Salt Variations Every Cook Should Be Familiar With

Kosher salt is a type of coarse salt that is less refined, meaning it is almost pure sodium chloride and does not undergo ionization. It is free from iodine or other additives. Kosher salt has larger crystals and a milder saltiness compared to regular table salt. Due to its coarse grains, it is ideal for seasoning meat, poultry, salads, and generally anything other than cooking. This salt is derived from rock salt deposits and is produced in many countries.

Sea salt is obtained by evaporating seawater and is coarser than regular table salt but much finer than kosher salt. This salt is less processed than table salt and retains its minerals. There may be up to 60 trace minerals in sea salt, which are considered healthy micronutrients. Sea salt comes in both coarse and fine varieties. The fine variety is suitable for salt shakers to season food at the table, while the coarse variety can be used to salt meat before cooking. Very coarse sea salt is better used as a finishing salt after the food is prepared.

Fleur de Sel is one of the most precious salts in the world, as it is harvested by hand from salt ponds. It is collected in the Brittany region of France using special wooden rakes and only in very favorable weather conditions. Fleur de Sel is an excellent choice, especially when paired with nutty or buttery caramels.

This salt is not typically used in cooking but is rather employed as a final seasoning for dishes. The large, flat crystals are often used as a finishing salt to add a mild salty flavor and a crunchy texture to salads, grilled foods, and other dishes where texture and visual appeal are important.

Flake salt is a type of cooking salt that is a very common seasoning for many dishes. To make flake salt, salt crystals are broken into smaller pieces and then flattened into thin layers.

It is best to use the crisp and delightful flake salt as a finishing touch for grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and for seasoning pieces of sourdough bread coated with olive oil.

Edible pink salt is hand-mined from the Khewra salt mine, located deep in the Himalayan mountains in Pakistan. The pink color of Himalayan salt is due to the presence of iron oxide. This salt contains all 84 natural minerals found in the human body, and because of its rich mineral content, it has a stronger or more complex flavor than regular table salt (it is saltier than table salt).

This salt is excellent for any recipe that requires a small amount of salt, such as sauces and various marinades, or for garnishing dishes. Himalayan salt rocks can retain heat for hours, making it a popular cooking stone for delicate proteins like fish.

Black salt is another type of Himalayan salt. This salt is rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, and several other trace elements.

Black salt has a very pungent smell and taste, which is why it is used in small quantities. It is commonly used in Indian cooking, especially when the distinctive sulfurous flavor is desired. The sulfur taste of this salt comes from the presence of sodium sulfate in its composition. Black salt is one of the ingredients that contributes to the bold and unique flavor of the spice mix chaat masala. It is an excellent seasoning and is best used in dishes with strong flavors and aromas, such as curries, heavily spiced foods, pickles, and salads.

This salt is available in two colors: red and black. Hawaiian black salt, also known as black lava salt, is a combination of volcanic sea salt and activated charcoal, while Hawaiian red salt, or Alaea salt, is unrefined sea salt mixed with red volcanic clay and rich in iron.

Black lava salt is harvested in Hawaii and Cyprus, then coated with activated charcoal, which gives it its unique dark color. Activated charcoal is an excellent cleanser for the body and is also beneficial for digestion. This salt can be sprinkled on food at the end for flavoring and decoration.

Red salt (Alaea salt) contains more than 80 minerals and is rich in iron oxide. This salt has a mild saltiness and delicate flavor, making it an excellent choice for seasoning food and preserving meat and fish. It is great for adding a touch of color to dishes, especially when used in white-colored foods.

This salt, also known as "Sel Gris" (gray salt), is a type of sea salt produced along the coast of France. Celtic gray salt is harvested from the sea bed using wooden rakes. Its crystals are large and usually moist, with a pleasant level of saltiness.

The minerals in this salt are well-balanced, which contributes to health benefits such as lowering blood pressure. This salt has a coarse, irregular texture, making it ideal for seasoning meats and pickles. It is best used as a finishing salt after cooking, especially in spicy dishes where its delicate and mild flavor and texture might not be fully appreciated during the cooking process.

Smoked salt is a type of salt that has been exposed to burning wood for two weeks, absorbing the smoke flavor from the burning wood.

Pickling salt is a salt that is free from iodine, anti-caking agents, and minerals that might alter the color of the pickles. With this salt, you can make flawless pickles with excellent flavor.

Blue salt is a rare and very unique type of salt, famous for its beautiful blue color and distinctive mineral composition. This salt is extremely rare and valuable, as only a few tons of it are extracted each year. Iranian blue salt is one of the rarest and oldest salts in the world, extracted from ancient salt ponds in the Semnan province. Today, these ponds, formed over more than 100 million years, have all evaporated and turned into crystals and salt stones!

Blue salt has a crunchy texture and a very unique flavor. Due to its high versatility, blue salt can be used in many dishes, from sweet treats like caramel desserts and chocolate to savory foods like seafood and grilled meats. It's best to use blue salt after cooking, as adding it during cooking can cause the delicate flavor and blue color to be lost. Sprinkling blue salt on sweet dishes, such as caramel desserts, gives them a beautiful and luxurious appearance.