What Are The Different Types Of Salt?

Last Updated on February 25, 2023 by Lauren Beck

Salt is a common ingredient in many recipes, but did you know that there are different types of salt available? Each type of salt has a unique flavor and texture that can enhance the taste of your food in different ways.

In this article, we’ll explore what are the different types of salt and how to use them in your cooking.

Table of Contents

12 Types of Salt and How To Use Them:

Table Salt: This is the most common type of salt that you’ll find in most kitchens. It’s highly refined and has a fine texture, making it easy to measure and sprinkle. It’s perfect for seasoning dishes while cooking and for adding a pinch of flavor to finished dishes.
Kosher Salt: Kosher salt has a larger grain size than table salt, which makes it perfect for seasoning meat and vegetables before cooking. It’s also great for making brines and marinades.
Sea Salt: This type of salt is harvested from evaporated seawater and has a coarser texture than table salt. It’s available in different varieties, such as Himalayan pink salt, Celtic sea salt, and Hawaiian sea salt, each with its unique flavor and color.
Fleur de Sel: This is a type of sea salt that is hand-harvested from salt pans. It has a delicate flavor and a flaky texture, making it perfect for finishing dishes such as grilled meats and salads.
Sel Gris: This type of sea salt is also known as gray salt and is harvested from the coast of Brittany, France. It has a moist texture and a mineral-rich flavor that makes it perfect for seasoning dishes and adding a bit of crunch to finished dishes.
Himalayan Pink Salt: This type of salt is mined from the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan and has a pink color due to the presence of minerals such as iron and magnesium. It has a mild flavor and is perfect for seasoning dishes and adding a bit of visual appeal.
Black Salt: Also known as Kala Namak, this type of salt is popular in Indian cuisine. It has a distinctive sulfuric flavor and is perfect for seasoning dishes such as chaat and chutneys.
Smoked Salt: This type of salt is infused with smoke to give it a unique flavor. It’s perfect for seasoning meats and vegetables and adding a smoky flavor to dishes.
Pickling Salt: This is a pure, fine-grained salt that is perfect for pickling vegetables and preserving meats.
Red Alaea Salt: This type of salt is harvested from the Hawaiian islands and has a reddish-brown color due to the presence of volcanic clay. It has a mild flavor and is perfect for seasoning dishes and adding a bit of visual appeal.
Garlic Salt: This is a blend of salt and garlic powder and is perfect for seasoning dishes such as roasted vegetables and meats.
Onion Salt: This is a blend of salt and onion powder and is perfect for seasoning dishes such as soups and stews.

How to Use Salt?

Salt is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different ways. Here are a few tips for using salt in your cooking:

Use it to season meat, poultry, and fish before cooking
Add a pinch to boiling pasta water to enhance the flavor of the pasta
Sprinkle it on vegetables before roasting or grilling
Use it to balance the flavors in soups, stews, and sauces
Add a pinch to sweet dishes such as caramel or chocolate to enhance the flavor

Ways to Use Different Types of Salt:

Table salt: Use for everyday seasoning, such as adding to pasta water, soups, and stews.
Kosher salt: Use for seasoning meat and vegetables before cooking, and making brines and marinades.
Sea salt: Use for adding flavor and texture to finished dishes, such as grilled meats and salads.
Fleur de sel: Use as a finishing salt for enhancing the flavor of dishes such as seafood and chocolate.
Sel gris: Use for seasoning dishes and adding a bit of crunch to finished dishes.
Himalayan pink salt: Use for seasoning dishes and adding a bit of visual appeal.
Black salt: Use for seasoning dishes such as chaat and chutneys.
Smoked salt: Use for adding a smoky flavor to dishes such as grilled meats and vegetables.
Pickling salt: Use for pickling vegetables and preserving meats.
Red Alaea salt: Use for seasoning dishes and adding a bit of visual appeal.
Garlic salt: Use for seasoning dishes such as roasted vegetables and meats.
Onion salt: Use for seasoning dishes such as soups and stews.

Salt Substitutions:

If you want to reduce your salt intake or are looking for a salt substitute, here are a few options:

Lemon or lime juice: These citrus fruits can add a tangy flavor to dishes and can be used to replace salt in dressings and marinades.
Vinegar: Adding vinegar to dishes can help enhance the flavor and reduce the need for salt.
Herbs and spices: Using herbs and spices such as oregano, basil, and cumin can add flavor to dishes without the need for salt.
Low-sodium salt: This is a salt substitute that contains less sodium than regular salt and can be used in place of table salt.

Can I Make My Own Flaky Salt?

Yes, you can make your own flaky salt by evaporating saltwater. Here’s how to do it:

Fill a shallow dish with saltwater.
Place the dish in the sun or in a warm, dry place for several days until the water evaporates and salt crystals form.
Gently scrape off the salt crystals with a fork or spoon and store in an airtight container.

What Are the Benefits of Salt?

Salt is an essential mineral that our bodies need to function properly. Here are a few benefits of salt:

Regulates fluid balance: Salt helps regulate the fluid balance in our bodies and prevents dehydration.
Helps with nerve function: Salt plays a role in nerve function and helps transmit messages between cells.
Improves digestion: Salt helps stimulate the production of digestive juices, which can improve digestion.
Enhances flavor: Adding salt to dishes can enhance the flavor and make them more enjoyable to eat.

Which Is the Healthiest Salt?

While all types of salt contain sodium, some types are healthier than others. Here are a few options:

Himalayan pink salt: This type of salt is less processed and contains trace amounts of minerals such as iron and magnesium [1].
Celtic sea salt: This type of salt is harvested from the coast of Brittany, France, and contains trace amounts of minerals such as calcium and potassium.
Low-sodium salt: This is a salt substitute that contains less sodium than regular salt and can be used in place of table salt.

Conclusion

Salt is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavor of your dishes in different ways. By using different types of salt and experimenting with different ways to use it, you can take your cooking to the next level. And if you’re looking to reduce your salt intake, there are plenty of salt substitutes available that can help you achieve your goals.

Reference:

https://www.thehealthy.com/nutrition/healthiest-salt/

Author
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Lauren Beck

Lauren Beck is a Food Science & Technology graduate, born and raised in NYC, but lived in Japan for more than eight years. Her love forAmerican food and Japanese culture led her to create Kitsune Restaurant. She loves taking walks with her dog - an American Akita she aptly named Hachiko. Learn more about us here or you can email us contact@kitsunerestaurant.com.

What Are the Different Types of Salt?