Most often foods must be preserved in much lower salt concentrations to retain the desirable qualities of the food. Salt will not prevent all microbial growth as although most microbes cannot grow in conditions where the concentration of salt is above 10%, preserving foods with a solution that is over 10% salt will have detrimental effects on the flavour, texture and structure of the preserved food. Considerations when using salt in home preservation Vegetables are generally preserved by pickling them in a salt and water solution (brine), while meat may be rubbed with salt and dry cured or may be injected with a salt solution. Salt is also effective in protecting foods against moulds and yeast- it prevents the fermentation of yeast and the growth of moulds by reducing water supply. High concentrations of salt can also rupture bacterial cells due to differences in pressure between the outside and inside of the microorganism. Reducing the amount of water available to bacteria inhibits or slows bacterial growth and reproduction. Salt acts by drawing water out of the cells of foods and bacteria through a process known as osmosis. Salt acts as a preservative by inhibiting microbial growth. In fact the value of salt in food preservation still continues today where it is often used in combination with other preservation methods, it also remains a primary method of food preservation in countries/ areas where there are limited refrigeration facilities or access to newer technologies. Salt remained the most used form of food preservation until much more recent times when modern food preservation methods were developed such as refrigeration, freezing and canning foods. ![]() The value of salt in preserving foods was so highly prized by the Ancient Romans that it was used as a form of currency. In effect it was the first natural ‘chemical’ preservative added to foods and has been used extensively in the preservation of fish, meat and vegetables ever since. Salt (sodium chloride) has been used as a food preservative for centuries. Salting Food How to Preserve Food Using Salt ![]() Recognition for Prior Learning application.
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