Potassium Carbonate

About This Product

Potassium carbonate is the potassium salt of carbonic acid, formula K2CO3, with CAS number 584-08-7 and the European additive number E501(i). It is supplied as a white, strongly hygroscopic granular powder, very soluble in water, and gives a distinctly alkaline solution around pH 11.

It is not a leavening agent or a preservative; it is bought for its alkalinity, and three traditional applications show why. In cocoa processing, treating the nibs or liquor with potassium carbonate, a step called dutching, neutralises the natural acidity of cocoa, which darkens the colour, mellows the harsh sour notes and improves dispersibility in milk. In Asian noodle making it is the principal component of kansui, the alkaline solution that gives ramen its yellow colour, firm springy bite and characteristic aroma by changing how the gluten proteins and flavonoids behave. In fruit drying, dipping grapes in a carbonate solution removes the waxy bloom from the skin so that moisture escapes faster and raisins dry in a fraction of the time. It is also used as an acidity regulator and as a potassium source.

It is used in cocoa and chocolate processing, Asian noodles, raisin and fruit drying, wine acidity adjustment, and as a buffer in food manufacture.

Bio Green Foods supplies food-grade potassium carbonate to specification on assay, loss on drying, chlorides, sulphates, iron and heavy metals.