Hydroxybutanedioic Acid or malic acid is an organic compound with the formula C4H6O5. This carboxylic diacid is the active ingredient in many sour or tart foods. Hydroxybutanedioic Acid is found mostly in unripe fruits.
Hydroxybutanedioic Acid is present in apples and grapes. It confers a tart taste to wine, although the amount decreases with increasing fruit ripeness. The process of malolactic fermentation converts Hydroxybutanedioic Acid to much milder lactic acid.
Hydroxybutanedioic Acid, when added to food products is the source of extreme tartness. It is also used with or in place of the less sour citric acid in sour sweets and Salt & Vinegar-flavor potato chips. These sweets are sometimes labeled with a warning stating that excessive consumption can cause irritation of the mouth.
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