Calcium propionate is a kind of organic salt, calcium hydroxide reacts with propionic acid to form calcium propionate. Its chemical formula is Ca (OOCCH2CH3). Calcium propionate compounds exist in the form of crystals or powders. It dissolves in water, but only in very fine ethanol.
Calcium hydroxide reacts with propionic acid to form calcium propionate. Calcium propionate does not inhibit yeast, but it inhibits the growth of bacteria and mold on bread and cakes. Yeast fermentation of bread dough is not affected. Calcium ions are not commonly used in cakes because it interferes with chemical fermentation, but it is preferred for bread and rolls because it makes products rich.
Calcium propionate inhibits the growth of mold and other microorganisms. It's not toxic to these organisms. It mainly prevents them from breeding and poses health risks to humans. So calcium propionate is used as a food preservative in bread and other baked goods.
Propionic acid can be used as a food preservative and is already present in some foods. For example, some types of cheese contain up to 1% of natural propionic acid.
A diet containing nearly 4 percent
calcium propionate was given to one-year-old rats, which showed no adverse reactions. Research shows that calcium propionate is a safe food additive. Calcium propionate is commonly used in baked goods, chocolate products, processed cheese and fruit preserves. Calcium propionate is also used in some tobacco products. The FAD has no restrictions on the use of calcium propionate in food.
Calcium propionate is also used in the manufacture of butyl rubber. Calcium propionate is added to the original product to facilitate the processing of rubber, and rubber will not be burnt in the manufacturing process.
