What are preservatives?

Answer 1

A preservative is a natural or synthetic chemical that is added to products such as foods, pharmaceuticals, paints, biological samples, wood, etc. to prevent decomposition by microbial growth or by undesirable chemical changes.

Answer 2

Salt is used to preserve meat and fish in particular. It draws water out of the flesh. Without moisture, bacteria struggles to multiply so the meat does not go off.

Sugar is used in making jams and preserves which once sealed can be kept for some years.

Vinegar is used to preserve vegetables either in their natural state or chopped and cooked as pickles. These can also be stored unopened for some years.

Answer 3

Preservatives, healthwise, are not beneficial for you in large amounts. Preservatives, however, keep food from expiring which makes them useful. Natural preservatives are probably better to use, such as honey, which makes a great preservative. The bottom line is that artificial or "man-made" preservatives are fine in moderation.

Answer 4

To keep foods fresh and extend shelf life.

Answer 5

Many foods include preservatives to increase the shelf life of a certain product, and even sometimes the taste, ie. MSG.

Answer 6

because it gives a longer shelf life.............

Answer 7

Preservatives are a number of food items used in preserving foods, such as salt, vinegar, or citric acid.

Answer 8

something that stops the food going off

Answer 9

Food preservatives help extend the shelf life of foods. These may or may not be desirable for consumption.