What does salt do in noodles?

Enhances flavor: Salt is a flavor enhancer that can bring out the natural flavors of the noodles. It helps balance the taste of other ingredients and gives the noodles a savory flavor.

Improves texture: Salt contributes to the texture of the noodles by making them firmer and less sticky. It also helps to bind the ingredients together and create a cohesive noodle structure.

Preserves the noodles: Salt acts as a natural preservative by inhibiting the growth of bacteria. This is why salted noodles have a longer shelf life compared to unsalted ones.

Brings out the saltiness: Noodles are often served with a sauce or broth, and salt helps to enhance the saltiness of these accompaniments.

For these reasons, salt is an essential ingredient in noodle making. It not only enhances the flavor and texture of the noodles but also helps to preserve them and bring out the saltiness of the accompanying sauces or broths.