The absolute best cooking salt
Salt is an essential ingredient in cooking, playing a crucial role in enhancing and intensifying flavors. However, not all salts are created equal, and different types of salt are better suited for certain dishes. In this article, we will explore the best salts for cooking and their ideal uses in different recipes.
Sea Salt
Sea salt is a popular choice among chefs and home cooks alike. It is created through the evaporation of seawater, resulting in salt crystals of varying sizes and textures. Here are some of the best sea salts for cooking:
Maldon Sea Salt Flakes
Maldon Sea Salt Flakes are known for their affordability and high quality. These soft and crunchy flakes have a pure taste because they contain no additives. They are ideal for sprinkling on cooked meats, fresh tomatoes or dark chocolate desserts. However, due to their larger size, they may not dissolve well in large stews or soups.
Maldon Smoked Sea Salt
Maldon Smoked Sea Salt is another great option for cooking. This refined salt has a caramel color and a subtle smoky flavor that adds depth to dishes without overpowering them. It is perfect for seasoning grilled meats and fish.
Fine Ground Celtic Sea Salt
Celtic Sea Salt is a finely ground salt that can be used interchangeably with kosher salt in cooking. It has a natural flavor and is rich in essential minerals, making it a nutritious choice for seasoning your meals.
SaltWorks Mediterra Mediterranean Sea Salt
SaltWorks Mediterra Mediterranean Sea Salt is a coarse salt that stands out as a finishing touch. It is harvested from Mediterranean waters using a pure solar evaporation process. This salt is perfect for use in a salt grinder or when you want large flakes to add visual appeal to your dishes.
Himalayan Salt
Himalayan Salt has gained popularity in recent years for its unique pink color and mineral-rich composition. It is mined from rock crystals found near the Himalayas. The following Himalayan salts are great options for cooking:
The Spice Lab Himalayan Salt
The Spice Lab Himalayan Salt is a coarse salt with a subtle flavor. It can be used in cooking much like kosher or sea salt. Its large crystals and pink color make it an attractive garnish for steaks, grilled fish and vegetables, omelets, or salads. It is important to grind this salt well if you plan to use it in baking.
San Francisco Salt Co. Himalayan Salt
San Francisco Salt Co. offers a finely ground Himalayan salt option called Sherpa Pink Gourmet Himalayan Salt. This salt can be used as a substitute for kosher or fine sea salt in any recipe. It is versatile and can be used to season meats, create brines, or make homemade seasonings. It is available in bulk so you can keep it stocked in your kitchen.
Kosher Salt
Kosher salt is a basic, all-natural table salt that is commonly used in a variety of recipes. It is inexpensive and contains no additives. Here are two popular kosher salt brands:
Morton Kosher Salt
Morton Kosher Salt is a widely recognized brand known for its larger flakes that are easier to pinch and measure for sprinkling. It can be used in a variety of recipes, from curing and salting meats to rimming margarita glasses. Due to its larger and denser flakes, it is saltier than finer salt varieties, so it’s important to keep this in mind when measuring for recipes.
Diamond Crystal Pure and Natural Kosher Salt
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is another popular choice among chefs. Its flakes are much finer than Morton’s Salt, which means you may need to use more to get the same flavor. The smaller flakes adhere well to food, making it ideal for baking and creating homemade seasonings.
Specialty Salts
While not intended for everyday cooking, specialty salts can be a great addition to your kitchen for garnishing special dishes and adding unique flavors. Here are a few examples:
Caravel Gourmet Italian Black Truffle Sea Salt
This sea salt is infused with Italian black truffle for a distinct and intense flavor. It is best used as a garnish or incorporated into certain dishes to add strong truffle notes. It pairs well with steak, chicken, roasted potatoes or even sprinkled over olive oil.
San Francisco Salt Co. French Flower of Guérande Salt
French Fleur de Sel de Guérande is a pure sea salt harvested in France. It is highly regarded for its superior flavor and crunchy texture. This salt can be used as a finishing salt, sprinkled over dishes just before serving to add a delicate touch of saltiness. It works well with salads, grilled seafood or chocolate desserts.
Conclusion
In summary, the best salt for cooking depends on the specific recipe and desired flavor profile. Sea salt, such as Maldon Sea Salt Flakes, Maldon Smoked Sea Salt and Celtic Sea Salt, offers versatility and distinctive textures. Himalayan salt, such as The Spice Lab Himalayan salt and San Francisco Salt Co. Himalayan salt, offers unique flavors and visual appeal. Kosher salt, such as Morton Kosher Salt and Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, is a reliable and affordable option for everyday cooking. Finally, specialty salts such as Caravel Gourmet Italian Black Truffle Sea Salt and San Francisco Salt Co. French Fleur de Sel de Guérande can enhance special dishes with their intense flavors and textures.
Having a variety of salts in your kitchen allows you to experiment with different flavors and textures in your cooking. Remember to taste and adjust the amount of salt used in your recipes to achieve the desired result. With the right salt, you can enhance the flavors of your dishes and take your cooking to the next level.
FAQS
What is the difference between sea salt and common salt?
Sea salt is obtained through the evaporation of seawater, while table salt is typically mined from underground salt deposits. Sea salt tends to have larger, coarser crystals and may contain trace minerals, giving it a more nuanced flavor than the finer and more processed table salt.
Can I use any type of salt interchangeably in recipes?
While most salts can be used interchangeably in recipes, it’s important to consider the texture and intensity of the salt. For example, sea salt flakes may not dissolve as well in liquid-based dishes as finer salts. It’s best to choose a salt that complements the dish and matches your desired flavor profile.
What are the benefits of using Himalayan salt?
Himalayan Salt is known for its unique pink color and mineral-rich composition. It contains trace elements such as iron, magnesium and potassium, which can add subtle nuances to the flavor of your dishes. In addition, the larger crystals of Himalayan Salt can be visually appealing when used as a finishing or garnishing salt.
Is kosher salt for kosher cooking only?
No, kosher salt is not exclusive to kosher cooking. The term “kosher” refers to its use in the koshering of meat, but kosher salt is widely used in all types of cooking. Its larger flakes make it easy to pinch and sprinkle, and it dissolves well, making it a versatile option for everyday cooking.
Are specialty salts worth the investment?
Specialty salts, such as flavored or infused salts, can add unique and intense flavors to your dishes. While they may not be necessary for everyday cooking, they can enhance special dishes or be used as a finishing touch for added complexity. It’s a matter of personal preference whether investing in specialty salts fits your cooking style and desired flavor profiles.
How should I store different types of salt?
Salt should be stored in a cool, dry place in airtight containers to prevent moisture and clumping. It’s important to store flavored or infused salts separately to avoid cross-contamination of flavors. Proper storage will help maintain the quality and freshness of the salt over time.