Citric salt is an acidic substance found in citrus fruits that is used to add sourness to foods. It is also used in photography, hair products, and as a water softener. It can be harmful in large concentrations and is used as a preservative. It can be used as a cleaner and to remove hard water stains.
Citric salt is actually an acid, not salt as cooks conventionally think of it. It is an acidic substance commonly found in citrus fruits that is added to foods to make them more sour and tart. Other industries also use citric salt, which shows up as a stop bath in photography, an additive in hair products, and as a water softener. Many grocery stores sell this salt, usually in the spice or kosher food section. It can also be labeled acid salt or citric acid.
Citric acid was first discovered in acidic fruits at least in the 1300s, and has been isolated since the 1700s. The substance turns into a white crystalline powder when dried and doesn’t just appear in citrus fruits. In fact, the vast majority of modern citric acid is created through fermentation, usually by growing bacteria on sucrose, producing citric acid as a byproduct. Since it was first identified in citrus fruits, citric acid continues to bear the name “citric”.
When used in cooking, this salt can completely change the flavor of a food. Cooks unfamiliar with it should use citric salt sparingly, as it can ruin a dish if used in excess. Some grains can be used as a substitute for citrus juice in a variety of foods to achieve the desired taste. Some cooks temper the acidity with sugar, especially in Asian dishes. It is also used in food preservation and canning, as citric salt is an excellent preservative.
Since the powdered substance available in supermarkets is a concentrate, it can irritate bare skin or mucous membranes. Be careful when handling it, although it is perfectly safe to consume when dissolved in food. A small number of people are sensitive to citric salt, especially in large concentrations, and may wish to avoid it whenever possible. Excessive consumption has also been shown to be harmful to tooth enamel, as the acid can become corrosive.
There are also uses for this acid around the house. It can be used dissolved in water as a cleaner, and is particularly effective in removing hard water stains from sinks and dishes. If hard water is a concern, citric salt can also be added to loads of laundry so the detergent will lather up properly, assuming the detergent doesn’t already contain citric salt.
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