The reasons for using salt can be divided into three broad categories: processing; sensory (taste); and preservation. In some cases it performs all three of these functions, and in many situations the distinction between them is not clear-cut; for example, the role of salt in the development of cheese also has an effect on the final flavour of the product.Processing and related properties Bread. Salt makes wheat gluten more stable and less extensible, making it less sticky. Salt also affects the rate of fermentation, reducing the rate of gas production. Inadequate amounts of salt result in loaves with open grain and poor texture.Biscuits. Salt also affects biscuit doughs with significant gluten development, such as crackers and semi-sweet types. Salt toughens the gluten and gives a less sticky dough.Meat and meat products. Salt is added to meat products for a variety of reasons. It enhances water-holding capacity and yield after cooking in lean meat products, and has a tenderising effect on raw meat. It also increases binding in comminuted products such as burgers and frankfurters, and in reformed joints.Cheese. Salt regulates the activity of starter culture microorganisms, modifies enzyme activity and has a direct effect on the water content of the cheese during maturation. The amount added and the time at which it is added varies from one type of cheese to another and contributes to the wide range available.Fermented vegetables. Salt helps control the microbiological flora in sauerkraut, pickles and similar products, helping to provide the conditions for the type and rate of fermentation required. It also affects texture changes in these products, and has specific chemical effects in pickled onions.Soy sauce. High levels of salt (17-18 per cent) are necessary to produce the individual volatile constituents that characterise soy sauce.Egg products. Salt is used to stabilise commercially frozen egg yolk.