Citric acid is a food preservative and an ingredient in products including cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and beverages. Citric acid has a shelf life of three years from the date of manufacture. The acid’s chemical makeup and potency remain stable for at least five years in its original closed container.
Citric Acid Uses
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, its added to dry foods such as seasoning salts, flavoring powders, and crunchy snacks when a sour flavor is desired.
The acidic pH of citric acid makes it useful as a food preservative and preserves the color of the food since it significantly slows the oxidation. Since many bacteria are unable to grow in an acidic environment, citric acid is often added to jams, jellies, candy, canned foods, and even meat products as a form of preservation. Citric acid is also used to facilitate the ripening process when making cheese, particularly mozzarella. It is employed to adjust the pH of solutions when brewing both beer and wine, and works to keep fats from separating in homemade ice cream; it also prevents sugar from crystallizing in caramels. A small pinch of citric acid can also enhance the leavening power of baking soda, making it an ideal secret ingredient for cakes and biscuits. Those on a low-sodium diet may sub in citric acid for salt when seasoning.
Citric Acid Recipes
Unless making your own cheese, it may be hard to come by a variety of recipes calling for citric acid. But those that include vinegar or lemon juice on the ingredient list—like certain soups and pickled foods—are good candidates for using the sour powdered substance.
Flavor Friday Episode #5 – Preservative and Citric Acid
FAQ
Does citric acid degrade over time?
Is citric acid a strong preservative?
Does citric acid keep things fresh?
How much citric acid to use as a preservative in juice?
How long does citric acid stay stable?
In summary, citric acid can remain stable for a long time if stored properly in a cool, dry, and airtight container. Factors such as moisture, oxygen, and temperature can affect its stability and contribute to its degradation over time. Watch for signs of deterioration, such as changes in color, clumping, or loss of aroma and flavor.
Why is it important to know the shelf life of citric acid?
Over time, citric acid can lose its acidity and effectiveness, making it less useful in applications such as cleaning or preserving food. Secondly, understanding the shelf life helps prevent the use of expired or spoiled citric acid, which can potentially lead to adverse effects or compromised results.
Is citric acid a preservative?
Citric acid is a natural compound that can be found in fruits such as oranges, lemons, and berries. These fruits have a high yield of citric acid which makes them sour and pungent. How Can I Use Citric Acid as a Preservative? Citric acid as a preservative is commonly used in food, cosmetics, and personal care products.