Sodium carbonate used commercially in crude form, such as washing soda. The free alkali present is irritating and in strong concentrations has the effect of sodium hydroxide.
This particular type of soda, chemically formulated to contain only half of the carbon dioxide gas content of bicarbonate of soda, has been known to be utilized as a meat tenderizer in traditional recipes. It has also been suggested to be added to the water used in cooking green vegetables, as well as to be incorporated in fruit pies to maintain the fruit’s natural juices.