What is a pH meter used for in food science?

A pH meter is specifically designed to measure the acidity or alkalinity of a solution, which is a critical aspect in food science. The pH level can significantly affect the taste, texture, and preservation of food products. For instance, certain foods are best preserved at specific pH levels, and many fermentation processes require careful pH control to ensure proper development of flavors and textures. Furthermore, understanding the pH of various food items can help in optimizing recipes and improving overall product quality. In contrast, other options such as measuring temperature, analyzing nutritional content, or testing food safety involve different instruments or methods that do not specifically relate to pH measurement.