Dry citric acid is one of the most common food preservatives and flavoring additives. It can be found naturally in citrus fruits but is also manufactured. Its name is derived from the fact that it’s an organic acid found in many fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits. Citric acid is a concentrated powder that is prized for its sour flavor, preservative quality, and ability to act as a pH buffer. For these reasons, citric acid is found on the ingredient list of many of the foods in your kitchen pantry, including preserves, candy, and crunchy snacks.
Citric acid powder is commonly added to both carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks as a flavoring agent, adding a tart taste to the beverage, and as a preservative due to its anti-microbial properties. It is added to candy to add a tart flavor, but also to stabilize the sugars and enhance texture. Citric acid is used in the production of jams and jellies to help control the food’s pH level, assisting in its consistency and shelf life. It can also be found in processed cheese to stabilize and emulsify the oil and water content of the cheese and keep it from separating.
Citric acid powder is a great material for making bath bombs at home that can be used for anything from relaxation to detoxification and strengthening the immune system. Mix dry citric acid, epsom salt, baking soda and coconut oil to make a bath bomb.
Pour the coconut oil into a bowl and in another bowl, mix the dry ingredients such as citric acid, salt and baking soda well, add the coconut oil gently to the mixture, then roll it into small balls. Place these balls in a muffin tin and keep them in a well-ventilated area for at least three hours or overnight until they are dry, then you can keep them in a sealed container or a greaseproof paper bag and use them in the bathroom.
Dry citric acid powder can add flavor to medicine preparations, masking the taste of the chemical components. It is also added as an emulsifier, keeping ingredients in liquid preparations from separating. The most common use of citric acid powder in is in combinations with bicarbonates to create an effervescent, fizzing effect.
Applications of citric acid powder is added to many detergent products, such as laundry soap and shampoo, as well as industrial strength products, to maintain an alkaline pH, which helps the surfactants–cleansers–work more effectively. The citric acid powder is easy to rinse away with the cleanser, as it is both water soluble and biodegradable.
Dry citric acid can be bought in powder form and is usually available in stores with other home canning supplies, as well as in natural food stores or health food stores along with other vitamins and dietary supplements. In some grocery stores, citric acid is sold in small shakers and labeled as “sour salt.” It is also often found at Indian food markets as it is used to make paneer. Citric acid is packaged in pouches, tubs, and canisters, and is available in bulk.
Citric acid has many uses in food production; it is a flavor enhancer, preservative, and helps facilitate the ripening process. About 50 percent of the world’s citric acid production is used as a flavor booster in beverages, and because citric acid is made in a powder form, it’s added to dry foods such as seasoning salts, flavoring powders, and crunchy snacks when a sour flavor is desired.
Dry citric acid can be measured and added to recipes either as an ingredient or as a replacement for other acids like lemon juice or vinegars. When canning tomatoes, for example, 1/2 teaspoon of powdered citric acid can be used for every quart of tomatoes. The citric acid powder can also be sprinkled over finished recipes or raw fruit, such as guacamole or cut apples, to maintain their color. If making cheese like ricotta or paneer, citric acid will guarantee a perfect balance of acidity without adding any additional flavors. Dissolve 1/2 teaspoon citric acid in 2 tablespoons of water and use in place of 2 tablespoons lemon juice or vinegar. Citric acid can be used in place of salt in sour bread recipes like sourdough and rye. Most often, no more than 1 tablespoon of citric acid will be needed. It can also be used when preparing game meat to help eliminate any bacteria; spray a solution of 1 ounce citric acid with 1 quart water prior to cooking. Be mindful that the acid is an irritant to the eyes as well as the skin with prolonged exposure, so take caution when using.
Citric acid is also available in powder form. You can use the powder of this acid for the long shelf life of some products. Citric acid powder is used in detergents and medicinal compounds.