Citric Acid

Citric acid is a natural compound found in citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, limes, and certain berries. It's a weak organic acid with a sour taste. While it occurs naturally in fruits, it's also produced commercially through fermentation using various strains of mold.

Citric acid has a wide range of uses:

1. Food and Beverage Industry: It's a common food additive used to add a sour or acidic taste to foods and drinks. It's also used as a preservative to prevent spoilage.

2. Cooking and Baking: In cooking, it can be used as a flavoring agent in recipes, especially in jams, jellies, and sour candies. In baking, it can act as a leavening agent when combined with baking soda in recipes to help baked goods rise.

3. Cleaning Products: Citric acid is found in many household cleaning products due to its ability to remove hard water stains, limescale, and soap scum. It's environmentally friendly and safe for many surfaces.

4. Cosmetics: It's used in cosmetics and personal care products for its properties as a pH adjuster, antioxidant, and preservative.

5. Medicinal Uses: Citric acid is sometimes used as a natural remedy for certain ailments due to its antioxidant properties and potential health benefits.

It's a versatile and multifunctional compound that's widely used in various industries and applications.