How to Measure the pH of Everyday Food Products?

The most important property of food is its pH value. Manufacturers gain insight into product durability, stability over time, and reaction with other products. One can determine the end product’s quality by testing the water’s pH in food products. pH is defined as H+ ion concentration’s negative logarithm. Therefore, the meaning of the name pH as a force of hydrogen is justified. The best way to measure pH accurately is with a pH meter. But many people need to have these on hand. So the best alternatives are pH test strips.

What is pH?

All acids and bases react with the same compounds at the same rate. Some react very violently, others mildly, and some do not react. To quantitatively determine the strength of acids and bases, pH is one universal indicator that shows different colors at different concentrations of hydrogen ions in solution. Commonly, the pH of acids and bases is used to quantify their strength.

How to measure the pH of everyday foods using pH test strips?

Materials needed:

  • pH test strips (preferably in the range of 1-14)
  • Small paper cups
  • Baking soda (1 teaspoon)
  • Measuring spoon
  • Marking
  • 1-2 ounces of the following liquids: distilled water, pickle water, Lemon juice, window cleaner solution and milk

Procedure:

  • Label each small cup: distilled water, pickle water, Lemon juice, window cleaner solution and milk.
  • Using an appropriately labeled cup, measure out 1 milk.
  • Soak a new, unused pH strip in this cup. (Read the test strip product instructions for proper use of the test strip).
  • Compare the pH test paper with the color chart (The pH test paper kit may include a color chart).
  • Record the results.
  • Pour 1-2 ounces of pickle water, water, lemon juice, distilled water and window cleaner solution into the appropriately labeled cup.
  • Repeat steps 3-5 for each beaker (remember to use new, unused pH paper for each substance).
  • Draw a pH scale, label each value with a substance name, and compare the pH results between each substance tested.

What is the importance of testing pH in daily life?

The significance of testing pH in everyday life includes:

  1. The human digestive system functions in a pH range of 7-7.8. Therefore, maintaining that pH level is important for the digestive system to function properly.
  2. Growing plants need an optimal pH (6.3-7.3). So soil pH should be checked regularly.
  3. The pH level is important for activating the enzyme pepsin, aiding in the protein digestion in food.
  4. Human blood has a pH range of 7.0-7.8, which is important for basic survival. Any change in the blood’s pH level interferes with the body’s proper functioning.

Conclusion

pH plays a vital role in food processing. Sour bread that isn’t too sour, chewy cheese, and to check that the beer is just right, pH testing is the solution. Constant pH measurement through pH test strips and controlled addition of buffering agents compensate for minor process variations and ensure reliable product quality.