Which one of the following naturally occurring acids is found in abundance in tomato ?
Acetic acid
Citric acid
Oxalic acid
Tartaric acid
Answer is Wrong!
Answer is Right!
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-1 – 2021
Tomatoes contain several organic acids, including citric acid, malic acid, and oxalic acid. While citric acid is often the most abundant acid overall in tomatoes and contributes significantly to their flavour, oxalic acid is also notably present in tomatoes, distinguishing them from many other fruits in terms of acid composition that might be highlighted in specific contexts (e.g., dietary oxalate intake). Among the options provided, Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in abundance (meaning significant quantity, though perhaps not always the single most abundant) in tomatoes, along with other acids. Citric acid is also present, and often in higher concentration, but oxalic acid is a recognized constituent in tomatoes, particularly in discussions of dietary oxalates. Considering the potential ambiguity and common association, Oxalic acid is a plausible answer if the question intends to highlight a specific, notable acid present in significant amounts.
Tomatoes contain several organic acids. Oxalic acid is a naturally occurring acid found in tomatoes, along with citric and malic acids.