From the most savory entrees to the sweetest desserts, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a recipe that doesn’t include salt. While it may seem basic, salt is actually an essential ingredient that has the potential to transform the taste and texture of a dish completely. Historically, it was considered so valuable that even the word “salary” comes from the word salt. There are many ways that salt can be used in cooking, though not all types of salt are created equal. Read on to learn more about some of the most common types of salt and what they’re used for.
Pink Himalayan Salt
Pink salt is harvested from salt mines in the Himalayan mountains and contains several essential minerals, such as iron oxide, which give it a distinctive rosy color. While traditional table salt contains only sodium chloride, pink Himalayan salt also contains calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals lend an earthy flavor and crunchy texture that make pink salt an excellent choice for a wide variety of savory recipes such as soups and grilled meats. We especially love to use it as a finishing salt by sprinkling some on top of completed dishes just before serving.
Kosher Salt
You don’t have to keep kosher in order to enjoy the benefits of kosher salt—the name relates to the way this type of salt is used in the koshering of meats. Unlike regular table salt, kosher salt is composed of large, irregularly shaped flakes with a coarse texture that make it an ideal choice for seasoning before and during the cooking process. It sticks well to meats, and its lack of additives gives kosher salt a clean, neutral taste that won’t overpower additional seasonings.
Sea Salt
Sea salt is derived from evaporated seawater and contains trace minerals that give it unique flavors, which can vary based on the origin of the water used to produce it. It’s available in several textures such as fine, flaky, and coarse, and works well as both an all-purpose seasoning to use during cooking and as a final touch on everything from roasted vegetables to chocolate chip cookies.
