What is Citric Acid? In this short story, we imagine what chemicals would be like… if they were people! Citric Acid is represented by our fictional character “Miss Citric”. It is set in a bakery, since one of the main uses for the acid is as an additive in food products. Enjoy!
It was a bright, sunny morning in early May. A sign hung halfway down Pie Dough Lane gently rocking in the breeze. On it, written in soft scroll, were the words: Tart Treats. It hung over a small bakery. The bakery was run by Miss Citric; and she could be seen in the windows now, nearly chirping with the birds as she twirled around the room cleaning her small shop.
It was a sweet little bakery. Miss Citric, blond & curled, waving hands over her floured counters, whipped up the most scrumptious treats. Cakes, pies, cookies, & tarts- everything she made was delicious! The customary ‘zing’ in her baked goods had earned her fame- and loyal customers from far and wide.
“Good morning!” she greeted her first customer of the day, now. “It’s a beautiful day! What would you like today?”
The customer studied her display for several moments. “I’m interested in the one that looks like a jelly roll,” he said finally. “Would that be good for a nice dinner dessert tonight? My grandmother will be with us for a small celebration.”
Miss Citric grinned, her words zesty. “It’s my orange-flavored Citrus Roll! You’ll love it. It’s got a mild tang, soft sweetness, and it’s light- like your grandmother!”
Known for her slightly tangy personality, Miss Citric’s words didn’t offend her customer. He laughed. “That sounds amazing! Do you know if it will last? We may have some guests in on the weekend, and I’d like to serve it to them as well – if we have any leftovers!”
“My products do tend to last,” she replied.
(What is Citric Acid? A mild acid found in citrus fruits, it is commonly used in food applications, including many types of baked goods. In addition to adding a special citrusy tang to baked goods, it is also used as a preservative. It helps make food last longer.)
As the customer left, Miss Citric decided it was time to do some more cleaning. She’d noticed some mild scale buildup on her coffee maker and around some of the hard water inlets in her kitchen earlier. Not only did it drive her crazy, removing scale buildup was kind of her specialty. She decided to wipe down the coffee maker that stood on her front counter first, so she headed for her cleaning closet to grab a rag.
Miss Citric surveyed the closet with satisfaction. Not a sign of a harsh chemical anywhere! This was how life should be – as she was – all natural! She reached for a rag and efficiently got to work.
(What is Citric Acid? Known as an all-natural cleaner in the world of cleaning products, it is commonly viewed as an eco-friendly alternative to harsh chemical products. It can effectively remove scale buildup from hard water mineral deposits, among other things.)
As the day wore on, more customers came and went. The coffee maker was gleaming now, along with every other part of the shop. Miss Citric felt fulfilled, and glowed with satisfaction at the happiness she created in the lives of others.
The afternoon sun was tired, and dipping towards the horizon, when her final customer came in. A local soap maker, Miss Sudsy Bubbles. Miss Citric greeted her.
But she was not here for baked goods, after all.
“Miss Citric, you run a fabulous little shop here- everyone knows that. Everyone loves your goods, but- I’ve got a problem! I need you to come work for me! Please!”
Miss Citric looked at her, mildly curious. “What do you mean?” she asked.
“It’s the Dreaded Orange Spots!” she moaned. “I’ve got the Dreaded Orange Spots in my soap! I’ve tried everything! If I can’t get this sorted, this could put me out of business! I just Know you can fix it- if anyone can! I’m willing to pay you… at least what you make here! Please, come help me!”
(Citric Acid may be used by soapmakers to help prevent DOS, or Dreaded Orange Spots- a form of soap rancidity. To do this, a small amount would typically be dissolved in water at the beginning of the soapmaking process, and ultimately act as a chelating agent.)
Miss Citric was taken aback. She was not expecting this. It wasn’t every day someone came to her little shop and begged her to close it down and come work for them! She needed time to think.
She let Miss Bubbles know she’d have to get back with her, and let her out of the shop, while her mind explored this strange new proposition. What. On. Earth!?!
She knew she loved being her own boss, and everything about her clean little bakery. But what would it be like to work for Miss Bubbles? Was there any merit to this idea of working for a soap maker?
Then, she thought of Mr. Lye. Mr. Lye worked for Miss Bubbles- one of her most important employees. She’d met him before. If she left her little shop and went to work there, she’d be working side by side with him every day! She did not like the thought. “There’s always the possibility of some unwanted reactions between us,” she mused. “Sometimes when we speak, things get a little… heated. Besides, I’ve always felt that I’m not quite… myself… when I spend too much time around him.”
“I’ll stay here.” Miss Citric concluded, as she picked up her jelly roll pan to put it away.
(Citric Acid, when combined with Lye or Sodium Hydroxide, can produce an exothermic, or heat-releasing, reaction. Also, Lye is a base and Citric is an acid, so they will tend to neutralize one another when mixed.)
We hope you’ve enjoyed this fun story showing what Citric Acid is through our made-up character, Miss Citric!
If you need Citric Acid for any type of industrial application, get in touch with a representative, today! Or, buy Food Grade Citric Acid online.
