In article
>,
Sheldon > wrote:

> Jack wrote:
> >
> > Lately I've been exploring the various cuisines that make up my ethnic
> > background (in no particular order they are Polish, German, Russian,
> > Jewish). In some Polish dishes I've run into a spice I've not seen
> > before - sour salt. Checked Penzey's and they don't list it. Anybody
> > know of an online source?
>
> Most supermarkets have sour salt where they stock kosher foods, or ask
> at your pharmacy.
>
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calcium_citrate
>
> citric acid [SIHT-rihk]
> A white powder extracted from the juice of citrus and other acidic
> fruits (such as lemons, limes, pineapples and gooseberries). It's also
> produced by the FERMENTATION of glucose. Citric acid has a strong,
> tart taste and is used as a flavoring agent for foods and beverages.
> Small bottles of crystallized sour salt (also called citric salt ) are
> often found in the kosher-foods section of supermarkets. Sour salt is
> used to impart a tart flavor to traditional dishes such as BORSCHT.
>
> ? Copyright Barron's Educational Services, Inc. 1995 based on THE FOOD
> LOVER'S COMPANION, 2nd edition, by Sharon Tyler Herbst.
> ---
>
> SHELDON

Interesting info. I don't use it as a flavoring agent, though. I use
it where I need to increase the acidity of something like tomatoes or
certain fruits when I'm making jam or jelly. I use it specifically
because it does NOT add any flavor to a product, just acidity.

--
-Barb, Mother Superior, HOSSSPoJ
http://www.jamlady.eboard.com;pics of my no-knead bread posted
Laissez les bons temps rouler!