MadSci Network: General Biology
Query:

Re: Why do people put salt on fish to preserve them ?

Date: Tue Aug 1 13:08:45 2000
Posted By: Glenn Boyd, Research Microbiologist
Area of science: General Biology
ID: 964776910.Gb
Message:

In essence, it is to lower something known as Aw or "available water". If 
this parameter is low enough in a foodstuff, bacteria are unable to grow. 
Also, any bacteria present at the time of salting will be killed as a 
result of the water in the cells emerging in an attempt to dilute the 
salty environment, causing the cells to shrink.

"Modern Food Microbiology", 3rd Ed., James M. Jay


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