Citric Acid Has a Wide Range of Applications

What is Citric Acid?

A number of organic acids have been applied in our daily lives. But, the one that is used most frequently is citric acid. According to Wikipedia, citric acid is a weak organic acid with the formula C6H8O7. It is a natural preservative which is present in citrus fruits. It is also used to add an acidic or sour taste to foods and drinks. In biochemistry, the conjugate base of citric acid, citrate, is important as an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, which occurs in the metabolism of all aerobic organisms. 

Applications of Citric Acid

Food grade citric acid that can be used in a wide range of applications. It may not difficult to find that this product is often used as a food addictive. Many brands making beverages and foods use citric acid. The dominant use of citric acid is as a flavoring and preservative in these products, also it is a perfect ingredient for some candies. The labels on the soft drinks or candies you purchase shows citric acid as an ingredient, and that explains why they taste sour. For citric acid well known attribute is its sour taste. It is popular in many products and people like the flavor.

Citric acid as an emulsifying agent can be added to ice cream to keep fats from separating. It is also common to use citric acid in the manufacturing procedure of cheese. The quality that makes this organic acid a perfect ingredient for cheese is its ability to clot milk quickly. Some winemakers add citric acid to most of their wines for it helps to add fruitiness to the wine's flavors.

Citric acid as additive to prevent bacteria growth, you can add the citric acid directly to add the shelf life of your fruits or vegetables. Citric Acid is an important and popular flavoring and preserving agent, it can be seen in the kitchen and your dinner table.

Citric acid as a skin care ingredient has the antioxidant properties, preventing formation of wrinkles. As it keeps the skin moisturized by keeping water bound to the skin and prevents drying of skin. Many Cosmetics use this as an component to satisfy consumers needs.

Is Citric Acid Harmful?

Citric acid is found in primarily in citrus fruits like oranges and lemons. Fruits which contain citric acid are known to be beneficial to human health. Food additives and safety is an issue which people focus all the way. When it comes to citric acid, different opinions may come out. Citric acid is not a harmful chemical, in fact, natural in all body applications. It poses no harm to the environment and very few people have any allergies to it.