WHAT ARE THE USES OF SODIUM METABISULFITE?
Sodium metabisulfite, among the sulfites that can be used as a chemical, antioxidant, and bleaching in food. It is a reducing agent that is normally used for keeping fresh & dried fruits, vegetables, and wines.
How is Sodium Metabisulfite made?
Sodium metabisulfite can be made from the reaction in between sulfur dioxide with sodium carbonate. The following is the reaction equation: SO2 + Na2SO3 → NA2S2O5.
What're the Uses of Sodium Metabisulfite?
Sodium metabisulfite is a strong reducing agent that can respond with oxidizing agents as the sulfur atom in it with a positive valence of 4, the optimum valence of which is 6. That is the device why sodium metabisulfite is a multifunctional ingredient that is used as a chemical, antioxidant, and bleaching agent in food, wine, and other applications.
Preservative
The sodium metabisulfite preservative is a sulfur-containing chemical that inhibits the oxidase in the food, and also can block the regular oxidation process of microorganisms and therefore prevent the recreation of microorganisms in food preservation.
Wine
You may have seen sulfur dioxide in the active ingredients list of wine, yet unlike various other active ingredients you notice on the label, sulfur dioxide is not directly contributed in wine, it is formed by the addition of sodium metabisulfite or potassium metabisulfite. The complying with are the response formula of Na2S2O5 in wine:
Na2S2O5 + H2O <===> 2Na+ + 2( HSO3)-.
HSO3- + H+ <===> H2O + SO2.
Sulfur dioxide plays a crucial role in almost every manufacturing process of wine making, from grape selection to bottling. It is generally to hinder the growth of yeast and bacteria, and consequently preserve the glass of wine fresh and long the life.
Sodium metabisulfite or potassium metabisulfite is commonly contributed to wines, ciders, or maybe beers as an antioxidant, preservative, and stabilizer. It can be used to clean and sanitize wine equipment and wine bottles.
Antioxidant
Because sulfite is a strong reducing agent, it reacts with oxygen from vegetables and fruits and also prevents oxidase task, so it prevents food putridity triggered by oxidation and locks vitamin C in them.
Bleaching representative
Reduce the colored product to a brilliant and fresh shade or prevent/slow oxidative browning.
Processed fruit items
Like various other sulfites , sodium metabisulfite can be used as both a chemical and antioxidant in processed fruit products to reduce browning reactions, along with inhibiting the growth of certain bacteria.
Is Sodium Metabisulfite Safe to Eat?
Yes, it almost has no adverse effects and the safety has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Sodium metabisulfite preservative is safe except in meats, foods recognized as a source of vitamin B1, and fresh fruits or vegetables.
