Publish Time: 2024-10-10 Origin: Site
Citric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid that can be obtained from citrus fruits such as lemons and limes. It is not only used in the kitchen but is a crucial part of food storage, beauty products, and even detergents. In this article, we will discuss what citric acid is, its types, applications, and the role it plays in the food industry. So, let’s get started.
Citric acid (CAS Number: 77-92-9) is a colourless crystalline solid that is soluble in water. The acid, chemically classified as a weak organic acid, is found in many fruits and vegetables and is particularly common in citrus fruits. In the industrial context, citric acid is produced in two main forms: the anhydrous form of citric acid and the monohydrate form of citric acid.
● Citric Acid Anhydrous: This is the anhydrous form of citric acid, which is commonly used in dry and powdered food items.
● Citric Acid Monohydrate: This form contains one molecule of water for each molecule of citric acid and is commonly used in applications where a higher solubility rate is required.
● CAS Number: 77-92-9
● HS Code: 2918140000
● EU Number: E330
● Product Shape: White crystalline solid
● Brands: ENSIGN, TTCA, RZBC
Citric acid is the most abundant in citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruits among other fruits. It is also found in fruits such as berries, pineapples, tomatoes and some vegetables including broccoli and carrots.
The high industrial use of citric acid has resulted in the creation of Manufactured Citric Acid (MCA). MCA is primarily synthesised by the fermentation process of the fungus Aspergillus niger. MCA is chemically the same as natural citric acid but may include traces of black mold which can cause allergic reactions in some people.
Citric acid's versatility makes it a valuable ingredient across various food products. Here are some of its primary applications:
Citric acid is a popular additive in the food and beverage industry to give the juice and soda like products a tangy or sour taste. Moreover, it is also used as a preservative that helps in maintaining the appropriate pH level, stopping the growth of microorganisms, and enhancing the drink’s shelf life.
In cooking, citric acid is used to enhance the taste of seasonings and sauces and to provide tartness that complements other flavors. It is particularly effective in products such as salads and marinades where acidity plays a crucial role.
It is mostly used in confectionery to give a sour taste in sweets such as gummy candies and sour chews. It also plays a role in controlling the sugar crystallization process in candies to get the right texture and feel.
Citric acid is also used as a preservative in canned foods and other types of food products. It preserves the color, texture and taste of the food by preventing the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms that lead to decay.
Apart from being used in food production, citric acid has also found its way in the cosmetic and cleaning industries.
In skincare, citric acid is known for its ability to help to exfoliate the skin. It is a form of Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA) that works to eliminate dead skin cells, thus giving the skin a new and healthier look. Citric acid also has the ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and therefore is used in most anti-aging products.
Furthermore, citric acid can be also applied in personal care products for instance in shampoos, conditioners, deodorants and so on; it serves to stabilize the product and increase the effectiveness of the other ingredients.
Citric acid is also used in most cleaning agents due to its antibacterial nature. It eliminates bacteria and viruses, and is therefore widely used in organic and green cleaning products. Citric acid is also a good descaler and this makes it very useful in the removal of limescale from kettles, coffee makers and dish washers.
Citric acid is an effective and versatile chemical that is used in the food, cosmetic and cleaning sectors. It is a versatile ingredient that helps in the preservation of food and also helps to retain or even enhance the taste and control the pH levels of many products we use in our day to day life. It is mostly safe to use, but one should be cautious especially for those who may be sensitive to the synthetic citric acid.
Citric acid is one of the most useful and efficient additives in the food industry, and it is widely used across the globe. It could be in your drink, your face cream or even in your kitchen as you clean; citric acid is widely used and is probably improving your experience in one way or the other. This just goes to show why citric acid is still popular up to this day and is used in many industries.
For any company planning to source for good quality citric acid, it is important to find a good supplier to work with. SUNWAY Group, one of the largest suppliers of food ingredients and natural nutrition raw materials, supplies a wide range of citric acid products. Being one of the biggest players on the market with a presence in many countries, SUNWAY Group guarantees that the citric acid produced is of the highest quality. By selecting SUNWAY Group, companies can be assured that they are getting quality citric acid that is safe and reliable for use in their products.
Due to its vast network of warehouses and shipping partners, manufacturers can easily import citric acid from SUNWAY Group and include it in their manufacturing processes. If you are in the food, cosmetics, or cleaning industries, it is critical to get the citric acid from a trustworthy supplier like SUNWAY Group so that you can take advantage of this versatile ingredient in your productio process.