from loki's tek
Quote:Extraction solution volume is worked out based on the weight of the substance being extracted from, for 500g about 4L of
solution will be required. The solution is made with 50g of calcium ascorbate.
Why is calcium ascorbate used?
The calcium ascorbate splits, the calcium binds with the tannin and forms an
insoluble precipitate and leaves behind the ascorbic acid, which has the added advantage of helping protect the
solution from oxidation. The ascorbic acid this process leaves behind maintains the acidity of the solution to pretty
much stay stable around 4 during the whole extraction process.
So anyone have any thoughts on this. Seems to say using calcium ascorbate as an acid will make the tannins combine with the calcium and be insoluble in water, leaving the ascorbic acid to work as the acid. also, its says using calcium hydroxide as a buffer in the acid soaks will have the same effect? Would this even be necesary with mimosa being theres not many tannins or much that comes out of a defat. seems with psychotria viridis, a tea leaf, it can be used much more effectively.
theres is a lot of info on the net of using calcium to precipitate tannins in a/b extractions.