Common salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl), a chemical compound belonging to the larger class of salts; salt in its natural form as a crystalline mineral is known as rock salt or halite. Salt is present in vast quantities in seawater, where it is the main mineral constituent; the open ocean has about 35 grams (1.2 oz) of solids per litre, a salinity of 3.5%. Salt is essential for animal life, and saltiness is one of the basic human tastes. The tissues of animals contain larger quantities of salt than do plant tissues; therefore the typical diets of nomads who subsist on their flocks and herds require little or no added salt, whereas cereal-based diets require supplementation. Salt is one of the oldest and most ubiquitous of food seasonings, and salting is an important method of food preservation.
Food Property | Type | Description |
---|---|---|
Flavor Profile | Salty | Coarse salt has a strong salty flavor that enhances the taste of foods. |
Texture | Graininess | Coarse salt has a granular texture, adding a crunch and texture to dishes. |
Chemical Composition | Water Activity (aw) | Coarse salt has low water activity, making it an effective preservative for foods by reducing microbial growth. |
Cooking Behavior | Heat Conductivity | Coarse salt has good heat conductivity, making it useful for evenly seasoning and preserving foods during cooking. |
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