2024-11-04
Acetic Acid: Food Sources and Benefits-anhydrous glacial acetic acid
Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is an organic acid found naturally in apples, grapes, and blackberries. It can also be produced by bacterial fermentation of sugars and starches. Undiluted acetic acid, called glacial acetic acid, is highly corrosive and isn't usually found in food or household products. This form of acetic acid is used to produce cellulose acetate, polyvinyl acetate, and vinyl acetate monomer, chemical compounds needed to manufacture plastic, paint, and solvent. Diluting acetic acid with water creates vinegar, and most vinegar contains around four to eight percent of acetic acid.Acetic acid vinegar is considered a weak acid that inhibits bacterial growth, making it an ideal pickling agent and preservative. It’s often used in combination with other food additives—including citric acid and acetate salts—to prolong the shelf life of food products.