Question

Give the reason for the usage of sugar and salts as preserving agents.

Answer 1

Part 1: Food preservation

The process in which the food materials are given a suitable physical or chemical treatment to prevent their spoilage is called food preservation.

• Salt and sugar increase the concentration of food, killing bacteria by plasmolysis.

Part 2: Usage of salts as preserving agents:

• Salt is effective as a preservative because it reduces the water activity of foods.
• The water activity of a food is the amount of unbound water available for microbial growth and chemical reactions.

Part 3: Usage of sugars as preserving agents:

• Sugar helps maintain the color, texture, and flavor of foods.
• The sugar in jams and jellies helps to form the gel and enhances its flavor.
• When a large amount of sugar is used in the recipe, sugar acts as a preservative by inhibiting the activity of microorganisms.
• Therefore, do not change or adjust the recipe.