Question:medium

Which of the following substances is not used for preservation?

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Preservation principles: Remove moisture (drying), add salt/sugar (osmosis), add acid (low pH), or add chemical preservatives. Water promotes spoilage, so it is removed or bound in preserved foods.
Updated On: Mar 2, 2026
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Water
  • Acid
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

To determine which of the listed substances is not used for preservation, we need to consider common preservation methods and their mechanisms:

  1. Salt: Salt is extensively used as a preserving agent. It helps in food preservation by drawing moisture out of food and creating an environment inhospitable to bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Examples include salted meats and fish.
  2. Sugar: Sugar is another common preservative. It works similarly to salt by reducing the amount of available moisture in the food. Jams and jellies are preserved with high sugar concentrations.
  3. Water: Water is not considered a preservative. In fact, it provides the moisture that most microorganisms need to grow. Thus, water does not help in preserving food and should not be included in a preservation method.
  4. Acid: Acids, such as vinegar (acetic acid) and citric acid, are used for preservation. They lower the pH of foods, inhibiting the growth of bacteria and prolonging shelf life. Common examples are pickles and preserved fruits.

Based on the above analysis, water is not used for preservation because it promotes, rather than inhibits, the growth of microorganisms.

Conclusion: The correct answer is Water.

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