Why are lemons sour?
Lemons are sour because they're full of something called citric acid.
Pip’s answer
- Lemons are sour because they're full of something called citric acid.
- Your tongue feels that acid and sends a sour message to your brain. Ooh, pucker!
- Lemons stay sour even when they're ripe, unlike sweet oranges.
- Wow-ee, lemon juice and baking soda make fizzy bubbles, with a grown-up's help!
Try it together
Can you make your best sour lemon face?
For grown-ups
Lemons are rich in citric acid. Sour taste receptors on the tongue detect acids, sending a 'sour' signal to the brain. Lemons stay sour when ripe because they keep high acid levels. Mixing lemon juice and baking soda creates a fizzy reaction that makes carbon dioxide bubbles.
Ask your child: Can you think of other sour foods?
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