Table salt: what it is and where it can be used
In addition to being used to salt food, table salt has several applications
Edited and resized image by Matt Cannon is available on Unsplash
Sodium chloride, also known as table salt, is the salt we use in our daily lives to salt food prepared in an artisanal way or processed. It is a substance obtained from the evaporation of sea water, followed by a process of adding iodine. In addition to being used to salt food, sodium chloride can be used in many situations.
The history of table salt
Salt played an important role in the world's socioeconomic situation. Initially it was considered a luxury item, even wars were waged over its possession. In some regions of West Africa, salt is still only available to the rich.
An interesting aspect is that in imperial times, Roman armies paid their soldiers with a bag of salt, called a salarium which, over time, was converted into a certain amount of coins. This practice was responsible for originating the term “salary”, which we still use today to designate the payment from the employer to the employee.
Processes for obtaining table salt
There are two basic ways to obtain table salt. It is usually extracted by dissolving it in water. This technique is especially used in the United States (which accounts for about 23% of the world's salt production and is the largest producer in the world) and countries in Europe.
In tropical countries, the technique used to obtain salt is the evaporation and crystallization of sea water, which corresponds to only 10% of the salt produced worldwide. Seawater has several dissolved salts and the main one is NaCl, with about 3.5% by mass. This means that, on average, there are 35 grams of NaCl dissolved in each liter of water.
Common salt crystallizes before other salts dissolved in water, which facilitates its separation. This can be done mechanically or manually.
Table salt applications
Table salt to preserve food
Mixing water with table salt prevents peeled apples and pears from getting that unpleasant brown color. A pinch of salt in the cheese extends its shelf life in the refrigerator, and a smaller pinch prevents the formation of ice crystals in cakes.
Table salt to remove odors
A mixture of table salt and vinegar can be used to remove the smell of garlic and onion from your hand. Also, this solution can make it easier to peel these ingredients.
Table salt to solve small problems
A solution of table salt and hot water helps treat mouth ulcers and abscesses. Gargling a little more relieves the sore throat. Mosquito bites and poison ivy irritation can be treated with a mixture of salt and olive oil.
- Benefits of different types of olive oil
Table salt in oral hygiene
A solution of water and table salt can extend the life of a toothbrush. To do this, dip the toothbrush into the mixture before using it for the first time.
Table salt in gardening
In gardening, table salt can make the flowers stay fresh longer. This substance even helps artificial flowers: the salt hardens in cold water, so the flowers will always look beautiful.
Table salt for removing wooden water rings
A paste made with table salt and vegetable oil can be used to remove water rings from wooden furniture.
Kitchen salt to clean refrigerators
A mixture of soda water and table salt can be used to clean and deodorize the inside of your refrigerator.
Table salt to deodorize the sink drain
A solution of hot water and table salt can be used to deodorize and prevent grease from building up on the pipe walls.
- How to unclog a drain sustainably
Kitchen salt for cleaning utensils
Brass and copper can be cleaned by mixing flour, table salt and vinegar. To eliminate grease from frying pans, a good pinch of salt and paper towels solve the problem. Salt and soap also eliminate tea and coffee marks on cups.
- Vinegar: an unusual ally for house cleaning
Table salt to bring more colors
Washing colored fiber rugs and curtains with salt water brings more vividness to the colors. Faded carpets are new after scrubbing with a cloth dampened with water and table salt.
Table salt to remove stains
Sweat stains easily come off clothes when washed in a mixture of four tablespoons of table salt for every liter of water. For blood stains, simply soak the fabric in cold salt water, then wash it in warm soapy water.
