Citric Acid Monohydrate is a white crystalline powder. It is a weak organic acid.

Citric Acid Monohydrate exists in greater than trace amounts in a variety of fruits and vegetables, most notably citrus fruits. Lemons and limes have particularly strong concentrations of acid; it can constitute as much as 8% of the dry weight of these fruits (about 47 g/L in the juices). The concentrations of citric acid in citrus fruits range from 0.005 mol/L for oranges and grapefruits to 0.30 mol/L in lemons and limes. Within species, these values vary depending on the cultivar and the circumstances in which the fruit was grown.

There are various benefits to adding citric acid to food, medicine, or other products:

• Preserve food. It is used to keep food fresh for longer periods. In some cases, it may prevent foodborne botulism, an illness that can be caused by home-canned foods that are low in acid.

• Preserve personal care products. It may keep cosmetics and other products fresh for longer.

• Have protective effects on the body. Citric acid used in medicine can kill bacteria and lower the acid in urine.

• Remove tough stains. For this reason, it's added to some cleaning products.