Which method involves the use of salt for preservation?

The method that involves the use of salt for preservation is brining. Brining is the process of soaking food, typically meat or vegetables, in a solution of water and salt. This method draws out moisture and increases the shelf life of the food by creating an environment that is inhospitable to bacteria. The salt in the brine enhances the flavor and texture of the food while also helping to preserve it through osmosis.

Curing is another method often associated with salt; however, it generally involves not just salt but also sugars and nitrates, and is more about chemical changes that occur over time rather than a straightforward soaking process. Smoking adds flavor through exposure to smoke but does not rely on salt as the primary means of preservation. Steaming is a cooking process that uses water vapor and is not related to preservation techniques. Thus, brining specifically highlights the role of salt in the preservation process.