What Else Can You Do with Citric Acid?
Posted by Matteo Lahm on 2nd Mar 2023
The British Navy began using lemons on ships in the 1700s to prevent scurvy, a condition caused by a lack of vitamin C. At that time, it was believed that the acidic properties of lemons could prevent the disease, and they were right. A whole host of other benefits also came with stocking lemons. So what is it that makes them so useful, citric acid.
Citric acid is versatile and its many uses are often overlooked. You may be using it to up the acidity in your juice or to clean your bottles, but there is a lot more you can do with it. It is also a natural preservative and flavor enhancer as well as a great cleaning agent. Citric acid can be used for a variety of purposes, from canning food to scrubbing your kitchen counters.
It is an effective preservative and can be used to prevent the growth of bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms. When added to food products, citric acid helps to inhibit the growth of these organisms and can extend the shelf life of food. It can also be used to preserve fruits and vegetables for longer periods of time. It works the same way as increasing the acidity in your wine. Higher acidity means longer shelf life because the same principles that make wine more prone to bacteria at a higher pH also apply to food.
Citric acid can be used as a flavor enhancer in recipes. When added to dishes, it can add a tart and tangy flavor to foods. It is particularly popular in jams and jellies, as well as salad dressings and sauces. It can also be used to give dishes a more acidic taste and can be used to substitute for vinegar in certain recipes.
Lastly, it is an effective and natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners. When combined with baking soda, it can be used to clean sinks, countertops, and other surfaces. If you have hard water, this is really interesting. It can be used to descale hard water deposits, such as limescale and calcium from faucets. If you have persistent calcium film on your dishes from the dishwasher, just add a tablespoon of citric acid to every wash cycle. Finally, citric acid can be used to remove stains from fabrics. When added to a solution of warm water and laundry detergent, it can help to remove stubborn stains from clothing. Additionally, it can help to brighten whites and remove odors from fabrics.
In conclusion, citric acid is an effective and natural alternative to harsh chemical cleaners and is an essential part of any home. In the end, it is just fruit acid but used correctly, it is a non-toxic wonder with many uses and benefits.