From Salt to Vacuum Bags - The Transition of Food Preservation Through Technology
Throughout human history, preserving food for long periods has been a significant necessity. Today, the extended shelf life and hygiene provided by vacuum bags and barrier packaging are actually the result of thousands of years of struggle.
The connection between salt and vacuum bags may not be immediately apparent, but when we look at the historical process, we see that both serve the same purpose. This realization gives us a new awareness! :)
In ancient times, people developed various methods to prevent the food they hunted or gathered from spoiling. One of the most effective methods was salting. Salt absorbs moisture from food, preventing bacterial growth and delaying spoilage.
It was so valuable that it eventually became a trade commodity. Wars were even fought over salt throughout history! In the Roman Empire, soldiers were partially paid with salt, which is why the English word "salary" derives from the Latin word "sal" (salt).
In the 20th century, vacuum packaging and barrier films introduced revolutionary technology that protects food against oxygen, moisture, and bacteria. Especially vacuum bags, which completely remove the air inside, significantly delay food spoilage. This extended shelf life has also played a major role in reducing food waste.
Salt was one of the most important ways to preserve food for many years. However, today, modern barrier packaging and vacuum bags offer much more effective solutions. These innovative packages protect food from external factors in a sustainable and hygienic way, fulfilling the role that salt once played in the past. Vacuum sealing technology undeniably holds an important place in preventing food waste.