Citric acid is commonly linked to citrus fruits, but it occurs naturally in a variety of fruits. Some fruits contain up to eight percent citric acid, with sour fruits predominantly containing the highest percentages. Citric acid has a tangy and bitter flavor. It is a popular food additive, used to form jams and jellies, stabilize dairy products, preserve meat and provide antioxidant properties to oils and fats. Citric acid is not the same thing as ascorbic acid: It does not prevent fruits and vegetables from turning brown and contains no vitamin C.
Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits contain the highest levels of citric acid, as well as ascorbic acid and vitamin C. These fruits have a sharp flavor and can be tart. Citrus fruits include grapefruit, oranges, lemons, limes, tangelos, clementines, kumquat, and ugli fruit. Of all citrus fruits, lemons and limes contain the most citric acid.
Berries
Berries contain a lower percentage of citric acid than citrus. Blueberries contain the lowest citric acid level and red currants have the highest. Berries with citric acid are tangy, although not as sharp as citrus. Included are strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, gooseberries, huckleberries, elderberries, red and black currants.
Tomatoes
The tomato has seeds, therefore it is considered a fruit. Overall, it is a highly acidic fruit and contains citric acid.
Tropical Fruits
The pineapple and tamarind are tropical fruits which contain citric acid. Pineapples are considered a high acid fruit and can also have a tangy and sharp flavor.
Low acid fruits
Citric acid is found in cherries, sweet apples, sweet peaches, sweet plums, mangoes, figs, olives, and persimmons. Although citric acid is present in these fruits, the levels are much lower than many other fruits.
Added Citric Acid
Many other fruits and foods contain added citric acid as a preservative or to gel ingredients. These include preserves and jams, canned fruits, fruit-flavored desserts, sodas, yogurt, and mayonnaise.
References
- "Viicky Clarke's Citric Acid Intolerance Site": Lists of Foods that Contain Citric Acid in Their Natural State
- "Understanding Food Additives": Acids and Applications in Food: Citric Acid
- "Fooducate": Twelve Quick Facts about Citric Acid, Ascorbic Acid, and Vitamin C: July 2009
- "The Fruit Pages": Fruit List
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