods.

Bear

> The soda may be sodium carbonate, sold commercially as "washing soda",
> but, AFAIK, no more of a health hazard than bicarbonate of 
> soda. Its use
> has a long history in Roman recipes, too.
> 
> Adamantius