Lemons are sour because of their high concentration of citric acid.
The Role of Citric Acid
Citric acid is a naturally occurring weak acid found in various fruits and vegetables. While many fruits contain citric acid, lemons boast the highest concentration, making their sour taste particularly prominent. This acid interacts with our taste buds, triggering the sensation we perceive as sourness.
Examples of Citric Acid in Other Foods:
- Oranges
- Amla (Indian gooseberry)
- Guava
- Tomatoes
- Spinach
The relative amounts of citric acid vary greatly across these different fruits and vegetables; lemons stand out due to their exceptionally high concentration.
