Potassium metabisulfite

Description

Potassium metabisulfite is a white, crystalline powder with a sharp, sulfurous smell and a slightly metallic taste at high doses; in culinary use, it does not add flavor but acts as a preservative and antioxidant. It has no nutritional value as a food ingredient but serves a functional purpose — it inhibits the growth of microorganisms and oxidation, extending the shelf life of products, although it may trigger reactions in individuals sensitive to sulfites or asthmatics, so it should be used sparingly and according to recipes. In the kitchen, it is primarily used in home winemaking, preserving fruits, drying, and preventing browning, as well as for sanitizing equipment. It should be stored in a sealed, dry, and dark place, in its original, labeled packaging, away from moisture, heat, and acids, and out of reach of children.