What Is Cream Of Tartar Really?

There are certain ingredients that you don't think about too much unless you're a professional chef or baker. Cream of tartar always populates the baking aisle of grocery stores, but have you ever wondered what it actually is? Despite its name, it's not tartar sauce or even tartar-sauce-adjacent, so if you ever find yourself needing something to put on your fish, do not reach for the cream of tartar. Instead, the baking ingredient is more practical than anything else, as it helps things rise and keep their shape. Let's take a look at the truth about what cream of tartar really is.