Salt

Salt

Salt, also known as table salt or rock salt (halite), is a crystalline mineral that is composed primarily of sodium chloride (NaCl), a chemical compound belonging to the larger class of ionic salts. It is absolutely essential for animal life, but can be harmful to animals and plants in excess. Salt is one of the oldest, most ubiquitous food seasonings and salting is an important method of food preservation. The taste of salt (saltiness) is one of the basic human tastes.

Read more about Salt.

Famous quotes containing the word salt:

    Of all the flavors one eats, salt is indispensable; wherever one goes in the world, one’s mother is dearest.
    Chinese proverb.

    You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.
    Bible: New Testament, Matthew 5:13.

    Timon hath made his everlasting mansion
    Upon the beached verge of the salt flood,
    Who once a day with his embossed froth
    The turbulent surge shall cover; thither come,
    And let my grave-stone be your oracle.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)