Is lemon juice acidic or alkaline? I understand that lemon juice contains citric acid, but I’ve also heard some people claim that, despite its initial acidity, it can have an alkalizing effect on the body after consumption. Is this true, or is the overall nature of lemon juice accurately characterized as acidic, both before and after digestion? What are the measurable pH levels associated with lemon juice, and how does its chemical composition contribute to its acid-base properties both in its natural state and within the human body?

Answer

Lemon juice is acidic.

Lemon juice has a pH between 2 and 3, making it definitively acidic. The primary acid responsible for this acidity is citric acid, which constitutes a significant portion of the fruit’s organic acids. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) also contributes to the overall acidity but to a lesser extent. Other acids present in smaller quantities include malic acid. The concentration of these acids, particularly citric acid, is what determines the low pH and characteristic sour taste of lemon juice.