Here’s How You Know Your Salt Needs To Be Thrown Out
Salt is one of the most stable ingredients in your kitchen, but that doesn't mean it lasts forever. Over time, even this pantry staple can lose its quality, so it's important to pay attention to signs of decline.
Knowing when to toss your salt helps you keep your food tasting its best.
Does salt expire?
No, salt doesn't technically expire. It's known as one of the pantry staples with the longest shelf life, but that doesn't mean it will last forever.
Over time, salt can lose potency and flavor, and its texture can change, especially if not stored properly. Although it won't make you sick, it's still important to check the quality of your salt if you've had it for a long time.
How will you know when to throw it out?
The most obvious sign that it's time to toss your salt is a decline in flavor. If you find yourself having to continually add more salt to a dish just to get a little flavor, it's probably time.
Manufacturers add a "best by" date to salt as well, which can give you an idea of when the salt might begin to decline in quality.
How to store salt for a longer shelf life
Each type of salt is different, but most types of salt have a reasonably long shelf life as long as they are stored properly. Moisture, light, and temperature can greatly affect the lifespan of salt, so storage is key.
To maintain the quality of your salts, store them in a airtight containers and keep them in a cool, dry, dark place.