acids
The word "acid" comes from the Latin acidus, meaning "sour." All acids are sour to some degree. Sourness (acidity) is found in many natural ingredients such as vinegar (
ACETIC ACID), wine (
TARTARIC ACID), lemon juice (
CITRIC ACID), sour-milk products (
LACTIC ACID), apples (
MALIC ACID) and rhubarb leaves (toxic
OXALIC ACID). When used in a marinade, acids-such as wine and lemon juice-are natural tenderizers because they break down connective tissue and cell walls.
© Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc. 1995 based on THE FOOD LOVER'S
COMPANION, 2nd edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.
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