Tartaric acid is a naturally occurring organic acid that is commonly found in fruits. Grapes have the most tartaric acid, but bananas, citrus fruits, and tamarind also contain traces.

Cement mixtures containing retarders, have the unique unwanted properties that the setting of the cement is slower at higher temperatures than at lower temperatures. This is counterproductive to the safe cement operation. 

Tartaric Acid is one of the few retarders that does not exhibit this unusual phenomenon an is subsequently frequently used in the cement and mortar industry,