preservative
Food decay preventer
A preservative is a substance added to food, cosmetics, or other products to prevent spoilage or decay.
Preservatives work by inhibiting bacterial growth, oxidation, or other processes that cause deterioration: The label lists sodium benzoate as a preservative.
The word also functions as an adjective describing anything that preserves: the preservative effects of salt on meat.
Oxidation-preventing molecule
- benzoateSalt of aromatic acid
- sorbateAbsorbed or adsorbed substance
- nitrateNO₃ compound
- sulfiteSO3 compound, preservative use
citrate · ascorbate · phosphate · acetate · lactate · propionate · stabilizer · emulsifier
Sodium chloride compound
- sugarCrystalline carbohydrate sweetener
- vinegarAcidic cooking liquid
- honeyBees' viscous nectar product
- smokeAirborne combustion byproduct
oil · lemon juice · brine · spices · alcohol · fermentation · pickling · curing
Cosmetic antimicrobial compound
- formaldehydeColorless pungent preservative gas
- potassium sorbateAntimicrobial food preservative salt
- sodium nitrateNaNO₃ compound
- tocopherolFat-soluble antioxidant vitamin form
ascorbic acid · citric acid · sulfur dioxide · chlorine dioxide · lactic acid
Period before spoilage
- freshnessState of being unspoiled
- spoilageFood degradation process
- antimicrobialKills or inhibits germs
- antifungalDestroys or stops mold growth
antibacterial · oxidation · rancidity · decay · mold · bacteria · yeast · contamination
Preserving bodies after death
- embalmingPreserving dead bodies chemically
- natronHydrated sodium carbonate mineral
- funeraryOf burial rites
- pharaohsAncient Egypt's supreme rulers
sarcophagus · canopic jars · desiccation · catacombs · relics · bog bodies · salted fish · jerky
Substances included for enhancement
- artificialMade, not natural
- syntheticProduced artificially, not natural
- chemicalsManufactured or isolated substances
- toxicityCapacity to cause harm
allergen · sensitivity · carcinogen · regulations · labeling · organic · natural · health
antioxidant
Oxidation-preventing molecule
sulfite · citrate · ascorbate · phosphate · acetate · lactate · propionate · stabilizer · emulsifier · monoglyceride
salt
Sodium chloride compound
- sugarCrystalline carbohydrate sweetener
- vinegarAcidic cooking liquid
- honeyBees' viscous nectar product
smoke · oil · lemon juice · brine · spices · alcohol · fermentation · pickling · curing · drying
paraben
Cosmetic antimicrobial compound
- formaldehydeColorless pungent preservative gas
- potassium sorbateAntimicrobial food preservative salt
- sodium nitrateNaNO₃ compound
tocopherol · ascorbic acid · citric acid · sulfur dioxide · chlorine dioxide · lactic acid
shelf-life
Period before spoilage
- freshnessState of being unspoiled
- spoilageFood degradation process
- antimicrobialKills or inhibits germs
antifungal · antibacterial · oxidation · rancidity · decay · mold · bacteria · yeast · contamination · expiration
mummification
Preserving bodies after death
- embalmingPreserving dead bodies chemically
- natronHydrated sodium carbonate mineral
- funeraryOf burial rites
pharaohs · sarcophagus · canopic jars · desiccation · catacombs · relics · bog bodies · salted fish · jerky · pemmican
additives
Substances included for enhancement
- artificialMade, not natural
- syntheticProduced artificially, not natural
- chemicalsManufactured or isolated substances
toxicity · allergen · sensitivity · carcinogen · regulations · labeling · organic · natural · health · safety
- chemicalschemicals, compounds, acids, reagents, solutions
- additivesfood coloring, stabilizer, MSG, emulsifier, plasticizers
- preservationcanning, freezing, drying, cure, pickling
- Food Sciencefood science, enzymes, carbohydrates, proteins, pH
- Biocidesbiocide, biocidal, germicide, germicidal, disinfectant
- false friendsactual, actually, embarrassed, eventually, fabric
preservativecorrosive
Destroys by chemical action
decomposer · oxidizer · contaminant · enzyme · bacteria
preservativedestructive
Causing severe harm
transformative · revolutionary · radical · progressive · destabilizing
preservativedestructive
Causing severe harm
degradative · destabilizer · solvent · reagent · activator
- forest preservationProtecting extensive tree ecosystems
- heritage preservationProtecting historical and cultural assets
- fruit preservationMethods to store produce
- food preservativeSubstance preventing spoilage
- food preservationProtecting edibles from rot
- wildlife preservationProtecting wild species and habitats