7 Food Preservatives Straight From Your Kitchen
By Deepali Verma
February 23, 2024
Food preservatives are very important for keeping food safe, extending the shelf life of fragile items, and keeping them from going bad. These ingredients help keep food's freshness, flavour, and texture, so it can be kept for longer without losing any of its quality or safety.
Salt
Commonly used in pickling and curing processes, salt inhibits the growth of bacteria and molds by drawing out moisture from foods.
Sugar
Acting as a preservative by creating an environment with low water activity, sugar prevents microbial growth in jams, jellies, and syrups.
Vinegar
Because vinegar is acidic, it makes it impossible for bacteria to live there. This makes it useful for pickling and preserving fruits and veggies.
Citric Acid
Citric acid, which is naturally found in citrus fruits, gives foods a sour taste and keeps them fresh, like canned fruits and veggies.
Honey
Honey extends the shelf life of food products by inhibiting bacterial growth due to its acidic pH and low moisture content.
Alcohol
The preservative ethanol in alcoholic drinks works by preventing the growth of microbes and reducing proteins.
Rosemary Extract
Because of its antibacterial characteristics and high antioxidant content, rosemary extract can prolong the storage life of lipids and oils.
