Question

Which of the following is used as a food preservative?

• A. Salt
• B. Sugar
• C. Oil
• D. All of these

Hint:

Think of your kitchen shelf. Salt for pickles, sugar for jam, and oil for pickles are all classic examples of natural food preservation methods.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
A food preservative is a substance that is added to food to prevent or slow down spoilage caused by microbial growth or undesirable chemical changes.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
- Salt: Used in curing meats and pickling. It draws water out of microbial cells through osmosis, killing them or inhibiting their growth.
- Sugar: Used in high concentrations in jams, jellies, and preserves. Like salt, it works by osmosis, reducing the amount of free water available for microorganisms.
- Oil: Used in pickles. It creates a layer on top of the food that cuts off the air supply, preventing the growth of aerobic bacteria and molds.
All three are common, traditional household preservatives.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Salt, sugar, and oil are all used as food preservatives.