A Brining Question

Fireball

I have been trying to answer this question by myself for some time now without much to show for it. I know brine is used for preserving food, and Humpty keeps the moisture in when we are barbecuing. When a chicken is brined what is purposes of the brine other than to enhance the flavor? I need some education here. Thanks
Fireball

Nature Boy

Fireball,
WIthout getting into the scientifics (of which there are several links to articles posted by MikeO and others...I had them bookmarked but lost all my bookmarks)....[p]The other purpose besides adding flavor is to make the meat juicer. The cells do some osmosis type action with the water, and the result is always very juicy...even when overcooked. I've been squirted in the eye a few times while carving brined birds. I just think of the whole thing as magic, and leave it at that.[p]Cheers!
NB

Cat

Fireball,[p]NB said it. Here's a good article.[p]Cathy
[ul][li]Ready for Brine Time[/ul]

Puj

Cat,[p]Thanks for the link. It's a great read.[p]Puj