Question

Name the organic acid present in tomato:
[A] Tartaric acid
[B] Malic acid
[C] Lactic acid
[D] Oxalic acid

Answer 1

HINT: Tomatoes contain a variety of organic compounds which are acidic in nature. These acids are also found in lime and lemons. It plays an important role in maintaining the nutritional level and the quality of the fruit.

COMPLETE STEP BY STEP SOLUTION: We know that tomatoes are citrus fruits even though they are cultivated and eaten as vegetables. Tomatoes contain high levels of organic acids which affect its flavour.
We also know that organic acids are compounds with acidic properties. They are natural acids and contribute to the sourness of vegetables and fruits. Organic acids play an important role in maintaining the nutritional health and quality of a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Tomatoes contain more than 10 organic acids. The proportions of these acids change upon ripening of tomato. Present of these acids is proved by the help of UV detectors using a special type of chromatography.
The ten acids present in tomatoes are – malic acid, pyruvic acid, lactic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, pyroglutamic acid, succinic acid, citramalic acid, fumaric acid and trans-aconitic acid.
However, the major organic acid in tomatoes is citric acid followed by malic acid.
From the above discussion we can say that among the given options, lactic acid, malic acid and oxalic acid (i.e. acetic acid) is present in tomatoes.

Therefore, the correct answers are options [B] malic acid, [C] lactic acid and [D] oxalic acid.

NOTE: Besides organic acids, tomatoes also contain sugars like fructose, glucose and galactose. Sugars and organic acids are the main reason for the flavour of tomatoes. Their proportions depend upon the stage of ripening and the cultivators. At the initial stage, the proportion of malic acid is predominant whereas in the rest of the stages, citric acid is dominant.