When buying Tartaric acid, always buy in well-sealed packaging with the manufacturing and expiry date mentioned. It should be dry and not moist and have a white, crystalline appearance.
Too much consumption of tartaric acid is harmful as it may cause gastric problems like vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and gastrointestinal inflammation. It may also lead to increased thirst.(1)
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Description
Tartaric acid is an acid naturally found in the plant kingdom like in grapes, apricots, apples, bananas, avocados, and tamarind. It is one of the main acids that is found in wine. Tartaric acid was first extracted from potassium tartrate and was known as tartar to the ancient people. It has been used in Mexican, Spanish and Portuguese cuisine since a long time. However, the chemical process for the extraction of tartaric acid was developed in 1769 by the Swedish chemist Carl Wilhelm Scheele. It is a white crystalline acid particularly combined with baking soda to cause rising or leavening in food products like bread and cakes. It is also added to foods to give a sour taste and as an antioxidant (it helps food retain its taste and colour and is preserved longer). Salts of tartaric acid are called tartrates and include Cream of tartar (potassium bitartrate), Rochelle salt (potassium sodium tartrate) and Tartar emetic (antimony potassium tartrate).