Citric acid
Citric acid is the intermediate product of the plants of a natural composition and physiological metabolism, is also one of the organic acids widely used in the field of food, medicine, chemical industry. It is colorless transparent or translucent crystal,or granular, particle powder, odorless, although has strong sour, but a pleasant, slightly astringent taste. In the warm air gradually disintegrate, in the humid air, it is slight deliquescence.
Usage
Food industry
Citric acid is known as the first edible sour agent, China GB2760-1996 is requirements for allowing the use of food acidity
regulator. In food industry widely used as sour agent, solubilizer, buffering agent, antioxidant, removing fishy smell removing sweetening agent, chelating agent, its specific purpose, numerous enumeration.
1. drinks
According to domestic and international statistics, the total consumption of the beverage industry account for 75%~80% of the total citric acid production. Citric acid juice is one of the natural ingredients, not only give the fruit flavor, but also
solubilization buffer, antioxidant effect, the drink sugar, flavor, pigment and other ingredients blend of coordination, formationof harmonic taste and aroma, can increase resistance the antiseptic effect of microorganisms.
2. jam and jelly
The role of citric acid in jams and jellies and in beverage is similar, regulating pH and to give the product sour, pH must be
adjusted to the most suitable for pectin condensation of very narrow range. According to different types of the pectin, it canlimit pH between 3.0 and 3.4. In the production of jam it can be improved flavor and prevent crystallization of sucrose sand defects.
3. candy
Citric acid is added to the candy ,which can increase the acidity and prevent the oxidation of various components and sucrose crystallization. General sour candy contains 2% citric acid. Boiled sugar, the massecuite cooling process is to put acid and pigment, essence, joined together. Pectin candy production of citric acid can regulate sour taste and gel strength increased.Anhydrous citric acid is used for chewing gum and powder food.
4. frozen food
Citric acid has the characteristics of chelating and regulating pH, can strengthen the role of antioxidants and enzyme
inactivation, can more reliably ensure the stability of frozen food.
