What effect does citric acid have on malic acid?

Answer 1

At a constant pH of 3.2 and a total acid content of 0.2%, if you use 100% citric acid, the sourness is an equivalent of 5.5. Swap the acid for 90% citric acid and 10% malic acid and the sourness increases to almost 6.4.

The most sour mixture you can achieve is 30% malic acid and 70% citric acid which has an equivalent sourness of almost 8, whilst malic acid on its own has an equivalent sourness of a little more than 7.

The other effect is that whilst citric acid is often used by itself for orange flavourings, real Oranges contain around 15% malic acid so for a more natural-tasting orange flavour it is best to use a mixture of the two.

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Answer 2

Citric acid can enhance the perception of acidity in a product when used in combination with malic acid. It can provide a more rounded and complex tartness compared to using malic acid alone. Additionally, citric acid can help to balance the flavor profile of products that contain malic acid.