Understanding salt's character and function
When discussing the basics of an Indian kitchen, a gas stove, utensils, grains, spices, salt and sugar are non-negotiable items. Extra care is needed for their storage. For instance, salt is highly sensitive to moisture—especially during humid months and hence calls for extra care with storage. Do you know why salt isn't suitable for stainless steel and how one should store salt right during hot and humid month? Scroll down to find out.
Why salt reacts to humidity
According to science, salt is naturally hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture from the surrounding air. And during humid summer months and even in monsoons, the air contains a high amount of water vapor. When salt is exposed to this environment, it pulls in moisture, becoming damp, sticky, or forming hard lumps that make it difficult to use in dishes.
Although this doesn’t make the salt unsafe to eat, it does affect its texture, making it difficult to sprinkle or measure accurately. In extreme cases, it can even develop a slightly off consistency that impacts how it dissolves in food.
What happens when you store salt in a steel container
When it comes to storage in Indian kitchens, stainless steel containers are a common choice, because they are sturdy, long-lasting, and non-reactive. But when it comes to storing salt, it is sadly a wrong choice. While the salt does not chemically react with high-quality stainless steel, the issue lies in moisture control. The problem is, many traditional steel containers are not completely airtight and hence during humid weather, moisture from the air can seep into the container, especially when it is opened frequently. This leads to condensation forming inside, which then gets absorbed by the salt and as a result salt stored in steel containers often becomes lumpy and difficult to use. And that's the reason, it is suggested not to store salt in steel containers.
Signs that your salt is affected by moisture
These are some of the obvious signs that depict your salt is affected by moisture.
-Formation of hard clumps or chunks
- Salt sticking to spoons or fingers
-Difficulty in pouring or sprinkling evenly
4 right ways to store salt during humid months
Use an airtight container: According to home chefs, the most effective way to keep salt dry is to store it in a tightly sealed container. The best is to store it in glass jar or high-quality plastic container with secure lid. Also, airtight storage prevents moisture from entering and keeps the salt free-flowing.
Add a natural moisture absorber: If your salt also turns wet during humid weather, a simple kitchen trick is to place a few grains of uncooked rice or a small piece of muslin cloth filled with rice inside the salt container. This will help absorb excess moisture, helping prevent clumping. And if you have the access to silica gel packs (food-safe ones), you can also use that for the same purpose.
Store in a cool, dry place: When it comes to salt, make sure that your salt container is kept away from heat and humidity sources like the stove, sink, or dishwasher. According to experts, a closed cabinet in a dry part of the kitchen is ideal for storing salt. Also, it is necessary to avoid leaving it open for long periods, especially during rainy or humid weather.
Use dry spoon: While using salt, it is always suggested to use high-quality dry plastic or wooden spoon for adding salt in food.
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