Understanding Fruit Acidity : The Sugar-Acid Balance.

• Why are some fruits more acidic than others ?
When we taste a fruit, we can tell if it’s sweet, acidic, or well-balanced. This taste depends on a significant ratio between the fruit’s sugar and acidity.

• What is sugar-acid balance ?
All fruits contain sugar and acid. Sugar gives a sweet taste, while acidity adds freshness or tang.
To determine if a fruit is well-balanced, we measure what’s called the sugar-acid ratio. That is, we divide the amount of sugar (called the Brix level_link to the article on the word BRIX)_ by the acidity.

• What is it used for ?
To assess the fruit’s taste: neither too acidic nor too sweet.
To know when to harvest: producers use the ratio to choose the right time.
To make good juices and jams: a good balance results in a better product. Some examples:
– A succulent watermelon can have a ratio of 0 to 1
– A tasty orange often has a ratio around 12
– A good strawberry is often around 10

• In summary :
The taste of a fruit doesn’t just depend on the sugar: it’s the balance between sugar and acid that really matters. This is what makes a fruit taste just “perfect” to us!