Citric Acid (Food Grade)

What is Citric Acid Citric Acid (CA) is a white powder typically used as an additive in foodstuffs to preserve freshness and prolong shelf life. It does so by increasing the acidity of products and killing the bacteria that cause food spoilage as the increased acidity prevents the bacteria from growing. This is also why CA is established as a powerful cleaning agent. Citric Acid is also known for its use in dietary supplements as our bodies are able to absorb minerals more efficiently if these are attached to Citric Acid. How is Citric Acid Made? There are two types of Citric Acid out there. The first is derived from — drum roll — citrus fruits! Things like oranges, lemons and limes. CA can also be found (albeit in smaller quantities) in tomatoes and berries. Citric Acid is a compound found naturally in citrus fruits. However, extracting Citric Acid from citrus fruits is very costly. The demand for CA is greater than the available supply of citrus fruits. The second type of Citric Acid is one that is procured from microbial fermentation, aka fungus. The fungus in question is a type of Aspergillus, very common fungi commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry. Aspergillus is fed with sugar which it metabolises into a liquid solution. In time Aspergillus spores germinate and cover the liquid creating a mat of mould. Some days later, the Citric Acid starts being produced. Sugars used for the creation of Citric Acid can be derived from wheat, cane sugar, or corn. Citric Acid is often derived from corn in the US since it is a very cheap, heavily subsidised crop. In South America, however, cane sugar is preferred due to the lower price of sugar. While in Europe, wheat sweeteners are typically used. Citric Acid can be obtained as an anhydrous (meaning water-free) form or as a monohydrate. The anhydrous form of Citric Acid crystallises from hot water, while the monohydrate forms when Citric Acid is crystallised from cold water. What is Citric Acid Used For? Due to its acidic, sour-tasting nature, CA is predominantly used as a flavouring and preserving agent. This is especially prominent in the production of soft drinks and candies. It's also used to stabilise or preserve medicines and as a disinfectant against viruses and bacteria. However, CA may also be used in the home as a cleaning agent as well as a food preservative. Citric Acid high acidity levels help kill off bacteria, mould, and mildew, making it a great disinfector/ general cleaner. It is also incredibly effective at ridding bathrooms of soap scum, hard water stains, limescale and rust. Our excellent Citric Acid and Bicarb paste recipe will blitz any and all stains from shower screens to tubs, tiles even toilet bowls! All the bathroom nasties will disappear without a trace. In the kitchen, Citric Acid is popularly used to preserve certain foods. For instance, if you’re having a large party of people coming over and you don’t want your big bowl of guacamole to brown while people get around to eating it, sprinkle a bit of CA and boom! Your guac won't brown. The same is true for apple slices, still want them to look crisp and fresh for a packed lunch or a serving platter? Sprinkle some Citric Acid over the top, and you’ll have that perfect slice look for longer. Citric Acid is also another way to add some sour power into your recipes without the need for any more liquid to be added. Citric acid is a naturally occurring acid. Manufacturers use a synthetic form of citric acid, called MCA, in many commercial products. Manufacturers also use this versatile acid in food preservation. Although it is regarded as generally safe to use, people with sensitive skin or allergies may wish to avoid citric acid or use it in small quantities. //

Mid-January can make us feel all a bit lost, but it’s time to get back to routine! Now the festive period is done and dusted, it’s time to get back into the flow of things. Which might mean focusing on healthy eating, keeping active, reducing alcohol intake, embarking on your New Year’s Resolutions! All this in mind, we thought we would recommend our January Detox Range! Featuring: Clipper Teas – Detox/Nettle/Dandelion These Herbal Teas can be great for Bloating, Indigestion, Water Retention, Soothing for your tummy after an indulgent Christmas. 3 cups a day in between meals.https://wholefoodearth.com/pages/search-results-page?q=tea&page=2 Together Vitamin D –This Sunshine Vitamin is harder to come by at this time of year, so supplementing in the wintery months is vital. Vitamin D is amazing for your energy levels, bone health, low mood, teeth, hair, skin and nails. Overall Vitality and certainly puts a spring into your step! This product is Vegan Friendly too! (Please consult with your GP/Health Care Professional if unsure or on any Medication) https://wholefoodearth.com/products/together-health-vegan-vitamin-d3-food-supplement-30-capsules Willy’s Kombucha Kombucha is fabulous for your digestion. The Apple Cider Vinegar version is a power packed Detox Drink, rich in natural probiotics. Customers say they feel energised and invigorated with improved digestion. Also great for Colds, Sore Throats, Hair Skin and Nails, Tummy Upset and so much more! The Apple Cider Vinegar Edition comes in three flavours: Apple, Blackcurrant and Raspberry and Introducing Willy’s Ginger Beer – Alcohol Free! Ginger is great for Nausea, Sickness, Stomach Discomfort and Indigestion. (Please consult with your GP/Health Care Professional if unsure or suffer with any Medical Conditions)|https://wholefoodearth.com/products/willys-ginger-kombucha-beer-250ml Donat Water Donat is back in stock! High in demand, this Magnesium Water is magical. Not only great for Indigestion, Heart Burn, Constipation you name it! It is also great for those suffering with Muscle Cramps, Restless Leg Syndrome, Stiffness, Muscle Spasms, Aches and Pains, Low Mood & Stress, Energy levels and may even help you sleep! Magnesium is an adaptogen and adapts to what your body needs. Drink daily for optimum efficiency. https://wholefoodearth.com/products/donat-mg-magnesium-water Wholefood Earth Soya Mince/Chunks A lot of us look to reduce processed and rich foods in the New Year. By swapping meat for plant-based meat alternatives, you will be reducing your fat and cholesterol intake and increasing protein and fibre. Two nutrients vital for helping you feel full, energised, for muscle recovery and overall health. Why not try our Soya Mince in your Bolognese, Cottage Pies, Chilli etc and the Chunks in Stir Fries, Casseroles, Curries, Salads and more! Simply rehydrate in boiled water for 15 mins to an hour depending on the texture you like and mix into your cooking! Super healthy, Versatile, Low Fat, High Protein…Yay! https://wholefoodearth.com/pages/search-results-page?q=soya+mince Pop into our Ramsgate store to see the full range or shop online!

Introducing Wholefood Earth's new product listing - Vital Wheat Gluten.Famous for the creation of Seitan - the vegan meat alternative!Vital wheat gluten is a natural protein source found in wheat. It is a powerful flour that is almost pure gluten. It is made from wheat flour that has had the gluten activated during a dehydrating process, removing all other ingredients except the gluten. Wheat gluten has very little starch content and a fantastic way of making dough elasticated. Vital wheat gluten is great for bread making as it helps to increase the gluten content of the bake. It is equally as great used in muffins, cakes and other bakes such as tarts and pastries where you are working with yeast ingredients. A small amount added to yeast bread recipes improves the texture and elasticity of the dough. When combined with water it becomes highly elastic and has a sticky like texture. Vital Wheat Gluten is a natural and very effective raising agent, helping your bread fill out perfectly and evenly, giving it more volume. It can be especially helpful for baking bread made with whole grain flours and coarse cereals. Vital Wheat Gluten can ensure recipes that require fruit, nuts and seeds, chocolate chips etc stay firmly held together and a good binder too! Brilliant for binding Vegan Meatballs, Burgers, Tofu etc. To make Seitan: Mix Vital Wheat Gluten with spices and add water to make a dough. When the gluten dough is cooked either by steaming, baked or boiled it becomes chewy with a meat style texture! See the range of sizes online and in store today! We sell in bulk so perfect for cafes, restaurants and keen cooks alike!