Determining the Proper Quantity of Sodium Benzoate Powder for Turmeric and Ginger Drink

In order to ensure the proper preservation of your turmeric and ginger drink, it's important to understand the recommended usage levels of sodium benzoate as a preservative. Sodium benzoate is commonly used at concentrations of 0.1 to 0.2% (1000 to 2000 ppm) of the total weight or volume of the product.

Key Calculation Steps

To calculate the amount of sodium benzoate required, follow these step-by-step instructions:

Step 1: Determine the Volume of Your Drink

Your drink volume is 20 liters.

Conversion from Liters to Milliliters

20 liters 20000 milliliters

Step 2: Calculate the Amount of Sodium Benzoate

For 0.1%: 20000 milliliters * 0.001 20 grams For 0.2%: 20000 milliliters * 0.002 40 grams

Conclusion: You should use 20 grams to 40 grams of sodium benzoate powder for 20 liters of your turmeric and ginger drink depending on your desired level of preservation. It is important to dissolve the sodium benzoate in a small amount of water before adding it to the drink to ensure even distribution.

Alternative Preservative Options for Personal Consumption

If you are making this drink for personal consumption, consider using tamarind juice as a natural preservative. Tamarind juice can be added to ensure the shelf life of your drink without the need for chemical preservatives.

Understanding the Active Form of Sodium Benzoate

Sodium benzoate provides benzoic acid, which is the active form against bacteria and other microorganisms. However, for benzoic acid to be active, the pH of the medium must be 4 or less. Above a pH of 4, half or more of the sodium benzoate added is in the form of benzoate, which is not as effective against microorganisms.

The concentrations used for soft drinks and juices in Brazil, following the recommendations of the Codex Alimentarius (World Health Organization and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations), are as follows:

For Juice: 0.2% For Soft Drinks: 0.1%

Further Considerations for Effective Preservation

If your turmeric and ginger drink is classified as a juice, 23 grams of sodium benzoate is added to 20 liters. If classified as a soft drink, 11.5 grams is added. Make sure the pH is 4 or less to ensure sodium benzoate’s effectiveness.

To check the pH, use pH strips available on eCommerce platforms. If needed, citric acid can be added to achieve a pH of 4 or lower. Start with 0.1 grams per liter of citric acid, such as 20 grams for 20 liters. Adjust the concentration only as necessary to avoid an overly acidic taste.

The reason for using 23 grams of sodium benzoate in 20 liters is based on the molecular weights of benzoic acid and sodium benzoate. One gram of benzoic acid is equivalent to 20 grams of sodium benzoate in 20 liters due to the difference in their molecular weights.

Sodium benzoate dissolves more easily than benzoic acid, making it a slightly more practical choice for preparing your turmeric and ginger drink.