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Malic Acid
Structural formula of malic acid
Malic acid is a tart-tasting organic acid that plays a role in many sour or tart foods. The chemical structure of malic acid is HO2C-CH2-CH(OH)-CO2H. Its chemical formula is C4H605 Malic acid has melting point 128°C to 130°C and molecular weight of 134.09. Apples contain malic acid, which contributes to the sourness of a green apple. Malic acid can make a wine taste tart, although the amount decreases with increasing fruit ripeness. The process of malolactic fermentation converts malic acid to much milder lactic acid. Malic acid, when added to food products, is denoted by E Number E296.
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