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Table salt, which consists primarily of sodium chloride, is the most important ingredient for curing food and is used in relatively large quantities. Salt kills and inhibits the growth of microorganisms by drawing water out of the cells of both microbe and food alike through osmosis. Concentrations of salt up to 20% are required to kill most species of unwanted bacteria.

Once properly salted, the food's interior contains enough salt to exert osmotic pressures that prevent or retard the growth of many undesirable microbes.

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Explain what happens to meat when it is packed in salt?

When the meat is packed in salt it will last longer because the salt prevents the meat from growing bacteria or mold and spoiling. The meat will last for a year or so.


How do you Kill Halophilic Bacteria?

Halophilic bacteria thrive in high salt environments, making them challenging to eliminate. Effective methods for killing halophilic bacteria include using high concentrations of salt, desiccation, high temperatures, and disinfectants. It is essential to identify the specific type of halophilic bacteria and choose the appropriate method for eradication.


Give the example of food preservation?

Pour Salt, kill the air Decrease bacteria Pour Salt, kill the air Decrease bacteria


Why does salt kill bacteria?

If it doesn't kill the bacteria, it at least disables it and prevents it from growing; salt water is hypertonic to the bacteria, i.e. there's greater concentration of solute (salt) outside the cell than inside. When exposed to this, the water inside the bacteria will essentially be sucked out, leaving the bacteria dead, or disabled. Some bacteria, such as the ones that cause a sore throat, can be tackled this way. Others can cope with salty environments, so salt isn't a universal antibacterial substance.


When making biltong what does the salt do to the biltong?

Salt helps to cure the meat by drawing out moisture, inhibiting bacteria growth, and adding flavor to the biltong. It is essential for preservation and to enhance the overall taste of the finished product.

Related Questions

Does freezing meat kill bacteria?

Freezing meat does not kill bacteria, but it can slow down their growth. It is important to cook meat thoroughly to kill any bacteria present.


Does salt have the ability to kill bacteria on the skin?

Yes, salt has the ability to kill bacteria on the skin due to its antimicrobial properties.


Will freezing meat kill bacteria?

Freezing meat can slow down the growth of bacteria, but it may not necessarily kill all bacteria present. It is important to cook meat to the proper temperature to ensure that any harmful bacteria are destroyed.


Does salt effectively kill bacteria?

Yes, salt can effectively kill bacteria by dehydrating them and disrupting their cell membranes. This makes it difficult for bacteria to survive and reproduce.


What happens to meat when its packed in salt?

drys/preserves meat. (kills bacteria)


Will slow cooking meat cook out all of the bacteria on questionable meat?

It will kill a lot of bacteria, but it does not sterilize the food.


Does cooking bad meat effectively kill bacteria?

Yes, cooking bad meat at the right temperature for the right amount of time can effectively kill bacteria and make the meat safe to eat.


Does salt effectively kill E. coli bacteria?

Yes, salt can effectively kill E. coli bacteria by dehydrating them and disrupting their cellular functions.


Can salt effectively kill bacteria?

Yes, salt can effectively kill bacteria by dehydrating them through a process called osmosis. This disrupts the bacteria's cell structure and ultimately leads to their death.


Explain what happens to meat when it is packed in salt?

When the meat is packed in salt it will last longer because the salt prevents the meat from growing bacteria or mold and spoiling. The meat will last for a year or so.


How do you preserve meat using salt in a hot humid climate?

You would salt the meat sufficient to dry it out - in very hot and/or humid climates you would almost have to pack the meat into a case of salt to get the proper dehydration. The salt reduces the water activity (basically the amount of water available to bacteria) in the meat - if the water activity is too low bacteria can't grow and therefore can't spoil the meat.


Why doesnt salted meat rot?

Salt will drain the meat of its water and dehydrates it. Salt has lower water potential then the water in the cell sap of the meat and water will move out of the meat through diffusion. Thus without water, no bacteria can grow on the meat because of the need for water for all living organisms.