Potassium bitartrate

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Potassium bitartrate, also known as potassium hydrogen tartrate, with formula KC4H5O6, is the potassium acid salt of tartaric acid (a carboxylic acid)—specifically, l-( + )-tartaric acid. Especially in cooking, it is also known as cream of tartar. Tartaric acid and potassium naturally occur in grapes; its crude precipitate form, tartar or wine stone, is a byproduct of winemaking found deposited on top of must barrels, which can be purified. Approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a direct food substance, cream of tartar is used as an additive, stabilizer, pH control agent, antimicrobial agent, processing aid, and thickener in various food products. It is used as a component of baking powders and baking mixes, and is valued for its use in stabilizing egg whites, which enhances the volume and texture of meringues and soufflés. Its acidic properties prevent sugar syrups from crystallizing, aiding in the production of smooth confections such as candies and frostings. When...

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