The colourless (white) powder smelling of sulphur (also known as potassium metabisulphite, potassium disulphite or KPS for short) is the potassium salt of sulphurous acid. It can also be contained in wine and is considered an allergenic substance that must be labelled. Under acidic conditions, the compound sulphur dioxide is split off. It is mainly used as an antioxidant, preservative and colour stabiliser in the food industry (declared by the code E 224), for example in fruit juices. KPS is also used in winemaking to sulphurise mash, grape must or wine. The added potassium favours the precipitation of tartar. Furthermore, it is also used together with tartaric acid dissolved in water for the wet preservation of barrels or containers. See also under wine-making agents.
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Roman Horvath MW
Domäne Wachau (Wachau)