tartaric

Everyday

(science) Tartaric describes tartaric acid, a natural acid found in grapes, bananas and tamarinds; it is used in cooking, baking powder (as cream of tartar) and making wine. tree →

In the lessons

In science and cooking, tartaric acid is a safe food acid; cream of tartar (made from it) helps egg whites whip and is mixed with bicarbonate of soda in some baking powders and fizzy sherbet. In chemistry lessons on acids, it is an example of an acid in food. Phrases: «tartaric acid», «cream of tartar».

Examples

• Tartaric acid is found in grapes. tree →
• Cream of tartar comes from tartaric acid. tree →
• Sherbet fizzes because the tartaric or citric acid meets the bicarbonate of soda. tree →
• Tartaric acid gives some sweets a sour taste. tree →
• We listed acids in food: citric, tartaric and malic. tree →
• Winemakers measure tartaric acid in grapes. tree →

Note

Science word, almost always in «tartaric acid». Pronounced «tar-TAR-ik». Not related to «tartar sauce» or the tartar on teeth.