Why do baking soda taste bitter?

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, tastes bitter due to its alkaline nature. When it dissolves in water, it releases sodium ions and bicarbonate ions, which can create a slightly soapy or metallic flavor. Additionally, if used in excess in recipes, it can overpower the sweetness of other ingredients, leading to a distinctly bitter taste. This is why it's important to measure baking soda accurately when baking.