What is Salt?

Salt is a mineral that is used as a flavoring in cooking.  Most salt is mined, but some salt comes from seawater.  Because salt is considered to be an important cooking and baking ingredient, it is found in almost every dish.  The flavor of a dish changes completely if salt is added.  The main varieties of salt include table salt, sea salt, kosher salt, and Himalayan pink salt.

What Are the Different Kinds of Salt?

• Table Salt
• Sea Salt
• Kosher Salt
• Himalayan Pink Salt

Table Salt

Table salt is a common form of salt.  It is typically white and comes in small granules, similar to sugar.  Table salt is the most refined of the salt varieties and sometimes contains additives like iodine.  Unless otherwise specified, table salt is the universal salt in cooking and baking due to its consistent size across different brands.

Sea Salt

Sea salt is made from evaporating the water out of seawater to leave behind sea salt.  Sea salt may be different colors, like gray, due to the various minerals in the seawater.  Because it is not as ground as table salt, sea salt is usually slightly larger.  Sea salt may also be ground into finer crystals, similar in size to table salt, and used interchangeably to table salt.

Kosher Salt

Kosher salt is a larger crystal, flakier salt variety.  There are no additives in kosher salt, which may give kosher salt a better flavor than table salt.  Because of the different shapes and sizes of kosher salt, it may not be listed as the salt used in a recipe.  One common use for kosher salt is for seasoning meats.

Himalayan Pink Salt

Himalayan pink salt, also called Himalayan sea salt, is mined in a specific region of the Himalayas.  This salt is usually a large crystal, pink-colored salt.  While it is used similarly to kosher salt, Himalayan pink salt is also used to make salt lamps, drinking glasses, and even cookware.

How Do You Eat Salt?

Salt can be eaten raw, but it is more commonly cooked into foods.  Salt may be sprinkled on top of a finished dish or food, such as fresh tomatoes or baked fries, to add flavor.  It is added to soups, stews, casseroles, sauces, and marinades.  Small amounts of salt are added into cakes, pies, and cookies to enhance the sweet flavors of the desserts.

Where Can You Buy Salt?

The various types of salt are found in the spice aisle of the grocery store.

How Do You Store Salt?

Place salt in a sealed, airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.

Fun Fact About Salt

There are giant flats around the world made of salt.

Did You Know?

Before refrigerators were invented, people used salt to cure their meats and preserve them.

Recipes Using Salt

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Create a homemade blend of herbs and spices to flavor your next batch of tacos. Mix salt, pepper, paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and cumin together in a bowl. Transfer to an airtight container.

Sea Salt Caramel Sauce

Sea salt adds great flavor to homemade caramel sauce. Heat sugar in a saucepan until melted. Stir in butter until melted. Remove from heat and incorporate heavy cream and sea salt. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Easy Roasted Potatoes

Delicious roasted potatoes require a few ingredients to taste delicious. Wash and dice potatoes. Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Spread potatoes in an even layer on a baking sheet and bake until potatoes are fork tender. Top with fresh parsley before serving.

Scrambled Eggs

Whisk eggs, water, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Pour egg mixture into a preheated frying pan. Gently move egg mixture around with a wooden spatula until eggs cook. Serve with fresh dill.

Jerk Seasoning

Create a delicious seasoning perfect for chicken dishes. Combine salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg, cumin, brown sugar, and dried parsley in a bowl. Store in an airtight container.