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BAKING SODA

Also known as bicarbonate of soda, sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is a white crystalline, alkaline salt, used in Baking Powders.

Baking Soda has an expiration date, it does not last forever.  To check its freshness, stir 1/2 teaspoon baking soda into a couple of tablespoons of vinegar.  If it bubbles and fizzes, it is still good.

Baking soda is a very effective deodorizer. Cut the top off of the box and keep it in the refrigerator to absorb odors - replace with a new box every month or so.  Also, baking soda dissolved in warm water is the best way to clean the inside of the refrigerator.
It can also be used as an emergency toothpaste.

Baking Soda helps cut grease faster. When washing greasy dishes, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the water.

In older cookbooks a pinch of baking soda in vegetable cooking water was sometimes recommended to keep the bright green color of green vegetables.  This is NOT recommended - baking soda destroys vitamins, and has a bitter taste.  Cooking vegetables uncovered in well salted, vigorously boiling water will keep the color of green vegetables just as well, without destroying the vitamins.