It is a small amount that works effectively. It would take a lot more ascorbic acid to equal the power of citric acid to acidify tomatoes properly. Then flavor would be compromised. Ascorbic acid is not as acidic as citric acid. Ascorbic acid is better at protecting color changes in certain foods like apples, peaches, and pears. The key difference between citric acid and ascorbic acid is that the ascorbic acid is the active compound in what we are taking as vitamin C whereas the citric acid is used in vitamin C tablets just for giving the taste.
Citric acid and ascorbic acid are organic compounds, which can act as acids. Organic acids essentially contain hydrogen and carbon with another element. Other most common organic acids are acetic acid, formic acid , lactic acid , etc.
These acids have a —COOH group. Therefore, they can act as proton donors. Both citric acid and ascorbic acid occurs in citrus fruits, so there is a confusion between the two. However, they are entirely different two molecules. Overview and Key Difference 2. What is Citric Acid 3. What is Ascorbic Acid 4. Citric acid is an organic acid which is present in citrus fruits. For instance, lime, lemon, oranges are citrus fruits.
A common feature to all of these fruits is their sour taste, and citric acid is accountable for this. Citric acid is used commercially to enhance or provide tart flavor in products from tart candies to soft drinks. So much of it is added to cola that it can soften the teeth of heavy consumers. Some bakers use it in sourdough bread to produce an especially assertive tanginess.
Now that you know the difference, put it to work. Please follow and like us:. All rights reserved. All images are copyrighted to their respective owners. It is one of the best aids in baking bread because it promotes the growth of yeast. Health-wise, ascorbic acid is great in treating scurvy. Citric acid, on the other hand, is a natural component of citrus fruits, some fruits, and a few vegetables.
It is synthetically produced from sugar. It is man-made. It is used to improve the taste of certain products like soda and fruit-flavored candies. To some ice creams it is also added so fat globules will not coagulate. It is considered a good additive. It has a tart and tangy taste. Health-wise, citric acid is said to boost energy. As a fringe benefit, citric acid help in breaking down kidney stones and preventing new ones from forming and developing. Ascorbic acid is found in citrus fruits as well as citric acid, but citric acid does not contain Vitamin C.
Ascorbic acid is natural, citric acid is man-made, hence, synthetic. Ascorbic acid is a great preservative. Citric acid is a great additive. Citric acid constitutes the tangy taste of certain food.
In summary, while there is very minimal difference in the chemical composition of both ascorbic acid and citric acid, that is, an additional oxygen atom in citric acid, the difference is so much more.
There have been many discussions between the differences and similarities of both components. What is certain though is its importance, not only to our body and health, but its benefits to cooking and in our daily lives.
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