Citric acid forms an essential role in the organic acidulant ingredients category. Citric acid is commonly used as a food additive for natural flavouring and flavour enhancement.
The ingredient is considered a weak acid which has a PH level between 3 and 6 and it is often used as an emulsifying agent, as well as a preservative. There are two types of Citric Acid, the first one is Citric Acid anhydrous (water-free), and the second, Citric Acid Monohydrate. The anhydrous form crystallises in hot water, while the monohydrate form crystallises in cold water. The monohydrate can be converted to the anhydrous form at about 78 °C. Citric acid also dissolves in water. Due to its diversified uses and organic properties, the product is also used widely in the vegetable rinsing processes.
Food and beverage manufacturers are constantly facing new waves of changes and demands in consumer preferences, nutrition, food safety, and the quality and standard of product offerings. To fulfill consumer needs organic acids such as citric acid are most popular in preservation and food storage. With food laws taken into regard, the use of organic acids has been prioritised.
Citric acid can be applied to a variety of industries and has many uses:
Confectionery
• Uses the ingredient to create sour flavours in candies and to aid texture development.
Dairy:
• To prevent fat separation or fat-forming globules that occur in the manufacturing processes of ice cream or gelato.
• To coagulate curd products without rennet – citric acid creates a desired offering.
• To reduce the fermentation processes and result in sustainable manufacturing.
Spices and Sauces
• Wide usage for flavour and preservation
Beverages:
• Prevention of the crystallisation of sugar when producing syrups.
• Inhibitor of spoilage and colour stabilisation
• Imparts sour and mild taste that increases the sodas or soft drinks shelf life.
• Preservation of the final product.
Personal care:
• Forms a primary exfoliant and antioxidant
• Stabilisation of PH in products to assist in creating non-irritating solutions for skincare ranges.
Meat processing:
• Protects meat products from microbial contamination and increases the shelf life of the product
• Preventing sensory and chemical deterioration during processing, storage, and transportation.
Bragan Ingredients is an expert in the field of supplying food and beverage ingredients throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Bragan Ingredients maintain the expected level of quality in our ingredient offerings as well as timeous delivery for all orders.
Place your orders for citric acid today and we won’t disappoint you!
Branch contact information:
JHB – 011 708 0007
KZN – 031 942 9624
CPT – 021 000 3121
PE – 072 615 7761
enquiries@braganingredients.co.za
