Food Preservation Blog
Modified food starches are available in bulk food stores and in some grocery stores that have a bulk food section. These and similar products are used widely in the commercial food industry and are listed on the ingredient label as modified starch. Some of the characteristics of these products make them desirable for use by home food preservers.
Salt is generally added to canned foods to enhance their flavor. With the exception of fermented pickles and sauerkraut, salt is an optional ingredient. Salt can be omitted for canning tomatoes, vegetables, meats, poultry, and seafood since the amount added does not contribute to the safety of the food. However, in fermented sauerkraut and brined pickles, salt not only provides characteristic flavor but also is vital to safety since it favors the growth of desirable bacteria while inhibiting the growth of others.
Sugars are sweet molecules extracted from plants. They supply energy in the form of calories to the body. Non-nutritive sweeteners are not utilized by the body and therefore can be used by dieters to limit their daily caloric intake. Both types of sweeteners can used by home food preservers.
