Do you need salt for preservation?
Monday, January 25, 2021 at 4:42 PM filed under Diet & Nutrition postings
With the exception of fermented pickles and sauerkraut, salt is an optional ingredient. Salt can be omitted for canning tomatoes, vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood since the amount added does not contribute to the safety of the food. However, in fermented sauerkraut and brined pickles, salt not only provides characteristic flavor but also is vital to safety since it favors the growth of desirable bacteria while inhibiting the growth of others. Therefore, do not attempt to make sauerkraut or fermented pickles by cutting back on the salt required.
Let's Preserve Ingredients in Home Food Preservation provides a description of the various types of salt listed below and recommendations for their use.
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Canning salt or pickling salt, or pickling salt substitute *Note- This is the preferred choice for canning, pickling, and sauerkraut.
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Table salt
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Kosher salt
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Sea salt
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Salt substitutes
Remember
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Salt is an optional ingredient for canning foods except for fermented products.
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Most vegetables and meats are frozen without salt.
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Salt and sodium may cause foods high in fat such as bacon to become rancid more quickly.
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Salt substitutes are not safe for fermented foods.
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Foods canned or frozen without salt may be seasoned with salt, spices, and herbs before serving
