crystals, are the densest salts, and take the
longest to dissolve. Standard table salt is often
supplemented with additives, as much as 2%
of the total weight, that prevent the crystal
surfaces from absorbing moisture and sticking
to each other. These additives include
aluminum and silicon compounds of sodium
and calcium, silicon dioxide — the material
of glass and ceramics (p. 788) — and
magnesium carbonate. Other compounds
called humectants may be added to keep these
additives from excessive drying and caking.
Most anticaking additives do not dissolve as
readily as salt, and cloud the brines for
pickled vegetables, so specialized pickling
salts omit them. These additives may also
contribute slight undesirable tastes of their
own.
Iodized Salt Many granulated table salts and
some sea salts are fortified with potassium
iodide to help prevent devastating iodide