Başak Karbonat is a 40 g sachet of baking soda. The front of the pack names the product simply as Karbonat and repeats it in several languages as sodium bicarbonate, next to the manufacturer's note that it is produced in TS-EN-ISO 9001 certified facilities. It is one of those small, inexpensive items that every Turkish kitchen keeps within reach.
In baking, bicarbonate of soda helps doughs and batters rise when it meets an acidic ingredient such as yoghurt, lemon juice, vinegar or buttermilk, so it appears in many home recipes for cakes, cookies and poğaça. In everyday Turkish cooking it is also traditionally added in small amounts to the soaking water of dried chickpeas and beans, which helps them soften and cook more evenly. Always measure carefully and follow your recipe, as too much can leave a soapy or metallic taste.
Store the sachet closed in a cool, dry place, away from damp and strong smells, and use a dry spoon to measure. Please read the pack for the manufacturer's own instructions.