Is sun-drying your salt a good idea during humid months? Find out if this traditional method is effective at preventing clumping.
1 Answer
Yes, salt should be sun-dried before storing it during humid months to prevent it from clumping and absorbing moisture from the air. This helps maintain its free-flowing texture and prevents spoilage.
Detailed Explanation:
Salt is hygroscopic, meaning it readily absorbs moisture from the surrounding environment. During humid months, the air contains a higher concentration of water vapor. If salt is not properly dried, it will draw in this moisture, leading to clumping and the formation of a solid mass. Sun-drying removes excess moisture from the salt crystals, reducing their ability to absorb moisture from the air during storage. This process helps to preserve the salt's granular texture, making it easier to use and preventing it from becoming unusable. To sun-dry salt effectively, spread it out in a thin layer on a clean, dry surface under direct sunlight for several hours, or until it feels completely dry to the touch. Ensure the surface is free from contaminants to avoid contaminating the salt.
Pro Tip:
Store sun-dried salt in an airtight container with a desiccant packet (like silica gel) to further minimize moisture absorption during humid months. This will help keep your salt dry and free-flowing for longer.