The Chemistry of Thanksgiving

Team Chemistry wants to wish you and your family a happy holiday! As you are cooking your feast, keep in mind all the ways that chemistry helps you in the kitchen.

Did you know that brining a turkey is only possible because of a chemical interaction?

When you place a turkey in a solution of salt and water, diffusion and osmosis take place: in other words, the salt and the water move from an area of greater concentration (the brine) to an area of lesser concentration (the meat). This makes the turkey juicier and more flavorful.

Chemistry also helps your pantry items stay fresh – from bread to canned fruits and vegetables, chemistry helps fight spoilage caused by bacteria, molds, fungus, and yeast. This helps to extend food’s shelf life.

To extend your dollars spent on groceries even more, refrigerators are crafted with silicones to make them more durable, heat-resistant and high-performing.

After the meal is done and it’s time to clean up, chemistry is STILL at work. Cleaning products such as antibacterial cleansers can help safely and effectively remove germs, helping to prevent the spread of disease.

Because we know how much chemistry is involved in the holiday season, we’re thankful for all our advocates’ work to ensure our families can have a safe, fun-filled Thanksgiving.