Citric acid

What is Citric Acid?

Citric acid is a natural chemical found in many fruits, especially oranges and lemons. It gives these fruits their sour taste. You can find it in other citrus fruits too, like limes.

Where Do We Get It?

People first found citric acid in lemon juice a long time ago. Today, we make most citric acid using a special kind of mold called Aspergillus niger. This mold is fed sugar, and it makes citric acid. After that, the citric acid is cleaned and used in many things.

Why Is It Important?

Citric acid is used to add a sour taste to foods and drinks. It also helps keep these items fresh for a longer time. You can find it in soft drinks, candies, and even cleaning supplies. It helps make soaps work better in hard water by creating more foam.

Fun Uses

Besides food and cleaning, citric acid is used in cosmetics and some medicines. It helps balance the pH in these products. It is also used to make dyes for fabrics and in some photographic processes.