When it comes to Himalayan salt, there are a few questions that arise in everyone’s minds. Does Salt ever expire? Can Himalayan salt go bad? Does Himalayan salt taste different after some time?
It is a well-believed notion that salt generally does not expire so there is no need to worry about wastage of money for a fancy, big jar of edible Himalayan salt that you bought a few years ago and rarely had a chance to use. However, it is also a fact that Himalayan salt with additives is more prone to being expired than the one that exists in pure form.
Does salt ever expire? Yes, it does! But not in the case of pure rock salt only if we take proper care of it.
Natural Himalayan salt is extracted from the rocky mines located in the ancient Himalayan Mountains. This salt takes years to attain the crystalline form in which it is made available to us. However, table salt that is infused with various chemicals usually has an expiry date of five years as it is more prone to bacteria and yeast.
Himalayan salt is used in various ways in our daily lives. One of its most common uses is in skincare and health products. Other than these, this salt is also used by many people in cooking. Its antiseptic properties make it an integral part of many inhalers and rejuvenating and refreshing health products.
Himalayan salt is mined and extracted from limited areas of the world located in Pakistan only. So, if you are wondering about the pink Himalayan salt expiry, then your wait is over as we are going to answer just that and so much more related to it.
Brief Introduction To Rock Salt Expiry
Himalayan salt is a mineral mined from the Khewra salt mines and exists in the form of pink crystals. However, very few people know that it takes years for this salt to attain its crystalline form which increases the rock salt expiry date.
The purest Himalayan pink salt can go up to 250 Million years without getting expired. Therefore, it is quite possible to keep Himalayan salt stored if you keep it away from moisture and heat which are the two main reasons for bacterial growth. Not only does this concept apply to Himalayan salt in crystalline form, but also to Himalayan salt lamps and other products made from this salt.
The bulk rock salt that is used to manufacture such lamps can only expire if its proper care is not taken. The rock salt crystals used to make these lamps absorb moisture from the atmosphere when the lamp is turned on. This hygroscopic process makes the rock salt crystals of the lamp wet which is why it is recommended to keep your lamp in a dry environment.
Does Pink Himalayan Salt Expire?
If the salt is in its purest form then it can go for a million years without expiring. However, if it has some additives in it or if it is exposed to too much moisture or heat, then it can go bad before time. Therefore, some measures must be taken to prevent the salt from expiring too soon.
How To Keep Himalayan Salt From Expiring?
The first and foremost thing is to avoid purchasing salt that has additives in it. This is important because it keeps the rock salt crystals from expiring too soon.
1- Keep Salt Away From Moisture
As we know that moisture and heat promote bacterial growth, therefore, salt must be kept away from both moisture and heat. Even if it is not in crystalline form and you have it in the form of another product or lamp, you still need to keep it away from moisture and heat. Also, keep your salt clean and dry and away from dust particles at all times.
2- Store Salt Properly
Another way to keep your Himalayan pink salt from expiring is to store it properly. Normally, people place their salt jars in the kitchen where there is a lot of moisture and heat due to humidity. The water molecules present in the atmosphere are absorbed by salt crystals as Himalayan salt is hygroscopic.
Therefore, Himalayan rock salt crystals or any other product of this salt must be kept stored in a cool and dry place. An airtight container proves to be an excellent choice for storing Himalayan salt for a long time and if you are putting salt in an open bowl, then you must make sure to use it within a few days and do not keep it out for long as it may go bad.
Can Himalayan Salt Go Bad?
Yes, just like any other salt, Himalayan salt can also go bad but only if proper measures are not taken. With time, the taste can surely go bad and this happens because of the dust particles and bad odor that it absorbs from the atmosphere.
This is another reason for keeping your salt in an airtight container and storing it in a dry place to protect it from going bad.
How To Tell If Salt Has Expired?
The Himalayan salt is sustainable and generally does not expire if you take proper measures. But if you are using it in powder form then it can start forming hard lumps and clusters and this happens mostly due to exposure to moisture. So it is necessary to check the salt before using it and keep a check on its appearance and taste as well.
Bottom Line
Himalayan salt does not expire if placed in a cool and dry place away from dust and pollutants. It can last as long as hundreds of years.
