Citric acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits, especially lemons and limes. The substance that gives them their sour taste is citric acid. A manufactured form of citric acid is commonly used as an additive in food, cleaning agents, and nutritional supplements. However, this produced form is different from that found naturally in citrus fruits.
Citric acid was first obtained from lemon juice by a Swedish researcher in the late 1800s. The odorless and colorless compound was obtained from the black mold aspergillus niger, which then produces citric acid when fed sugar. Due to its acidic and sour-tasting nature, citric acid is mainly used as a sweetener and preservative, especially in soft drinks and confectionery. It is also used to stabilize or preserve medicines and as a disinfectant.
Citrus and fruit juices are the best natural sources of citric acid. The word citric actually means citrus in Latin. Major examples of citrus fruits are: lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, tangerine and pomelo. Other fruits with less citric acid include: pineapple, strawberry, raspberry, cranberry, cherry and tomato. Citric acid, found in foods and supplements, is not naturally found in citrus fruits, but chemically produced.
The properties of citric acid make this chemical an important additive for various industries. Food and beverages use about 70 percent of the citric acid produced, pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements 20 percent, and cleaning agents the remaining 10 percent.
Produced citric acid is one of the most common food additives in the world. It is used to increase acidity, enhance flavor and preserve ingredients. Sodas, juices, powdered beverages, candies, frozen foods, and some dairy products often contain manufactured citric acid.
Citric acid is an industrial staple in medicines and dietary supplements. It is added to medicines to help stabilize and preserve active ingredients.
Citric acid is a useful disinfectant against various bacteria and viruses. It is used as a general disinfectant and cleaning agent to remove hard water stains, scale and rust.
Our organization also provides citric acid analysis services with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.
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