Why Acids Are as Important as Salt | What’s Eating Dan?

Powdered acids give you full control over acidity without bringing anything else to the table, and they deserve a place in your pantry. Dan shows you how to use them in your everyday cooking.
Recipes:
Lemon Posset with Berries: cooks.io/3Co8TMg
Grapefruit Posset with Candied Pistachios: cooks.io/3ChoA7Y
Creema di Leema Cocktail: cooks.io/42vyXjh
Lemon Pepper Wings: cooks.io/45Q8IqF
How to Turn Any Juice Into Satiny Posset: cooks.io/3WUr8mf
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[@DanielJSouza]

Heyyyyy Everyone! Thanks for watching! Who keeps some powdered acids in their pantry? Who is going to go pick some up now? Love to see the interest in vinegar and lactic acid fermentation in the comments. If there are other topics you'd like to me cover, let me know!

[@citizen.insane]

As you said, vinegars would be an excellent topic. Acetic acid is such a unique flavor. Store bought vinegar isn't very strong, but I'm curious if you can think of any home kitchen applications for an industrial strength vinegar (30% acetic acid). This would be complementary to pretzel making, which uses a strong basic solution.

[@Kedai610]

I’ve had powdered citric acid for ages. It really is a great ingredient to have

[@pavelow235]

links to your salt and umami episodes please....

[@tinktaylor444]

Yes please to the vinegar and lactic acid fermentation videos!💙

[@nickprafke6664]

Please make those videos I would be very curious as the acids in fruit I enjoy but acetic and lactic acid foods are for the most part unpalatable for me.

[@prfarlow]

we want more acid episodes!

[@vandorb12]

I wanna trip, maaaaaan

[@Des_ar]

We need Sour September, yes to both lactic and vinagre episodes!

[@guinnesschili]

I love acid!!!

[@TheForbiddenDance]

Lactic

[@roospike]

Concur 🍋

[@brennanduthu9578]

We absolutely need vinegar and fermentation episodes Dan!! Wonderful work.

[@kevindeuschle3413]

yes please

[@jackielenarz6334]

YES!!!

[@saras6588]

Yes and Yes!

[@kriss8018]

Yes, please. Both vinegar and fermentation!

[@myklebuster]

Can't see how acetic acid doesn't get brought up in fermentation too.

[@alexanderk.3177]

Yes! More stuff about acids, and vastly more about fermentation, please! 🎉

[@tootswoots]

Yes please, on the fermentation! Peoples would like to know :)

[@vdcastro93]

Vinegar and fermentation episodes would be amazing!

[@themostselfishman]

Even with the insane amount of competition, and my admiration for many other creators, America's Test Kitchen stands at the peak of my favorite culinary content.

[@BrendonWilliams]

My top channels for informative, sciency cooking videos are Adam Ragusea and ATK. Scott Young is another than I randomly found recently.

[@NoZenith]

You guys should check out Glen and Friends Cooking. He doesn't have the portfolio Adam ragusea does but he's very easy to understand and follow along with since he's not a professional but you so informative and clearly explains exactly what's happening so you know what to expect in videos that aren't exorbitantly long. I don't think he has any videos over 25 minutes and the majority of them are half that long and your left completely understanding the concept and the recipe. Just from the way he explains things while he's showing you how to brown butter or do a dry caramel as a base for some fancy hot chocolate, I now have a much larger base knowledge and skill set to be able to apply to other recipes. The way he calmly says things like "sure, it looks a mess now but it's totally going to fix itself so don't freak out and just keep stirring" is so reassuring to a novice. He tries to stay away from any needlessly complicated processes and skills while explaining his reasoning we're not perfect in those skills and still ending up with a similar if not identical product in the end which I really really really appreciate. Also, Adam Ragusea has called him out in videos! He's legit 👌

[@taemoney86]

Yes to the vinegar and lactic acid fermentation videos!

[@juliegonzalez9843]

Yes, please do more episodes on the ones you mentioned in the video. This was very informative. Will keep watching!

[@EmilyAllanPoe]

Learn from my mistake, LABEL YOUR ACIDS. Citric acid looks incredibly close to granulated sugar. For months, I thought I had somehow forgotten how to bake and was slowly losing my mind. My poor husband’s birthday cheesecake was absolutely awful. 😅

[@lynnstlaurent6789]

My mom once put cayenne instead of cinnamon in my sister’s carrot cake for her birthday.

[@kindablue1959]

Always taste your foods as you cook. I find I need to adjust things at least 50% of the time. Even with baking, I take a tiny lick of the batter just to make sure the salt and sugar balance is right.

[@robinsondinh2412]

Noooo 😭😭💀💀

[@mikairu2944]

@@lynnstlaurent6789 At least that made for a funny memory that'll last a lifetime (of making fun of your mom), at the mere price of a cake.

[@mjremy2605]

Oh no! That is funny and sad. Thanks for the tip! 😂

[@lindacgrace2973]

Yes. Please do episodes on lactic and acetic acids. Your short bites (see what I did there?) on various ingredients are interesting and very informative. Keep up the good work!

[@DanielJSouza]

Thanks!

[@thaisstone5192]

Just fascinating. I love watching Dan, he teaches well without "talking down" to the viewer.

[@jodiperko2774]

Yes, further episodes on other acids and fermentation! I have to watch this again to really learn it. Thanks!

[@luke11.35]

I am all for the Acetic acid & Lactic acid episodes. Vinegar & fermentation are totally worth the time! 8)

[@PokhrajRoy.]

‘Taste of Acid’ followed by a wink is Classic Dan.

[@susanlehotsky4613]

Yes please enlighten us regarding vinegar and lactic acid!

[@Hermaniac8]

The concept of lime-strength orange (et al.) juice has expanded my brain like a dune guild navigator. This is a life-changing video.

[@augm8184]

I’d been waiting for this breakdown my whole life, but never bothered to look into it Tysm!

[@starseeker4716]

Hi Dan, yes pls on the other videos....loving your stuff! Thank you ❣

[@asdasfghgf]

I've read that sour taste is the oldest taste we've identified in the genomic record, going back millions of years and developing before any other taste. The theory I read was that it allowed ancient organisms to identify when they swam into low oxygen/high CO2 water, which would be more sour due to the carbonic acid formed.

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Sour is my favourite taste. I love limes, grapes, oranges (among other citrus fruits) and lemons.

[@seanhertzsch]

I love these episodes. Dan, when are you going to be on Hot Ones? You are one of the few chefs I admire that hasn't yet.

[@glorywr]

Absolutely do a fermentation episode! Please don't focus on alcohol though. I've started making my own ferments like kraut and kombucha and having some daily after reading some studies about gut microbiology, and it's the first thing that has actually helped me lose weight and cut my sugar cravings. I'd love to see what you do with the science of fermentation

[@leegreen159]

Yes, please! I would love a video on fermentation.

[@rickm5271]

My mouth would not stop watering during this episode! And YES to more fermentation and citric acid segments! Yes Dan, you're making my mouth water! ❤

[@jonnyfendi2003]

Really now??

[@RobertJBallantyne]

This is everything about why I love to hang out at America’s Test Kitchen! I’ve always disliked the format of recipes: a formula that someone created that might or might not produce a delicious result in my kitchen. My kitchen is my laboratory: a place of experimentation and discovery. I delight in learning new techniques and processes. ATK not only shows me what works, but explains why. It seems I’m always trying to balance acid, salt, and sweet. Dan’s episode today - backed by the amazing ATK team - has added substantially to my repertoire of understanding and techniques. Oh yes, I'll soon have those powdered acids. Thanks.

[@memedump8]

I''d love a vinegar episode! To this day I don't know why there are so many types of vinegars available and how to use them, I stick with the red wine one

[@celeritas2-810]

I suggest buying a few and trying them. Make vinaigrettes with different ones and taste the difference with simple cos lettuce or similar.

[@rono1rono]

Yes, more episodes on acids, vinegar, and umami, please!

[@anntesta441]

Yes Dan, we want more acid episodes!!!

[@n10sityr]

I spat out my food from the unexpected ending line. Brilliant!

[@VulcanGray]

I've been waiting for this forever! I've had both acids for making super juice, but now I can do so much more!

[@shirleyschuurman2997]

Info on further acids would be informative. Thanks you. Need to watch again-all new to me.

[@MyCleverHandle]

Hey Dan, I just wanted to thank you for making the science of cooking taste good!

[@marycoombe2436]

Yes, please. The more we know, the better our cooking will be and less flops!

[@barbaracampagna8047]

Yes, please! More on acids and fermentation, please.

[@marybretired]

Definitely an episode on vinegars!

[@dwayneharris1438]

Boy when you learn something, TK shows you something different. I wonder if this will go in a book. Entitle cooking with Acids. Looking forward to buying it.

[@kevinparcher8514]

Yes! Please do episodes on vinegar and lactic acid fermentation. I am very intrigued by the idea of higher acid orange juice and can't wait to experiment with that. Thanks for another great episode!

[@smoothcortex]

Dan will give us a vinegar episode whether we want one or not. I want one.

[@cmarkn]

I look forward to a series on vinegars.

[@marabanara]

Posset is super old school. In Latin cultures, we use the mix of dairy and citrus in desserts like Lime Carlota and similar things. I blend heavy cream with sweetened condensed milk and lemon or lime juice, and later the mix with Maria biscuits (I know US peeps who use something called graham crackers?) and leave in the fridge overnight. The top can be decorated with lime zest or powdered biscuits/crackers.

[@aznwierdone]

Definitely need more videos on acids like vinegars and lactic acid!

[@rahulphatak3506]

100% more episodes on this! Thank you!

[@HRussock]

Yes! Please do a fermenting video! Kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, veggies…you name it.

[@GXHZGT]

Yes to both new episodes. Love you Dan!!!

[@jenniferbeveridge131]

We absolutely need videos - plural - about acetic acid, all the different kinds of vinegars, lactic acid, fermentation, and vinegar vs. fermented pickles. The way that last topic ties all those things together could make it a series. My question would be, can you kickstart the fermentation process by dissolving powdered lactic acid in water, along with the usual sugar and salt, to an appropriate ph?

[@gcvrsa]

I started keeping pure citric acid in my pantry years ago. I used to buy powdered lemon and lime, but the problem with them is that they are usually mixed with maltodextrin, and they tend to cake up and become difficult to use. I ended up developing a small spice kit for backpacking/camping/travelling, and it includes small vials of: onion powder, garlic powder, citric acid, msg, cayenne pepper, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom, plus larger vials of salt and sugar. I'm a big fan of sour flavors, and I often find that pre-packaged foods aren't as sour as I would prefer them to be, so having pure citric acid on hand is an easy way to remedy that.

[@Lightlinefisherman]

I want to watch as many episodes u guys are willing to make. Keep ‘em coming Dan!

[@clairressagoad2789]

I want you to do an episode on heat…hot sauce and hot peppers and why it’s a flavor for some and a tingling sensation for others…and thank you Dan!

[@TheCatWitch63]

Let’s have those episodes on fermenting and lactic acid, as well as the one about vinegars, please!

[@mickeyberg1387]

Dan (and the team) your videos are THE best food content on KZbin, with consistently amazing stuff. Can’t get enough!

[@maryannequinn3465]

Yes, Dan, please do those additional episodes.

[@Aaam1rK]

Looking forward to the episodes on fermentation and vinegar!

[@Molly-eq1ix]

YES! I want to see more about vinegar and lactic acid....you are such a marvelous ringmaster in the kitchen. Thanks!

[@crusador84]

yes I definitely want an acetic and lactic acid episode!

[@petegalvs]

Yes, and yes. You can never have too much acid content

[@terrifreilly9734]

In this “Acid” episode (“throwback” to the 1960-70), you put out a call for a vinegar episode. I am huge fan preferring a higher ratio of acid to oil. Faves include thick, natural fruity balsamic vinegars I buy locally in St. Louis, including Bordeaux Cherry and a Lemon balsamic for any greens (Lemon also excellent in green tea), Bourbon Cherry for grilling, and a Jalapeño balsamic for adventure. So, definitely yes to a vinegar segment, Dan! Grateful for your time, expertise, and wit.

[@dianekassmann8821]

Yes, definitely more about acids. We need all the acids!

[@studyster]

Yess more acid episodes!! Vinegar and lactic acids plz!

[@rachellemazar7374]

I’m definitely interested in fermentation videos and vinegar too

[@otralee]

I would love more episodes with you. The other acid and the other other acid.

[@thereseboogades8498]

Hi Dan YES, Please! Videos on vinegar & lactic acid please! I am hooked on your videos; so fun & interesting- I'm learning so much! Thank you from Virginia Beach, VA. 😊

[@glucosina]

Do I want to see Dan doing a vinegar and fermentation episode? HELL YEAH!🤤

[@sallyatkinson1682]

Yes, more acid episodes please!

[@whoa_that_ruled]

Yeah more of those episodes please. Good stuff Dan!

[@BobWescott]

I love your work. Please more episodes on acids, or whatever interests you.

[@catherinewoods3166]

Yes, do an episode on vinegar and how it is helpful, and lactic acid as used in fermentation!

[@ronhatley2444]

More, more, more from you Dan. Love these episodes. Yes, more on acids please.

[@SugarDemon1035]

I've been curious about powdered acids ever since I saw Claire Safftiz using them in Gourmet Makes (RIP that series). Would love more acid videos!

[@PokhrajRoy.]

Thank you for this video. Delightful as always ❤

[@vdevov]

Nickle Morris’ Super Juice recipes are amazing. Using malic and citric acids, to displace the ascorbic acid in citrus using powders and water. Also using the peels rather than the juice. Only takes about 10 limes to makes a full liter of Lime Super Juice!! Good in the fridge for over a month! Educated Barfly’s lime super juice recipe is my favorite. Though you’ll have to make a lot of Mai Tais and Margaritas, as you realize you’ll want to use it so much.

[@cynthialiverpool7131]

My vote is in for episodes on vinegar and fermentation. Actually, anything that is bothering Dan I'm for.

[@ericawentz2734]

Yes, please! More acid content 🧡

[@euliskay]

This was great, and yes please, an episode on lactic fermentation would be fabulous!

[@lkuypers3680]

Yes! I would like videos on vinegar and other acids, please. Enjoy your videos ❤

[@coleenotoole3995]

Definitely more like this! Love your content.

[@bartoscar]

A cool thing you can do with citric and malic acid is to make so-called "super juice" - you take the zest of either lime or lemon and macerate it with the powdered acids (just google it to get the proportions). You then add water, blend it, strain it and mix in the actual juice and end up with 8 times as much juice. This is aimed mainly at bartenders, but you could certainly do it at home

[@jhubanks77]

YES to fermentation episodes!

[@RageBarrage]

Another outstanding video, thanks Dan and the ATK video team! Yes please to the acetic and lactic acid episodes.

[@StormGuard92]

Love your videos,Dan ! I have enjoyed watching anything from you and will everything that you decide to cover!

[@TheWavys]

LOVE deep dives like this! would love to see the vinegar and fermentation videos like you mentioned =)

[@MrWneild]

Yes, please do more on acids!!

[@dannyboyNS752]

Big yes on vinegar (and making and keeping our own mother) and fermentation!

[@Friedbrain11]

Yes to all of it! That grapefruit tart looked so good!

[@carldean3313]

Thank you Dan. I want to incorporate more acids into my cooking. This was a very informative episode and I can't wait for you to teach us more about acids.

[@Pammellam]

Love this! Yes, some other Lactic acid recipes!

[@ldygzlle1291]

Great job Dan.

[@stevef.8708]

So happy to start my weekend with a fresh episode by Dan! 🎉

[@PokhrajRoy.]

I really like cocktail recipes in food videos so I can send them to my friends. P.S. Dan is one of my favourite mixologists.

[@chriholt]

Super fascinating Dan - a great episode with lots of great info!

[@Butternut2023]

Would definitely like a video on fermentation!

[@cnoyes72]

Great information! While I never had powdered citric acid, I always put in a tablespoon of lemon juice into the scrambled egg mix when making eggs for a scout troop. It would keep the eggs from going green.

[@NYDeutsch]

Excellent, Dan! Thanks for answering my post and guiding me to here for the creema di Leema! Upstate Dean 👍

[@goodoldbubba6620]

Yes to an in-depth vinegar episode.

[@NRCarrillo]

Beautiful work, as always

[@johnbroadhead24]

Keep them all coming, Dan

[@hiyahandsome]

I love learning from Dan and look forward to seeing more acid videos. Cheers~

[@urskrik6353]

Yes sir, I would love to know more! Very good content you got here

[@scoston8884]

Definitely more information on working with acids!

[@HiddeSchool]

Best videos on KZbin, your work is so good! Would love to see the vinegar episode!

[@SpecialKate8]

Would love a vinegar episode! Having to eat low sodium is difficult, and I find myself using more vinegar to try and bump up recipes because of less salt

[@jbayne2]

Would love episodes on vinegar and lactic acid fermentation! But definitely on vinegar!