John Myers
Everyone has probably asked themselves whether salt can go bad or not. On the one hand, salt is used to preserve food. On the other hand, there is a best-before date on some salt packages.
Salt can’t go bad – but it can clump
Salt is an important mineral made up mostly of the chemical compound sodium chloride. Our bodies need salt to survive. Among other things, the mineral regulates the fluid balance in our body and ensures that important substances are transported in and out of the cells.
- Salt is not only used for seasoning, but also to preserve food. Cured meat, for example, lasts significantly longer than fresh. So it seems obvious that salt itself has no expiration date.
- The question that remains to be answered is why this, a best-before date, is printed on some salt packages. First of all, salt really can’t go bad. In the case of pure salts and natural salts, no best-before date is necessary either.
- The situation is different for salts with additives such as fluoride, iodine or herbs. A best-before date must be printed on it. But that doesn’t mean that after the date the salt is bad and needs to be discarded.
- Until then, the manufacturer only guarantees that the salt will develop its full aroma. So you don’t have to worry about getting sick if you consume expired salt – not at all in the usual small amounts. The salt can at most lose its aroma or the additives such as iodine no longer work as well.
- If salt becomes wet, it can lose its pourability. The mineral clumps together, which looks ugly. To prevent this from happening, you should always store salt tightly closed in a dry, dark place. For example, salt can be stored well in the refrigerator. Salted rice also helps as the grain absorbs moisture. Existing lumps can be crushed again with a fork.
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