Explain why salt is added in excess to pickles

Explanation

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Role of Salt**: Salt is commonly used as a preservative in pickles. Its primary function is to inhibit the growth of microorganisms that can spoil food.

2. **Creation of a Hypertonic Solution**: When excess salt is added to pickles, it creates a hypertonic solution. A hypertonic solution is one where the concentration of solute (in this case, salt) is higher than that of the solvent (water).

3. **Effect on Microorganisms**: Microorganisms present in the pickles are typically adapted to an environment with a lower concentration of solute. When they are exposed to the hypertonic solution created by the excess salt, water inside their cells moves out into the surrounding solution.

...