Tartaric acid (Tartaric Acid)
Other names: dihydroxy butanedioic acid, 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid, dihydroxy succinic acid
Harm score: 2 (Derivatives of natural substances)
Tartaric acid, officially known as 2,3-dihydroxybutanedioic acid or dihydroxy butanedioic acid, is an organic acid that occurs naturally in some plants, especially grapes and bananas. It is a white, odorless powder that has a distinctly sour taste. Tartaric acid is one of the main components of tartar, which is a white powder that often appears on cork or in wine bottles. It is also the main acid found in wines and plays a vital role in the stabilisation process during wine production.
Tartaric acid has many commercial uses due to its special properties. It is a popular addition to food and beverages where it is used as a preservative and flavour enhancer. It is a component of many baking powders, where it helps to release carbon dioxide and create bubbles that make dough rise. In cosmetics, tartaric acid is used in some creams and lotions for its exfoliating effects. In medicine, it is used as an excipient in the manufacture of medicines. Tartaric acid is also added to wines to increase acidity and improve taste. In addition, it is also an ingredient in some cleaning and polishing products for metals and glass. The accumulation of tartaric acid in wine can often be considered a defect, but in small amounts it enhances the complexity of the wine's flavor.