Sitruunahappoja

Sitruunahappoja, or citric acid in English, is a weak organic acid found naturally in citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges. It is a colorless crystalline solid that is soluble in water. Citric acid is widely used as a food additive, where it functions as a preservative, flavoring agent, and acidity regulator. It is commonly found in processed foods, beverages, candies, and jams. Its tart taste also makes it a popular ingredient in many recipes.

Beyond its culinary applications, citric acid has several other uses. It is utilized in the pharmaceutical industry as an effervescent agent in tablets and as a chelating agent to remove heavy metals from the body. In the cosmetics industry, it is used in skincare products for its exfoliating and antioxidant properties. Citric acid also plays a role in household cleaning products, acting as a natural descaler and disinfectant.

Industrially, citric acid is produced through the fermentation of carbohydrates, primarily from corn starch, using specific strains of the mold Aspergillus niger. This biotechnological process allows for large-scale production to meet global demand. The acid is a key component in the Krebs cycle, a fundamental metabolic pathway in living organisms responsible for energy production. Its presence and function in biological systems highlight its importance in biochemistry.