這種鹽巴在山上經歷上億年，到你家卻只能放2年? 背後原因竟然是這個！為何岩鹽都要有保存期限? 玫瑰鹽 食鹽 碘鹽 台鹽高級精鹽 特級碘鹽 低鈉鹽 元素化學科學冷知識 磁力貼

Summary

This video script explores the nature of salt, focusing on Himalayan pink salt and its shelf life. It addresses common misconceptions, such as salt 'spoiling' or being subject to contamination from nuclear wastewater. The script explains that salt, being an inorganic compound, does not decay like organic materials, and its expiration date is more about flavor preservation rather than safety. It also debunks the myth that iodine salt can protect against radiation, highlighting that only specific radioactive iodine can be blocked by iodine supplements. Ultimately, the message is that salt doesn’t spoil but may lose its quality over time due to moisture absorption.

Takeaways

• 😀 Salt, especially large-grain varieties like pink Himalayan salt, has a typical shelf life of around two years due to its composition and moisture absorption, not because it spoils.
• 😀 Salt is a natural preservative that prevents microbial growth due to osmotic pressure, making it effective in food preservation for items like meats and honey.
• 😀 Unlike organic substances like sugar, salt doesn't degrade or spoil over time because it's a mineral (sodium chloride), which doesn't undergo decomposition.
• 😀 The panic buying of salt during Japan's nuclear wastewater release was based on a misconception that salt could be contaminated by radiation. However, radiation primarily affects iodine, not sodium or chloride.
• 😀 Iodized salt can help prevent thyroid problems by providing the necessary iodine, but it doesn't protect against radiation from substances like tritium, which is more prominent in Fukushima's wastewater.
• 😀 Magnetic therapy patches have no expiration date, similar to salt, because both are composed of inorganic materials (e.g., magnetic patches have magnets, and salt is a mineral).
• 😀 Proper salt storage is essential to prevent moisture absorption, which can cause clumping, but this doesn't affect the quality of the salt itself. Salt should be kept in a dry environment.
• 😀 Salt's primary composition (sodium chloride) means it doesn't spoil. However, salts with additional minerals, like sea salt, can lose flavor over time as they absorb moisture, affecting their taste.
• 😀 Some types of salt, such as sea salt or rock salt, may have a shelf life due to their additional minerals, which can absorb moisture and affect their flavor profile, but the salt itself remains safe.
• 😀 While some salts contain beneficial minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, their main value is the flavor they add, not their nutritional benefits, making the claims about 'mineral-rich' salts mostly marketing.
• 😀 Salt consumption needs to be balanced, as excessive intake can lead to health issues. Iodized salt is beneficial for thyroid health but doesn’t provide protection against all forms of radiation exposure.

Q & A

Why does salt, especially Himalayan rock salt, have a 'best by' or 'expiration' date despite not spoiling?

Salt, particularly Himalayan rock salt, doesn't spoil because it is a mineral (sodium chloride) and cannot support microbial growth. However, the 'best by' date is usually to ensure that the flavor remains intact. Over time, salt can absorb moisture and lose its original flavor profile due to the presence of other minerals, which is why manufacturers set a 'best by' date to guarantee the product's optimal taste.

What is the difference between refined sea salt and natural rock salt?

Refined sea salt is typically processed through methods like evaporation, and its main component is sodium chloride, with few other minerals. Natural rock salts, like Himalayan salt, are mined from ancient salt deposits, and may contain additional minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, giving them a unique flavor profile.

Can salt become 'bad' or spoiled in the way that organic materials like bread or fruit do?

No, salt cannot spoil in the same way organic materials do. Salt is an inorganic mineral (sodium chloride), and its chemical structure does not allow it to decompose or rot. It does not provide a medium for microbial growth. However, it may lose its flavor or absorb moisture if not stored properly.

What role does salt play in food preservation?

Salt acts as a natural preservative by creating a high osmotic pressure environment. This prevents the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms in food, as their cells are unable to maintain balance due to the salt drawing out water.

Why did people panic-buy salt when Japan released treated nuclear wastewater into the ocean?

Many believed that the nuclear wastewater would contaminate sea salts, which are harvested from ocean water. This led to a widespread panic-buying of salt, driven by fears of radiation contamination despite salt's natural properties and the fact that most salt is not directly affected by such radiation.

How does iodine in iodized salt help protect against radiation exposure?

Iodine, specifically iodine-131, can help protect the thyroid from radioactive iodine exposure in the event of a nuclear leak. By saturating the thyroid with non-radioactive iodine from iodized salt or iodine tablets, the thyroid cannot absorb the harmful radioactive iodine, thus preventing radiation-induced damage.

Why doesn't the presence of other minerals like calcium or magnesium in salt affect its longevity or safety?

While the presence of other minerals can alter the flavor profile of the salt, they do not affect its safety or ability to preserve. These minerals do not cause the salt to spoil or decompose over time. However, they can influence the 'best by' date due to their effect on the salt's texture and moisture retention.

What happens when salt absorbs moisture and forms clumps? Does this mean the salt is ruined?

When salt absorbs moisture and forms clumps, it doesn't mean the salt is ruined. It simply becomes less convenient to use. The salt itself is still safe to consume, and the only issue is its texture or appearance. To resolve this, the salt can be dried out, such as by baking it at a low temperature.

What is the difference between refined salt and natural salt in terms of composition?

Refined salt typically consists almost entirely of sodium chloride (NaCl), with minimal trace minerals. Natural salts, such as Himalayan rock salt, contain additional minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which can impart distinct flavors and nutritional benefits.

Why do salts like sea salt or rock salt have a limited shelf life compared to refined salt?

Salts like sea salt or rock salt contain additional minerals and impurities that can cause them to absorb moisture from the environment, leading to clumping and a degradation of their flavor over time. These factors contribute to a limited shelf life, typically one to two years after opening, unlike refined salt, which has a virtually indefinite shelf life.