Citral

Citral is a terpene aldehyde that ranks among the most important flavour compounds in the plant kingdom, delivering the sharp lemon character we associate with citrus. It occurs across a wide range of plant foods, notably coriander, pepper, lemon peel, and ginger. Flavourists prize it for beverages, confectionery, and desserts, though its reactivity demands care: in acidic drinks it can fade or morph into off-notes. Natural grades must meet purity specifications for food use, and formulators often protect it with encapsulation or antioxidants to keep that fresh lemon sparkle through shelf life.