From the name ‘citric acid’, it sounds like this is a chemical that belongs in a chemistry lab, not in your kitchen. However, citric acid is of great use in your kitchen. It is a natural component of fruits. Citric acid is used as an additive for enhancing natural flavors. It is also used as a preservative in canned fruits and vegetables, jams and jellies and a variety of other foods. This additive helps in retaining color and regulating acidity. It is also used in fruit drinks, candy, ice cream, and carbonated beverages.
Citric acid is also used in making cheese and creating soaps and bath bombs. So, it is very useful. Let’s see how to make citric acid.
You can purchase pure citric acid as a crystal powder. Dissolve this powder and your citric acid solution is ready. However, if you are making citric acid powder, do it with care.
If you are using citric acid crystals (also known as sour salt) for making citric acid solution, you need 1 or 2 pints of boiled distilled water for one pound of citric acid.
Place crystals in a nonmetal pot. Pour boiling distilled water and then stir. Use a coffee filter or a filter paper to filter the solution. This will remove undissolved crystals.
Using lemon juice as a substitute
Citric acid crystals available on the market do not provide you with many nutrients. So, if you want to increase Vitamin C intake, you can use lemon juice at its place. One ounce of this juice contains 1.5 grams of citric acid. So, it is a good substitute for citric acid.
This is very useful for canned foods. Canned foods need to contain and maintain a certain amount of acidity. This is done to prevent foodborne illnesses. Bottled lemon juice is an ideal agent for canned foods. This juice contains a consistent level of acidity. The amount of acidity varies in fresh lemon juice. So, it can’t be used in canning foods.
Creating DIY Bath Bombs
If you want to create a bath bomb at home, you can do it by using citric acid powder. Just like this acid, a bath bomb made from citric acid is also of great use. You can use it from relaxing to detoxification. You can also use it for boosting your immune system.
Bath Bomb Recipe
Here is a simple citric acid crystals bath bomb recipe.
- Serves: 6 to 12 bath bombs
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
The following recipe offers you a great way of making bath bombs. You can gift these bath bombs or use to relax in your tub after a long tiring day.
Bath Bomb Ingredients
- Organic, raw virgin coconut oil – 2 tablespoons
- Epsom salts – ½ cup
- Baking soda – 1 cup
- Citric acid – ½ cup
- Olive oil (enough for greasing the pan)
Directions
- Move the coconut oil in a separate bowl and mix all the dry ingredients as well in a separate bowl.
- Now slowly add the coconut oil to the other bowl with baking soda, epsom salt and citric acid.
- Shape this mixture into small balls.
- Add a few drops of olive oil in each compartment of a muffin pan.
- Put these small balls of the mixture firmly within each compartment of the muffin pan.
- Now, place them in a well-ventilated area for at least three hours. Make sure that the balls are dry to touch.
- Store these balls in a parchment paper bag or an airtight container until ready to use.
If you cannot make this acid at home, you can buy citric acid powder online. It is a versatile chemical compound with its uses spanning from your kitchen to the arts.