Salt is a basic staple in anybody’s pantry. It is used for a variety of reasons and is an inexpensive way to boost flavor. While it is reasonably priced right now, we don’t know what the future holds and it may become something that is more difficult to get hold of, so it can be hugely beneficial to store salt long term.
The thing you might be wondering when it comes to storing things like salt is exactly how to store salt long term. Mason jars are one of the best ways to store things in your pantry, cupboards, and even your refrigerator. It doesn’t involve using plastic and there are no artificial chemicals that can leak into what you are storing over time.
When you store things in your pantry or cupboards, it can often be easier for you to be able to see what you are storing. This is where mason jars can be very beneficial as the clear glass makes it easy to identify exactly what you are storing. So when it comes to storing salt long term, I wanted to share with you some of the things to think about and how best to do it.
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Does salt go bad?
Salt is in fact just a mineral, so essentially it is a component that doesn’t go bad. Sounds great, doesn’t it? Salt is something that many of us will use either to preserve food or to flavor our food and to store it long term can mean that you are readily prepared should demand for this ingredient cause stock issues in the future.
However, because there is nothing organic about salt for it to be spoiled, this doesn’t mean that you should leave salt lying around on your countertop or not store it correctly. This is because components within the environment can ruin your salt in terms of its properties and its flavor. A dry place is more favorable.
Why should I store salt long term?
Salt is something that we all need, in moderation, to have a balanced diet. However, storing salt long term can be very beneficial. Here are some of the reasons why you should do it.
Health Benefits
It is important to have salt in our diet as we can’t live without it. Of course, we only need a small amount in our diets. Sodium chloride helps to maintain proper fluid balance and can help our muscles to function. Sodium deficiencies can result in fatigue, confusion, dizziness, and weakness. Storing salt long term means you will have a constant supply.
It is an essential flavor enhancer
We all know that salt can enhance the flavor of our food. While cooking, and also after cooking before we eat. Let’s face it, almost every food can benefit from a little added salt.
Preserves food
Lastly, salt can be an essential ingredient to act as a food preserver. It absorbs moisture and can dry out food. By doing that, it stops microbes in the food from spoiling and preserves it long term.
Which container is best for storing salt
There are a couple of different ways to store salt long term. The main thing to think about would be the type of container that you use to keep the salt long term. Here are some of the ways that you can successfully store salt long term:
- Ceramic or clay container – You can store salt in a ceramic and clay container as long as it is sealed. You will have no choice but to seal it with a plastic lid.
- Glass jars, glass container or mason jars with a lid – This is one of the best ways for long term storage of salt. The reason is that it is an airtight container to preserve the salt.
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There is no shelf life as to how long you can store salt, but you will find that it will only last a long time if stored correctly. If the container you choose to use isn’t one of the above, then you will find that the salt starts to absorb moisture from the environment, which can clump the salt.
What is the best salt to store long term?
There are different types of salt that you can have and store long term. Here is the best salt to store long term:
Table salt and Iodized Salt
The most common types of salts that you will find in pantries, and can be easily gotten hold of are table salt and iodized salt. These salts can have an expiration date of around five years. Iodized salt has the addition of iodine, and while after storing it can turn the salt a yellowish color it is still safe to eat.
Kosher salt
Kosher salt is made up of larger crystals. The great thing about kosher salt is that it has an indefinite shelf life when stored correctly in an airtight container like a mason jar. The larger crystals mean that it is excellent for all types of food preservation and cooking. But as the larger crystals are harder to dissolve it wouldn’t be used in cooking. This is an excellent salt to store long term.
Sea salt
Sea salt is made from evaporating seawater. As sea salt has natural minerals, it is seen as being a healthier option when it comes to choosing salt. Be mindful that some brands add iodine to their sea salt, which like table salt and iodized salt, can turn the salt crystal yellowish over time, But when stored correctly will last indefinitely and is still safe to eat, even if the color has changed. However, iodized sea salt will not be good to be used for food preservation.
Rock salt
Rock salt is another salt that can be great for long-term storage. It is a good option that keeps and is great for preserving food. You can keep much salt like this in plastic buckets or in a salt cellar.
What salt isn’t good for long-term food storage?
Pink Himalayan salt is a pink salt has been said to be a salt that isn’t so great for storing long term. You might also want to consider ensuring that whatever kind of salt you want to store long term you take it out of its original packaging when you have bought it from the grocery store.
Other things to consider when storing salt long term?
Whatever salt you choose to store long term, it is important that you keep it at room temperature. A pantry or a darker place like a cupboard can make great locations for the kinds of salt that you might want to store. You can get a specialist salt storage container but a mason jar is always going to be a great option. Perfect for any smaller storage area and is just common sense. There are many different methods that you can try to ensure that you store different varieties of salt properly.
How do you store salt in Mylar bags long term?
Mylar bags are a good way to store salt long term. They are a metal-like material which is usually a bag or metal containers. This is because it keeps moisture, smells, and chemicals from the salt. You need to transfer the chosen type of salt to mylar bags and then seal them. It might be more advisable to choose smaller mylar bags so that you can use the salt. That way it won’t be exposed to any outside elements.
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Does salt need oxygen absorbers?
No salt does not need oxygen absorbers. Salt will last indefinitely if stored correctly in an airtight container like a mason jar.
Is it OK to put salt in a plastic container?
You can store salt in a plastic container, but as a long term solution, it won’t bode well. For starters, plastic is a material that can easily break. Plastic bags can rip or leak, which will mean that your salt will be exposed over time. You could consider plastic containers, as this can be a little more hard-wearing than a plastic bag. But the main thing to remember about plastic containers is that they can contain chemicals that may seep into your salt over time. This will contaminate the salt that you are planning to store long term.
You also need to remember that salt has corrosive properties so eventually over a long period of time it will start to eat away at the container it is stored in.
Can you freeze salt?
It isn’t possible to freeze salt. Salt is generically used on cold days because when it comes into contact with ice it melts it. Due to its chemical nature, salt cannot be frozen, no matter how low the temperature gets. While we might usually store things in the freezer to prolong them, salt is something that would need to be stored in an airtight container such as a mason jar and in a cupboard or pantry. Doing this avoids moisture or other contaminants in the environment that will affect the salt and its properties.
Is it possible to dry out wet salt?
If you find yourself in a position where your salt has been contaminated with moisture then you can dry it out. Spread it out on a baking sheet and put it in the oven at a very low temperature. Stir the salt to get rid of any clumps that have been caused by moisture. Make sure you store it correctly with one of the methods that have been suggested earlier.
To conclude, storing salt long term is possible. While salt can last indefinitely and have a long shelf life, it is important that you store it correctly. This stops the environment from contaminating the salt or moisture causing issues.
One of the best methods to store salt long term would be to use a glass mason jar. You can see the salt when stored in your cupboard or pantry, and you can seal it up with a lot to protect it. This will work for all types of salt and will preserve it in the best possible way.
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