Thanks.
Appears to give a slight spongy feel,works for us
Suppose to Lighten the meatball and tenderize the meat.
See below.
Lifted from the Web
according to America's test Kitchen - 1/4 tsp baking soda and 1TBS water poured into 1-2 pounds of ground beef helps maintain moisture and stops the rubbery texture and dryness. Protein molecules seize up with high heat, the soda changes the PH of the protein, thus allowing it to be cooked over a high heat without the rubbery texture we get so many times.