sodium nitrate
Fertilizer and preservative
Sodium nitrate is a crystalline salt used as a fertilizer, food preservative, and component in explosives.
It occurs naturally in Chilean desert deposits, historically called Chile saltpeter.
In cured meats, it converts to sodium nitrite, which prevents bacterial growth and gives products like bacon their characteristic pink color: The jerky contained sodium nitrate as a preservative.
Symbolic substance representation
- inorganicNot from living matter
- crystallineClear, ordered, brilliant
- solubleAble to dissolve
- hygroscopicAbsorbs moisture from surroundings
synthesis · reactive · white powder · deliquescent · endothermic · aqueous solution · electrolyte · decomposition
Substance creating thrust
- pyrotechnicsArt of explosive displays
- fireworksExplosive light displays
- gunpowderCombustible propellant mixture
- combustionExothermic reaction with oxygen
burn rate · smoke bombs · rocket fuel · black powder · signal flares · incendiary
Meat preservation mixture
- meat curingPreserving flesh through salt
- corned beefBrined, cured brisket
- baconCured smoked pork
- hamCured pig thigh
pastrami · charcuterie · deli meats · smoked fish · jerky · salami · shelf life · food additive
Substance improving dirt quality
- crop yieldAgricultural production amount
- agricultureCultivation of land, livestock
- greenhouseClimate-controlled plant enclosure
- horticultureCultivating plants systematically
Mineral-ceite hardened soil layer
- evaporiteMineral from dried brine
- miningExtracting earth's resources
- extractionAct of removing
chemical formula
Symbolic substance representation
- inorganicNot from living matter
- crystallineClear, ordered, brilliant
- solubleAble to dissolve
hygroscopic · synthesis · reactive · white powder · deliquescent · endothermic · aqueous solution · electrolyte · decomposition · oxidizing agent
propellant
Substance creating thrust
- pyrotechnicsArt of explosive displays
- fireworksExplosive light displays
- gunpowderCombustible propellant mixture
combustion · burn rate · smoke bombs · rocket fuel · black powder · signal flares · incendiary
curing salt
Meat preservation mixture
- meat curingPreserving flesh through salt
- corned beefBrined, cured brisket
- baconCured smoked pork
ham · pastrami · charcuterie · deli meats · smoked fish · jerky · salami · shelf life · food additive · antimicrobial
soil amendment
Substance improving dirt quality
- crop yieldAgricultural production amount
- agricultureCultivation of land, livestock
- greenhouseClimate-controlled plant enclosure
horticulture · vegetable crops · quick-release · leafy greens
caliche
Mineral-ceite hardened soil layer
- evaporiteMineral from dried brine
- miningExtracting earth's resources
- extractionAct of removing
- Inorganic Compoundsmagnesium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium carbonate, aluminum oxide, titanium dioxide
- fertilizersfertilizer, phosphorus, potassium, ammonia, compost
- food additivesemulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, colorants, calcium silicate, lecithin
- preservativespotassium sorbate, citric acid, lactic acid, ascorbic acid, nitrites
- Saltstable salt, sea salt, kosher salt, Himalayan salt, potassium chloride
- Food Preservativessulfites, ascorbic acid, sulfur dioxide, PG
sodium nitratesodium chloride
NaCl compound
sodium carbonate · sodium bicarbonate · sodium hydroxide · sodium fluoride
sodium, nitrate, soda, nitrates, nitric, nitrogen, nitrogenous, nitrous, nitride