Citric Acid Suppliers
Citric acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula HOC(CH₂CO₂H)₂.
Citric Acid Suppliers
Citric acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula HOC(CH₂CO₂H)₂.
What is Citric Acid?
Citric acid is a weak organic acid that occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges. It is a white crystalline powder that is soluble in water and has a sour taste.
Citric acid is widely used in the food and beverage industry as an acidulant, flavor enhancer, and preservative. It is used to add a sour or acidic taste to food and beverages and is commonly found in soft drinks, candy, jams and jellies, and canned fruits and vegetables. It is also used as a preservative to extend the shelf life of food products.
Origin
Citric acid occurs naturally in many fruits and vegetables, particularly citrus fruits such as lemons, limes, and oranges. The name “citric” comes from the Latin word for citrus, “citrus.”
The process of extracting citric acid from fruits was first discovered by a Swedish chemist named Carl Wilhelm Scheele in 1784. However, it was not until the late 19th century that the commercial production of citric acid began.
Initially, citric acid was extracted from lemons and limes by using labor-intensive methods such as squeezing and pressing. However, with the development of modern fermentation technology in the 20th century, the production of citric acid became much more efficient and cost-effective.
Today, most of the world’s citric acid is produced by microbial fermentation using strains of the fungus Aspergillus niger. This process involves growing the fungus on a carbohydrate source such as molasses or corn syrup, which is then converted into citric acid through a series of chemical reactions. The resulting citric acid is then purified and used in a wide range of food, beverage, and industrial applications.
Commercial Production of Citric Acid
The commercial production of citric acid typically involves a process known as submerged fermentation, which is a type of aerobic fermentation in which microorganisms grow in a liquid medium. Here are the general steps involved in the production of citric acid:
- Microbial strain selection: A strain of Aspergillus niger is selected for its ability to produce high yields of citric acid.
- Inoculum preparation: The selected strain is grown in a small volume of nutrient-rich medium to create a large quantity of inoculum.
- Fermentation: The inoculum is added to a large fermenter containing a carbohydrate source such as molasses or corn syrup. The fermentation is carried out under controlled conditions of temperature, pH, and aeration to optimize the growth of the microorganisms and the production of citric acid.
- Recovery and purification: The citric acid is recovered from the fermentation broth by a combination of filtration and precipitation techniques. The resulting crude citric acid is purified through a series of chemical treatments to remove impurities and produce a high-purity product.
- Packaging and distribution: The purified citric acid is typically packaged in bags or drums and shipped to customers for use in a wide range of applications, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products.
The production of citric acid by microbial fermentation is a cost-effective and efficient process that has largely replaced the traditional method of extracting citric acid from fruits. It is estimated that over 99% of the world’s citric acid is now produced through fermentation.
Need a reliable source of high-quality citric acid for your food or beverage business? Ingreland has got you covered! Our citric acid is made from the finest ingredients and is perfect for use in a wide range of applications, from flavoring and preserving to cleaning and cosmetics. We’re committed to providing our customers with the best possible products and service, so contact us today to learn more about our citric acid offerings. Trust Ingreland as your go-to supplier of top-quality citric acid.
Function Food Grade Citric Acid
Citric acid has a number of functional properties that make it useful in various applications. Here are some of its primary functions:
- Acidity regulator: Citric acid is an effective acidulant, which means it can be used to adjust the acidity of foods and beverages. It has a sour taste and a pH of around 2.2, making it a suitable replacement for other acids like vinegar, lemon juice, or tartaric acid.
- Flavor enhancer: Citric acid has a sharp, tangy flavor that can enhance the taste of many different foods and beverages. It is commonly used in soft drinks, candies, and other sweet foods to give them a more acidic taste.
- Preservative: Citric acid has some antimicrobial properties that can help to inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi. It is often used as a preservative in foods, particularly canned or bottled products that are susceptible to spoilage.
- Chelating agent: Citric acid has the ability to bind with certain minerals, such as calcium and iron, which can help to prevent them from reacting with other ingredients in foods or beverages. This makes citric acid useful as a chelating agent in some applications, such as in the production of cheese or as a stabilizer for certain types of drinks.
- Cleaning agent: Citric acid is also used as a cleaning agent in many household and industrial applications. Its ability to dissolve mineral deposits and remove stains makes it useful for cleaning kitchen and bathroom surfaces, as well as for descaling coffee makers and other appliances.
Citric Acid Application
Citric acid has a wide range of applications in various industries, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, personal care, and household cleaning products. Here are some of its primary uses:
- Food and beverage: Citric acid is widely used as an acidulant and flavor enhancer in the food and beverage industry. It is used in soft drinks, fruit juices, candies, and other sweet foods to provide a tart, acidic taste. It is also used as a preservative in some canned or bottled foods, such as pickles, jams, and sauces.
- Pharmaceuticals: Citric acid is used as an excipient in many pharmaceutical formulations, such as tablets, capsules, and syrups. It can help to stabilize certain drugs and improve their bioavailability.
- Personal care: Citric acid is used in a variety of personal care products, including shampoos, conditioners, and skin care products. It can help to adjust the pH of these products and improve their stability. It is also used in some oral care products, such as mouthwashes and toothpaste, to help remove stains and whiten teeth.
- Household cleaning: Citric acid is an effective cleaning agent and is used in many household cleaning products, such as kitchen and bathroom cleaners, dishwasher detergents, and laundry detergents. It can help to remove mineral deposits and stains, and is often used as a natural alternative to harsher chemicals like bleach.
- Industrial applications: Citric acid is used in various industrial applications, such as metal cleaning, water treatment, and oil drilling. It can help to dissolve mineral deposits and prevent corrosion in metal surfaces, and can be used to control pH levels in water treatment processes.
Ingreland’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction means you can trust us to provide the very best products and service. Grow your business with us. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your business thrive with our citric acid!
Product Range
- Citric Acid Monohydrate
- Citric Acid Anhydrous
- Sodium Citrate
- Potassium Citrate
- Calcium Citrate
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