[Organic acids in vegetables. I. Brassica, leaf and bulb vegetables as well as carrots and celery]

18 German vegetable species were analyzed for their organic acid content. Organic acids were isolated by methanol extraction followed by ion exchange. After derivatisation with BSA the trimethylsilyl derivatives were analyzed by gas chromatography using SE-52 and OV-1701 glass capillaries. The predominate acids are malic and citric acid, and in most cases malic acid was the most abundant. Succinic, fumaric, and quinic acids are wide spread, tartaric acid was found in carrots, lettuce, endives, chicory, and celery. Other acids such as malonic, shikimic, and t-aconitic acids occurred sporadically. Lactic acid which was determined by two other methods was not detected in any vegetable species.