Plant-based Acids: Citric, Malic, and Tartaric

Plant-based Acids

Citric Acid

• Found in citrus fruits such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits
• Also present in smaller amounts in other fruits like strawberries and tomatoes
• Used as a natural preservative and flavoring agent in food and beverages

Malic Acid

• Found in apples, grapes, and pears
• Contributes to the sour taste of fruits
• Used in food products like jams, jellies, and soft drinks

Tartaric Acid

• Found in grapes, particularly in the skin and seeds
• Used in wine production to enhance flavor and stability
• Also used in food products like candies, beverages, and desserts

Oxalic Acid

• Found in rhubarb, spinach, and beet greens
• Can be toxic in high concentrations, but safe in small amounts
• Used in some food products and as a cleaning agent

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

• Found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and kiwis
• Essential nutrient for human health, with antioxidant properties
• Used in food products, supplements, and pharmaceuticals

Other Plant-based Acids

• Fumaric acid: found in fermented fruits and vegetables
• Lactic acid: found in fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut
• Succinic acid: found in fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi

Plant-based Acids

Citric Acid

• Occurs naturally in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits
• Also present in smaller amounts in fruits like strawberries and tomatoes
• Serves as a natural preservative and flavoring agent in food and beverages

Malic Acid

• Found in apples, grapes, and pears
• Contributes to the sour taste of fruits
• Used in food products like jams, jellies, and soft drinks

Tartaric Acid

• Found in grapes, particularly in the skin and seeds
• Enhances flavor and stability in wine production
• Used in food products like candies, beverages, and desserts

Oxalic Acid

• Found in rhubarb, spinach, and beet greens
• Toxic in high concentrations, but safe in small amounts
• Used in food products and as a cleaning agent

Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C)

• Found in citrus fruits, strawberries, and kiwis
• Essential nutrient for human health with antioxidant properties
• Used in food products, supplements, and pharmaceuticals

Other Plant-based Acids

Fumaric Acid

• Found in fermented fruits and vegetables
• Used in food products and as a preservative

Lactic Acid

• Found in fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut
• Used in food products, pharmaceuticals, and as a preservative

Succinic Acid

• Found in fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi
• Used in food products, pharmaceuticals, and as a preservative

Learn about the sources and uses of citric acid, malic acid, and tartaric acid, found in various fruits and used in food products.