Tartaric Acid

This is a white, crystalline organic acid that occurs naturally in many fruits, most notably in grapes, but also in bananas, tamarinds and citrus. Its salt - potassium bitartrate (commonly known as cream of tartar) - develops naturally in the process of winemaking. The acid itself is added to foods as antioxidant E334 and to impart its distinctive sour taste. In the Pharmaceutical industry, it is used in various formulations for antibiotics, effervescent powders and tablets, drugs for heart diseases, therapeutic compounds and excipient in the preparation of some medicines.