If you thought salt was just a simple seasoning for your food, think again. There are different types of salt available in the market. Each of them has its unique flavour and texture. In this blog post, you will learn about 8 different types of salt, their properties, and their various uses. From the popular table salt or iodized salt to the exotic Himalayan pink salt. So, letโs dive in and discover the fascinating world of types of salt.
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Table of Contents
What is salt
Properties of salt
- Physical properties : Salt has a crystalline structure which means it can form different crystal shapes and sizes depending upon the conditions under they were formed. Among all of them, the most common shape of salt is cubic, octahedral, rhombic and tetrahedral.
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- ย Chemical composition: Salt is a neutral compound which has a pH value of 7. It is mostly unreactive with other substances except for some metals including magnesium and aluminium in the presence of water. Apart from that Salt is highly soluble in water and acts as an electrolyte which helps to fluid balance and electrolyte levels in the human body.
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- Usage: Salt acts as the most essential ingredient in preparing food. Apart from that salt is used in various industrial processes such as the production of chlorine, soda ash, paper, textiles and various dyes. Salt even use as a de-icing compound to melt ice on the road in the winter months.
Where to buy salt
How to store salt
You can store salt in an airtight container which is free from any type of moisture because moisture often turns salt hard and soggy.
Also, remember before using salt in your cooking always use a clean and dry spoon.
Kosher salt vs Sea salt
- Origin: The origin of Kosher salt is the underground salt mine and the term โ Kosher โ signifies Jewish traditional cooking of koshering meat, which involves removing blood from meat helps to prepare it for consumption. On the other hand, Sea salt is produced by evaporating seawater.
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- Texture: Kosher salt is white in colour and has a coarser larger grain size texture, but Sea salt is usually white, grey even in pink colour has a fine smaller grain size texture.
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- Usage: Due to itโs coarse texture and ability to enhance the flavours in dishes kosher salt is mostly used in seasoning in cooking, curing or smoking meat, and even pickling and brining. On the other hand, Sea salt is mostly used as a final ingredient in garnishing various dishes sometimes it also uses as a salt blend with other spices to enhance the flavour of your dish.
Sea salt vs Table salt
- Origin : Table salt is produced by mining underground salt deposits, it is one of the purest forms of salt, and contains the most significant ingredient Iodine. On the other hand, Sea salt is produced by evaporating sea water which includes trace minerals and some elements from the ocean.
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- Texture: Table salt is white in colour fine texture sharp, that dissolves quickly. On the other hand sea salt is usually white, grey even in pink colour and has a larger grain than Table Salt.
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- Usage : Due to its fine texture, table salt is mostly used in various cooking processes on the other hand due to its visual appeal and delicate flavour, sea salt is often used as a garnishing ingredient on top of dishes like salads, vegetables, and fish
8 different types of salt you should know about
What is Kosher salt
Kosher salt is a coarse grainy flaky salt that originates from either the sea or the land. Here the name of this salt isย โ Kosher โ because it is used in traditional Jewish meat preparation, which involves removing blood from the meat.
Kosher salt has a mild flavour and is easily dissolved in the liquid. It can easily enhance the taste of food without overpowering it.
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Kosher salt uses
- Koshering meat: Kosher salt is mostly used in koshering meat, this process involves removing blood from the meat. Due to itโs large crystals Kosher salt is very useful for seasoning various meat.
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- Finishing: Kosher salt is also used as a finishing salt, sprinkle on top of food just before serving to give a crunchy texture and enhance the flavour of dishes like roasted vegetables, salads, meats, and fish.
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- Preserving: To preserve foods and enhance their flavour Kosher salt uses in various pickling and brining.
What is Himalyan pink salt
Himalyan pink salt uses
Here are some popular uses of Himalayan pink salt:
- Cooking and Baking: Himalayan pink salt is uses in various cooking and baking process.
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- Finishing: Himalayan pink salt is mostly used as a finishing salt, due to its delicate flavour and unique pink colour
What is sea salt
Sea salt is a coarse or flaky texture, a larger grain size salt which varies colour from grey to white depending upon the mineral present in it.
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Sea salt is derived from the evaporation of seawater. Though chemically sea salt is very similar to table salt however it also contains various trace amounts of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Sea salt uses
Here are some popular uses of sea salt:
- Cooking: To enhance the crunchy texture of various dishes like roasted vegetables, grilled meats even chocolate-based desserts sea salt works great.
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- Finishing: Sea salt is also used as a finishing salt, sprinkle on top of food just before serving to add a burst of flavour and texture.
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- Cleaning: Sea salt is also used as a natural cleaner for the home for its abrasive texture.It can help to remove stains and grime from surfaces like sinks and tubs.
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What is Table salt
Table salt is a highly soluble white colour fine-grained salt. It is extracted from the earth. Table salt is one of the highly processed salts which contains iodine and presents anti-caking elements.
Due to itโs purest form Table salt is widely used in various recipes.
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Table salt uses
Table salt is used in various cooking methods at our home. Here are the various uses of Table salt:
- Cooking: Table salt is used to season food during cooking and baking. Its fine texture allows it to dissolve quickly and evenly into dishes.
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- Preservation: Table salt uses as a preservative to extend the shelf life of food products like cured meats and pickles.
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- Water softening: Table salt can be used to soften hard water, which can help prevent mineral buildup in pipes and appliances.
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What is Rock salt
Rock salt, also known as โSendha Namakโ. It is a type of salt that is extracted from underground deposits. Rock salt usually has a coarse texture, a grey to pink colour.
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It contains less amount of sodium chloride and contains various nutrients like potassium, copper and calcium
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Rock salt uses
Rock salt has a variety of uses in different industries and applications. Here are some uses of Rock salt:
- De-icing:ย Rock salt is used as a de-icing agent on roads and sidewalks in winter months. Because when it applies on the surface, it lowers the freezing point of water, then melts ice and prevents further formation.
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- Food preservation:ย Rock salt is also used as a preservative in food products like cheese and fish. It extracts moisture from the food and prevents the growth of bacteria on it.
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- Chemical production:ย To produce various chemicals like chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid Rock salt is also used.
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What is Black salt
Black salt is also known as Kala Namak. This light pink colour, coarsely grained salt is very popular in South Asian cuisine.
It has a strong sulfuric aroma which gives it its distinctive colour and eggy flavour while cooking.
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Black salt uses
In South Asian cuisine, Black salt has a lot of uses. Here are some of the most common uses:
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- Seasoning: In various Indian dishes like chaat, chutneys, and salads black salt is used as seasoning ingredients.
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- Vegan egg substitute: Black salt is used as a vegan alternative to eggs in recipes like tofu scrambles and vegan omelettes. Its sulfuric flavour can easily replicate the taste of eggs in these dishes.
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What is Pickling salt
Pickling salt is a white colour fine texture salt, that contains no additives like iodine, minerals, and anti-caking elements.
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The fine granules of pickling salt easily dissolve in liquid that is why it must keep in an airtight container to keep the moisture away and prevent it from clumping.
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Pickling salt uses
Pickling salt is mainly used for canning and pickling fresh vegetables or fruit. Apart from that here are some other uses of pickling salt:
- Meat curing: Pickling salt is also used to cure meats like bacon and ham. It draws moisture from the meat, which helps to preserve and give a distinct flavour.
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- Baking: Pickling salt is also used in various baking recipes where a finer texture of salt is required Pickling salt is used there. Because it dissolves very easily, which helps to even distribute of salt in the finished product.
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- Homemade cleaning solutions: Apart from that Pickling salt is used in various homemade cleaning solutions. Because itโs fine texture scrubs away dirt and grime without scratching surfaces.
What is Fleur De Sel
Fleur De Sel is a light grey or off-white in colour sea salt. It is hand-harvested from the surface of salt ponds. It has large, flaky damp crystals like wet sand.
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Fleur De Sel is also known for its delicate flavour and crunchy texture, as well as its high mineral content.
Fleur De Sel is primarily used before cooking meals or garnishing seafood to enhance its flavour and texture. Here are some uses for it:
- Salad dressing: In homemade salad dressings Fleur De Sel enhances their flavour and texture. It provides a perfect crunchy texture in the dressing.
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- Meat seasoning:ย In various meat seasoning Fleur De Sel is used. Itโs delicate flavour and texture enhances the natural flavour of the meat without overpowering it.
8 different types of salt
Spice up your dishes with our guide to the 8 different types of salt you should know about. Learn about the distinct characteristics, especially their unique flavours and various uses of each of salt Himalayan salt to table salt.
Ingredients
- Kosher Salt
- Himalayan Pink Slat
- Rock Salt
- Black Slat
- Sea Salt
- Table Salt
- Pickling Salt
- Fleur De Sel
Instructions
Types of Salt
Here is the list of 8 different types of salt and their various uses.
What is Kosher salt
Kosher salt is a coarse grainy flaky salt that originates from either the sea or the land. Here the name of this salt isย " Kosher " because it is used in traditional Jewish meat preparation, which involves removing blood from the meat.
Kosher salt has a mild flavour and is easily dissolved in the liquid. It can easily enhance the taste of food without overpowering it.
Kosher salt uses
Here are some popular uses of Kosher salt:
- Koshering meat: Kosher salt is mostly used in koshering meat, this process involves removing blood from the meat. Due to it's large crystals Kosher salt is very useful for seasoning various meat.
- Finishing: Kosher salt is also used as a finishing salt, sprinkle on top of food just before serving to give a crunchy texture and enhance the flavour of dishes like roasted vegetables, salads, meats, and fish.
- Preserving: To preserve foods and enhance their flavour Kosher salt uses in various pickling and brining.
What is Himalyan pink salt
Himalayan pink salt is a type of rock salt that is found in the Himalayas region.
Pink salt is considered the healthier and purest form of salt and contains various minerals, including iron, magnesium, and potassium which gives a pink hue colour. It is commonly used as a finishing salt and adds a rich, salty flavour to dishes.
Himalyan pink salt uses
Here are some popular uses of Himalayan pink salt:
- Cooking and Baking: Himalayan pink salt is uses in various cooking and baking process.
- Finishing: Himalayan pink salt is mostly used as a finishing salt, due to its delicate flavour and unique pink colour
What is sea salt
Sea salt is a coarse or flaky texture, a larger grain size salt which varies colour from grey to white depending upon the mineral present in it.
Sea salt is derived from the evaporation of seawater. Though chemically sea salt is very similar to table salt however it also contains various trace amounts of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
Sea salt uses
Here are some popular uses of sea salt:
- Cooking: To enhance the crunchy texture of various dishes like roasted vegetables, grilled meats even chocolate-based desserts sea salt works great.
- Finishing: Sea salt is also used as a finishing salt, sprinkle on top of food just before serving to add a burst of flavour and texture.
- Cleaning: Sea salt is also used as a natural cleaner for the home for its abrasive texture.It can help to remove stains and grime from surfaces like sinks and tubs.
What is Table salt
Table salt is a highly soluble white colour fine-grained salt. It is extracted from the earth. Table salt is one of the highly processed salts which contains iodine and presents anti-caking elements.
Due to it's purest form Table salt is widely used in various recipes.
Table salt uses
Table salt is used in various cooking methods at our home. Here are the various uses of Table salt:
- Cooking: Table salt is used to season food during cooking and baking. Its fine texture allows it to dissolve quickly and evenly into dishes.
- Preservation: Table salt uses as a preservative to extend the shelf life of food products like cured meats and pickles.
- Water softening: Table salt can be used to soften hard water, which can help prevent mineral buildup in pipes and appliances.
What is Rock salt
Rock salt, also known as "Sendha Namak". It is a type of salt that is extracted from underground deposits. Rock salt usually has a coarse texture, a grey to pink colour.
It contains less amount of sodium chloride and contains various nutrients like potassium, copper and calcium
Rock salt uses
Rock salt has a variety of uses in different industries and applications. Here are some uses of Rock salt:
- De-icing:ย Rock salt is used as a de-icing agent on roads and sidewalks in winter months. Because when it applies on the surface, it lowers the freezing point of water, then melts ice and prevents further formation.
- Food preservation:ย Rock salt is also used as a preservative in food products like cheese and fish. It extracts moisture from the food and prevents the growth of bacteria on it.
- Chemical production:ย To produce various chemicals like chlorine, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid Rock salt is also used.
What is Black salt
Black salt is also known as Kala Namak. This light pink colour, coarsely grained salt is very popular in South Asian cuisine.
It has a strong sulfuric aroma which gives it its distinctive colour and eggy flavour while cooking.
Black salt uses
In South Asian cuisine, Black salt has a lot of uses. Here are some of the most common uses:
- Seasoning: In various Indian dishes like chaat, chutneys, and salads black salt is used as seasoning ingredients.
- Vegan egg substitute: Black salt is used as a vegan alternative to eggs in recipes like tofu scrambles and vegan omelettes. Its sulfuric flavour can easily replicate the taste of eggs in these dishes.
What is Pickling salt
Pickling salt is a white colour fine texture salt, that contains no additives like iodine, minerals, and anti-caking elements.
The fine granules of pickling salt easily dissolve in liquid that is why it must keep in an airtight container to keep the moisture away and prevent it from clumping.
Pickling salt uses
Pickling salt is mainly used for canning and pickling fresh vegetables or fruit. Apart from that here are some other uses of pickling salt:
- Meat curing: Pickling salt is also used to cure meats like bacon and ham. It draws moisture from the meat, which helps to preserve and give a distinct flavour.
- Baking: Pickling salt is also used in various baking recipes where a finer texture of salt is required Pickling salt is used there. Because it dissolves very easily, which helps to even distribute of salt in the finished product.
- Homemade cleaning solutions: Apart from that Pickling salt is used in various homemade cleaning solutions. Because it's fine texture scrubs away dirt and grime without scratching surfaces.
What is Fleur De Sel
Fleur De Sel is a light grey or off-white in colour sea salt. It is hand-harvested from the surface of salt ponds. It has large, flaky damp crystals like wet sand.
Fleur De Sel is also known for its delicate flavour and crunchy texture, as well as its high mineral content.
Fleur De Sel is primarily used before cooking meals or garnishing seafood to enhance its flavour and texture. Here are some uses for it:
- Salad dressing: In homemade salad dressings Fleur De Sel enhances their flavour and texture. It provides a perfect crunchy texture in the dressing.
- Meat seasoning:ย In various meat seasoning Fleur De Sel is used. It's delicate flavour and texture enhances the natural flavour of the meat without overpowering it.
