Effects of Age on Chemical Composition in Sun-Dried Salts

Chemical composition, and mineral and heavy metal contents of Yeomsan and Baekso sun-dried salts (1-5-year-old) were determined. Moisture contents (Yeomsan, 6.07-17.02%; Baekso, 4.29-16.15%) and pH (Yeomsan, 5.92-6.31; Baekso, 5.52-6.23) decreased as age of salts increased, while NaCl contents (Yeomsan, 80.35-92.74%; Baekso, 81.06-94.58%) increased with increasing storage period of salts. Older salts had lower content of water-insoluble matters. Nitrate content was not affected by aging of salts, whereas nitrite content was lower in older salts. Sulfate content of sun-dried salt decreased with aging of salt. Average concentrations (ppm wet weight) of major minerals in Yeomsan and Baekso sun-dried salts were: Mg, Mg, 1002-119; K, 1062-3411; Ca, 1503-3437; Li, 25-101; Ge, 8.35-0.21; Si, 43.99-6.48; and Mn, 6.79-1.55. Mineral content generally decreased with salt aging. Among heavy metals, Hg was not detected in all salts, and Cd (0.02-0.04ppm) was not affected by storage period. Pb was not detected in 5-year-old salts. Older salts showed brighter color than younger ones.