Malic acid
From Ukcider
Contents |
What is Malic acid?
L-Malic acid is an organic compound with the formula HO2CCH2CHOHCO2H. It is an active ingredient in many sour or tart foods. L-Malic acid is found mostly in unripe fruits. It is the principal fruit acid present in apples, making a major contribution to the flavour.
What is it used for?
Flavouring. It is used to add the typical tartness of traditional cider to industrial cider manufactured from sweet dessert apples, which are often lacking in tartness (or bitterness).
How is it made?
Ironically by fermetnation! Some saccharomyces yeasts produce it, but typically Ii is now produced on an industrial scale by the enzymatic conversion of fumaric acid using immobilized cells of Brevibacterium flavum.
Is it safe?
Yes. Industrially produced L-Malic acid is identical to what you will find in an apple. It simply happens to be the product of a chemical production plant, not a natural plant.
So whats the problem?
Poperly produced cider should not need flavour and acidity to be regulated with addition flavourings. Real cider, made with real cider apples has enough Malic acid to flavour the brew properly. It is only required in substandard production using poorly flavoured apples or concentrate.
