Top 10 Natural food preservatives

Sometimes, we have an unlimited stock of food at home and we can’t use it all at once. Food starts to rot after some days. Spoiled food can cause disease in humans and can cause food poisoning. All the leftover food becomes waste.

So, it is very important to know about natural food preservation. It will help you save food and prevent it from rotting.

How foods can be preserved? How do natural preservatives work?  In this blog, you will learn everything regarding the natural preservation of food.

Advantages of naturally preserved food

Food preservation adds variation to the food. For example, in the absence of fresh peas during the summer season, stored or drained peas may be used. Moreover, Food preservation reduces the wastage of food.

Food preservatives can prevent the food from getting spoiled or rotten. Instead of chemicals, we can preserve our food naturally too so it will not lose its nutritional value.

Naturally preserved food ensures the availability of seasonal foods throughout the year. Foods that need to be transported to remote areas from the site of production can be very well preserved naturally. Besides, naturally preserved foods increase the availability of comfort foods (Ready-to-serve drinks, Instant mixes, etc.)

How do natural food preservatives work?

Natural preservatives restrict the growth of bacteria and molds in food. Hence, reduces the risk of contamination. They also slow down the changes in color, texture, flavor, and rancidity.

top 10 Natural Food preservatives

1. LIME JUICE

Lime juice is a promising natural ingredient you can use to preserve your food. Lime juice contains Ascorbic Acid and Citric Acid which are antibacterial and antioxidants.

Lime juice on the apples prevents them from turning red and protects their nutritional content at the same time.

Apart from using the Lime as a preservative, you can also include chilled Lime juice in your meal which is rich in Vitamin C.

2. SALT

Do you know what is the oldest way of preserving foods?

“SALT” – Yes, you heard it right.

Salt soaks up the moisture and reduces the water content from food. As a result bacteria growth becomes limited.

Salt is an ideal preservative for meats, fish, vegetables, and even desserts.

Do you know you can keep your food items fresh for months just by preserving them with salts!

But, how can salt be used as a natural preservative?

Initially, we will use a salt solution. Once the food is submerged in the solution, keep it in the fridge for several days. After some days change the brine if the food is to be kept in the liquid or dry it and cover it with cooking salt.

3. FREEZING

When it comes to the natural preservation process, freezing is quite an efficient option. The easiest way to keep baked food items fresh for days is to freeze them.

However, it is not healthy to freeze your vegetables for long because it might affect the nutritional value of those vegetables.

The most costly life-saving medicines are kept in cold chains to preserve them for a longer time.

4. DRYING

Drying is another beneficial method of preservation of herbs like curry leaves, mint leaves, fenugreek leaves, basil, ginger, and garlic.

Once you dry them properly, store the food at room temperature or in the refrigerator and use it for a really long period. However, you have to ensure that they do not come in contact with moisture.

5. GARLIC

Garlic is another helpful preservative that has the Anti-Viral trait to keep your food items fresh for a longer duration.

Just add some sliced garlic to your soup or any other food dish and see the magic.

It is proven that raw garlic can preserve meat for 4 or 5 days at room temperature. Also, garlic enhances the functions of other natural food preservatives as well.

6. HONEY

Back in history, honey was the most used natural preservative. Its high content of sugar makes it fit as a preservative.

It can absorb the moisture out of any food item and protect its freshness for a longer time. Honey is mostly useful for fruits and vegetables.

7. VINEGAR

Vinegar is arguably the most popular way of preserving foods. The Acetic Acid in vinegar kills the bacteria and makes the surroundings unfit for them to grow again.

Vinegar keeps fruits, vegetables, and eggs intact for days, even months.

Also, vinegar is an essential ingredient in the pickling process which also includes salt, water, and sugar.

8. CAYENNE PEPPER

Not everyone will believe it but Cayenne Pepper (Cayenne is a moderately hot chili pepper ) is an outstanding natural preservative for numerous food items.

Even red chili pepper has been recognized as one of the best natural preservatives in different food industries.

9. SUGAR

Sugar works as a natural preservative for many food items such as fruits, fruit juice, vegetables, etc.

It absorbs the water from food items and forms an environment that does not let bacteria live.

10. ROSEMARY OIL

The rosemary oil (Gulmehendi oil) has an essential antioxidant and antibacterial activity which protects the food items and keeps them fresh just like the day one.

Also, Rosemary oil is great for fruit juice and jam.

Some quick natural tricks

Apart from all these natural uses of different kitchen ingredients, these quick tricks will help your foods stay fresh for a longer time.

Banana stem – If you do not want your bananas to get rotten early, wrap up their stem with fresh plastic.

Canning – For fish or meats, canning is the best way to keep them fresh, for many days.

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