Citric Acid – Sources and Uses

by Rick Goldman

Citric acid is a weak acid abundant in all citrus fruits organically. You’ve probably tasted citric acid if you’ve ever bitten into a lemon. It’s added to processed foods by producers as a man-made variant. Citric acid-containing medicines are used to address health problems such as kidney stones.

Citric Acid – Sources and Uses
Citric Acid – Sources and Uses

Citric acid comes from a variety of places.

Citric acid is found in a variety of foods, not simply sour citrus fruits. It can be found in trace amounts in all plants and animals. Citric acid is found in many packaged foods and non-food goods, such as cosmetics and cleaning products, however, it is a synthetic variety, not the natural kind.

Natural Citric acid Sources

Citrus fruits, particularly the syrup of lemons and limes, are full of healthy citric acid. Natural citric acid can also be found in other fruits and veggies.

The following foods contain the most naturally occurring citric acid:

  • Lemons
  • Oranges
  • Limes
  • Lemons
  • Grapefruits

Citric acid’s artificial resources and applications

Artificial citric acid is used in foods and beverages, pharmaceuticals, personal care items, and cleaning supplies. You canbuy citric acid in Australia so that you can bear the heat in today’s environment.

The citric acid of this kind is used in the following applications:

The food and beverage sector.

Citric acid is commonly used in the production of packaged foods and beverages. It aids in the preservation of canned and jarred goods over extended periods of time. It can help keep some fresh-cut vegetables from browning, such as sliced apples.

Citric acid can also thicken meals or impart a somewhat sour flavor to them. Therefore, so many ice creams, sorbets, and sodas have citric acid listed as an ingredient.

Alcohol.

Citric acid can counteract the acidity of a meal or beverage. Winemakers use it to enhance the flavor of their wines.

Medicines.

Citric acid is found in several lotions to aid in the healing of skin infections. Other oral citric acid medications can help to reduce the quantity of acid in your urine. This may aid in the prevention of kidney stones. Citric acid can also be used to treat metabolic acidosis, which is a buildup of acid in the body.

Supplements.

Calcium citrate pills, which can help avoid kidney stones, are taken by some persons.

Products for personal hygiene.

When citric acid is combined with other chemicals, a “alpha hydroxy acid” molecule is formed, which helps to smooth your skin. It’s included in several cosmetics and personal care products to help them function longer, such as lipstick, hair spray, and perfume.

Cleaners for the home.

Citric acid is commonly found in dishwasher detergent because it can break down hard water buildup. It’s also essential in other household cleansers because it may help eliminate stains and odors.

Final Thoughts

Citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits, but synthetic forms made from a mould are extensively used in meals, pharmaceuticals, vitamins, and cleaning products. Citric acid is generally considered safe, while mould remnants from the manufacturing process may cause allergies in certain people.

About Rick Goldman

Rick Goldman's grandpa was a captain of a California coast cruise. This afforded Rick the luxury of traveling to exciting places along the Pacific Coast as a young boy. He got to try different, exotic foods on these journeys - something he really enjoys blogging about from his grandpa's beautiful garden home today.


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