Malic acid, also known as 2-hydroxybutanedioic acid, has two stereoisomers due to the presence of an asymmetric carbon atom in its molecule. There are three forms in nature: D-malic acid, L-malic acid, and their mixture, DL-malic acid. It is a white crystalline or crystalline powder, highly hygroscopic, and easily soluble in water and ethanol. It has a particularly pleasant sour taste. Malic acid is mainly used in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
In the food industry, it can be used in the production and blending of beverages, liqueurs, fruit juices, as well as the manufacture of candy, jam, etc. It also has an antibacterial and preservative effect, and can remove tartaric acid salts in the brewing process.
Malic acid taste is similar to the sour taste of natural apples, and compared with citric acid, it has the characteristics of mild sourness, long staying time, etc. It has been widely used in high-end beverages, food and other industries.
Malic acid is an intermediate organism in the citric acid cycle, which can participate in microbial fermentation processes and serve as a source of carbon for microbial growth. Therefore, it can be used as a food fermenting agent. Yeast can do this, for example, growth promoters can also be added to fermented milk.
Malic acid can produce pectin gel effect, which can be used to make gelatinous fruit purees such as fruit cakes, jams, and jellies.
Malic acid can be widely used as a food preservative.
Malic acid can be used as a deodorant to remove fishy and body odor.
Malic acid has a relative strengthening effect. It can increase the number of disulfide groups in the protein in gluten, make the protein molecule larger, form a large molecular network structure, and enhance the elasticity and toughness of the dough.
Malic acid can be used to make delicious food and reduce salt usage.
Malic acid can be used as a color protector for some foods, such as natural fruit liquor color protectors.
Malic acid has a good antioxidant capacity, can delay oxidation, prolong the shelf life, and maintain the color, aroma, taste, and nutritional value of food.
Malic acid can be used in cosmetics, it can gently remove excess waste from the skin, and enhance skin metabolism.
Malic acid can be used as a detergent, synthetic material, and fluorescent whitening agent. Added to shellac or other varnishes, it prevents the paint from skinning over.
Malic acid can be used in health supplements.