Citric acid is an organic compound with the chemical formula HOC(CO2H)(CH2CO2H)2. It is a colorless weak organic acid. It occurs naturally in citrus fruits. In biochemistry, it is an intermediate in the citric acid cycle, which occurs in the metabolism of all aerobic organisms.
Citric acid
Lemons, oranges, limes, and other citrus fruits contain high concentrations of citric acid.
Powdered citric acid being used to prepare lemon pepper seasoning
Citrus is a genus of flowering trees and shrubs in the rue family, Rutaceae. Plants in the genus produce citrus fruits, including crops such as oranges, mandarins, lemons, grapefruits, pomelos, and limes. The genus Citrus is native to South Asia, East Asia, Southeast Asia, Melanesia, and Australia. Various citrus species have been used and domesticated by indigenous cultures in these areas since ancient times. From there its cultivation spread into Micronesia and Polynesia by the Austronesian expansion ; and to the Middle East and the Mediterranean via the incense trade route, and onwards to Europe and the Americas.
Citrus
Slices of various citrus fruits
Lemons are a citrus fruit native to Asia, but now common worldwide.
Mediterranean Mandarin (Citrus ×deliciosa plantation, Son Carrió (Mallorca)