Tartaric Acid.

[snapdharlich]

We have used Tartaric acid for years as a stabiliser in fruit (specifically cherry) cakes - It keeps the fruit bouyant in the cake instead of all the fruit sinking to the botto. On going to the chemist last time to buy, we've been informed that it will no longer be available due to junkies thinning out their drug supplies with the product. Now this is used in many sweets and wines etc. Is there a replacement or what is the situation - Any ideas are greatfully apprectiated.

[shaneystar]

Can't you use Cream of Tartar instead.?
You can still get it in supermarkets.

[Jules001]

I had a similar problem with citric acid which I use to descale my glass kettle. However I have found that I can still buy it in winemaking/homebrew shops but only in relatively small quantities for the same reason, I believe that tartaric acid is also used in winemaking so you may still be able to buy it there.

[snapdharlich]

Sorry, shaneystar - Cream of Tartar is a derivative of Tartaric Acid and not the same thing - This was my first thought. - But as my dad said. That's a load of p*sh!

[snapdharlich]

I'm sure they are phasing it out in winemaking too. I think you will have to get some licence or other. If you can't get it in the chemist's anymore, then I would doubt you'd get it anywhere....

...or am I wrong.

 

I'd be delighted if I was wrong.

[Hamish]

Is this in the UK or the US??

[spudqueen]

I was taught at school to mix a bit of flour in with the fruit to stop it sinking to the bottom. Haven't made a fruit cake for years though.

[shaneystar]

Oh dear we'll all have sunken cakes soon then !! One tip to prevent fruit from sinking to the bottom of a cake during baking, warm it a bit in the oven and toss in flour. Shake off the excess flour before putting it into the mixture.

[snapdharlich]

UK.

We've got a bakery in NE Scotland - My father's been a Baker for almost 40 years, so he knows a thing or 2 about Baking...

[shaneystar]

You can buy it online from here

http://www.art-of-brewing.co.uk/acatalog/intro.html

[snapdharlich]

Cheers!

I suppose I can just try to source it until it runs out...