Natural Additives and Acidifiers Calculator for Tomato Bottles

Calcolatore Additivi Naturali e Acidificanti – Bottiglie di Pomodoro

Calcola la quantità consigliata di acido citrico, succo di limone o altri additivi naturali in base al volume di prodotto.

This application allows you to quickly determine the correct amount of natural additives or acidulants to add during the preparation and pasteurization of tomato preserves.
It is designed for small producers, artisanal laboratories, farms, and processors who want to improve the safety and stability of their preserves while maintaining a natural approach.

How it works

The user inputs the total volume of product (in liters or number of bottles) and selects the type of additive to use.
The app automatically calculates the recommended dose per liter and displays the total amount to add.
There are four calculation options available:

  • Citric Acid: to lower pH and stabilize the product (≈1.5 g/L).
  • lemon juice: a natural alternative to citric acid (≈10 ml/L).
  • Salt: useful for taste and preservation (≈5 g/L).
  • Sugar: balances acidity and improves color (≈5 g/L).

Example of use

  • Volume: 5 liters of tomato puree
  • Selected additive: citric acid
  • Recommended dose: 7.5 g total (1.5 g/L × 5 L)

Benefits

  • Helps maintain the pH below critical food safety values (≈4.2).
  • Optimizes the dosage of natural ingredients, avoiding excesses or deficiencies.
  • Supports the standardization of the processing method.
  • Enhances preservation, microbiological stability, and sensory quality.

Warnings

The suggested values are indicative and based on common artisanal practices.
The actual quantities can vary depending on the recipe, tomato variety, and processing techniques.
For industrial productions or official shelf-life declarations, it is recommended to verify the final pH in a laboratory.

AdditiveRecommended dose per literMain function
Citric Acid1.5 gAcidifier and stabilizer
Lemon Juice10 mlNatural acidifier
Salt5 gTaste enhancer and preservative
Sugar5 gAcidity and color corrector

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does the app also automatically calculate the final pH?
No, this version only provides an estimate of the amount of additive. The pH must be measured with a pH meter or indicator strips.

2. Can I use multiple additives together (e.g., salt + citric acid)?
Yes. It is possible to perform separate calculations for each ingredient and sum the doses.

3. Is it also suitable for preserves of other vegetables?
Yes. It can also be used for eggplants, peppers, or zucchini in oil, slightly adjusting the doses.

4. Can I modify the recommended doses?
Certainly. You can modify the values in the PHP code in the $additivi section to adapt them to your recipe or production method.

5. Does the app work on smartphones or tablets?
Yes. The interface is compact and easy to use even in the lab or during processing.

6. Are the results official for labeling or safety declarations?
No, the values are indicative and for informational purposes. For labeling or HACCP validation, it is necessary to refer to verified analytical parameters.