Reasons for the sour taste of lemon
The mysterious fact is that lemon is sour, although members of its genus have a sweet taste.
Reasons for the sour taste of lemon
Sour taste as protection
Many fruit trees and shrubs have given the fruit its flavor over the centuries. The further north you go, the more plants with sour berries or fruits are found. Lemon is a typical representative of the subtropics with a sour taste.
The acid in the fruit is designed to ward off pests: insects, birds and animals. Despite the fact that lemon is sour, some representatives of the fauna (more often - monkeys) love to feast on citrus and make forays into the gardens. For some birds, the taste of the fruit does not matter at all - they eat the sweeter harvest first, and then they are mistaken for sour and even bitter fruits and berries.
Acid plays an important role in natural planting of lemon seeds. The best carriers of seeds are the same birds or animals. They eat citrus fruits, move to another place, and the seeds safely leave the body along with feces.
In this case, the acid plays the role of a protector and assistant:
- the presence of acidic compounds alkalizes the gastric juice, preventing excessive breakdown of all lemon elements in the gastrointestinal tract;
- a slight and mild effect of acid inside the body of an animal or bird at temperatures above 36 ° C slightly softens the outer hard shell of the seeds, helping them to germinate and take root faster;
- the rotting fruit acts as a primary fertilizer for the future young plant, but the excrement is a richer fertilizer for the tree sprout.
Acid chemical composition
The sour taste of lemon is often associated with its chemical makeup. The components of the fruit are saturated with useful substances and minerals, therefore even such a bright taste does not prevent people from actively using citrus for food and for other purposes.
The chemical composition of lemon includes:
- vitamins of group A, B (B1, B2, B5, B6, B9), PP, E, C;
- macronutrients: sulfur, chlorine, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium;
- trace elements: zinc, iron, copper, manganese, fluorine, boron, molybdenum;
- dietary fiber;
- flavanoids and essential oils;
- fatty and organic acids;
- mono - and disaccharides;
- water.
Vitamin C gives lemon a sour taste
The high acidity level is due to the low sugar content in the fruit. It is only 2.5 g per 100 g of product, and in small citrus fruits - up to 1.5-2 g per 100 g of product. Unripe lemons have even less sugar, because they are more acidic.
All chemical components in combination with acids and sugars are dissolved in a large amount of water in the fruit. It makes up about 85-87% of the total fruit volume. It often enhances the sour taste of lemon, because as the ripening process, its level in citrus increases.
It is believed that lemon is sour due to its high acid content: citric, malic and galacturonic. The amount of vegetable acids in the composition of 100 g of a ripe fruit can reach 5.7-6 g. But in nature there are other fruits, vegetables and even greens, in which the acid level is much higher, and the taste is not so pronounced.
Lemon contains a large amount of vitamin C, which also gives it a sour taste. Its amount in the fruit reaches 40-53 mg per 100 g of the product.
The effect of lemon acid on humans
The pleasant sour taste of lemon is often used in cooking. Pulp, juice and skin are added to different dishes: fish, salads, meat, baked goods and desserts. Citrus is popular as a flavoring additive to tea in combination with honey. Many diets include this product in their warehouse, because it has a cleansing and toning effect.
Citric acid has a positive effect on the body. In combination with other chemical elements in the composition of lemon, it performs the following functions:
- improves blood flow and work of the cardiovascular system;
- accelerates the process of digestion and metabolism;
- enhances immunity in the cold season;
- promotes healing of wounds and recovery of the body after diseases and operations;
- removes toxins from the body and prevents the appearance of pathogenic microbes and microorganisms;
- helps in the production of other beneficial vitamins and minerals in cells.
Fruit acid is also used for body care, adding to creams, masks, shampoos, scrubs, etc. Lemon helps to whiten skin and nails, strengthen and shine hair, tones and rejuvenates the skin. Citric acid also successfully fights various dirt in the house, it is added to detergents and cleaning products. It is able to break down fats and plaque in a short time.
Conclusion
The sour taste of lemon is thought to have evolved to protect seeds from damage by various birds, insects, and animals. Now the acidity of citrus is explained by the content in it of various chemicals and compounds of microelements, which give it such a taste. The fruit is appreciated for the quality and benefits that it brings to the body, and therefore taste is not its main advantage.