Does salt have a sell by date? does it spoil or rot?

Answer 1

Salt sold in the shops is usually fine crystals of sodium chloride with added sodium (or some times potassium) iodide (the anti caker) to improve the flowing characteristics in your shaker. Although food regulations require a "Best before" or a "Sell by” date in most countries,a well sealed package will not deteriorate with time. Even moisture will not change the chemical composition and damp salt, slowly and gently, dried out will still be fine providing there is no obvious other contamination.

Sea salt, crystal salt and the various "Flavours" and colours of salt used in grinders are produced by evaporating sea water (Brine) and sometimes adding herbs e.g. "Sel de Guerin", or naturally occurring plant products. North American "Pink Salt" is caused by a bacterium that can live and multiply in concentrated brine. Australian "Pink Salt" is usually in flakes and the colour comes from the increased level of other minerals notably calcium and magnesium. European "Pink Salt" has increased copper and iron on top of the other minerals.

All of these will store well if dry. If used, subject to the limits of 6 grams per day, in diets they will improve flavour and make available many of the essential minerals that can be missing from our modern diets.

Answer 2

salt does not have a 'sell by' date. Just keep it in a dry place and it won't spoil or rot.

Answer 3

All food products have a sell by date in the UK, however salt can be used as a preservative itself. Kept dry it will be good for life. Often packed with an anti caking agent to stop it sticking together. Salted meats for example can be good for months. Honey can be kept for ages. For example, honey found in the Tombs in Egypt ie 100's of years old was determined good to eat, although I don't know if anyone tasted it

Answer 4

Being crystaline in nature, salt can last nearly forever but is negatively impacted by mositure so storage conditions count for a lot. Did you know there are TONS of types of salt including black, hawaiian pink, grey, sea, etc? Each has a unique flavor for cooking.

Take a quick peak at the varieties and how they look at the saltworks link below (I'm using a mix of salts to make savory salt for folks at Yule)

Answer 5

The Bible says something Like, If salt looses its saltiness how shall we Savour it. So it has been known for years that it goes off, To stop dampness spoiling it, put a few grains of rice in it, this will absorb any moisture and help to preserve it a little longer.

Answer 6

You or I will spoil or rot before salt will.

Answer 7

don't think so, salt is a preservative so it will not spoil or rot. if moisture gets into it, that will affect it, but then again, it won't be just salt then.

Answer 8

salt can certainly spoil if kept in humid conditions. also many table salts have added ingredients such as anti-caking agents which do deteriorate and render the salt unfit for consumption. but pure salt kept in an air-tight container will be good for many years.

Answer 9

Salt is a mineral, if kept dry it will not rot.

Honey unlike a previous answerer says, will eventually get mold and fungus growing on top and even yeast. But it does last long because it has it's own antibiotics.

Answer 10

salt is a preservative. salted dry fish last for a very long time.