The 5 best salts for curing
Brining is a technique used to enhance the flavor and tenderness of meat, poultry, or fish by treating it with a solution of water and salt. The right choice of salt can make a significant difference in the outcome of your brining process. In this article, we will discuss the five best salts for brining, their unique characteristics, and why they are recommended for the best results.
1. Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is a popular choice among briners because of its precise and consistent texture. It comes in large crystals that prevent over-salting and provide a milder taste compared to traditional table salt. This salt is available in a convenient 3 lb. container, making it suitable for long-term brining needs.
2. Morton Salt Kosher Salt
Morton Salt Kosher Salt is another reliable option for brining. It has large flakes that dissolve easily in wet brines or adhere well to the surface of the meat in dry brines. The smaller particle size of this salt allows it to dissolve quickly in water while providing a strong salty flavor. However, it’s important to note that this salt contains an anti-caking agent, which may not be ideal for pickling with vinegar.
3. Light Gray Celtic Sea Salt
Light Grey Celtic Sea Salt is known for its unique taste and health benefits. This salt undergoes rigorous quality analysis by a certified third party laboratory and holds certifications such as Kosher, NON-GMO Verified, Women-Owned Certified and Organic Compliant Certified. While measuring this salt by weight or volume can be somewhat unreliable due to its moisture content, its great taste makes it a popular choice for brining.
4. The Spice Lab Himalayan Coarse Salt
The Spice Lab Coarse Himalayan Salt is sourced from premium salt mines and offers a burst of essential nutrients, including 84 trace minerals and iron. This salt adds a subtle flavor to brines while bringing out the natural flavors of the meat. Occasionally, small rocks may be present in this rock salt, but they are easily removed. It’s important to note that Himalayan pink salt is a finite resource, so enjoy it while it’s available.
5. Sherpa Pink Authentic Himalayan
Sherpa Pink Authentic Himalayan Salt is a high quality salt packed with essential trace minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron. This salt is free of anti-caking agents and iodine, making it a natural and pure choice for brining. Sherpa Pink is a fast growing salt company in America and prides itself on excellent customer service.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right salt for brining is critical to achieving the best flavor and tenderness in your meat, poultry or fish. The five salts mentioned in this article – Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, Morton Salt Kosher Salt, Light Grey Celtic Sea Salt, The Spice Lab Coarse Himalayan Salt, and Sherpa Pink Authentic Himalayan Salt – are all excellent options to consider. Each salt offers its own unique characteristics and benefits, ensuring that your cured dishes are flavorful, moist, and perfectly seasoned. Experiment with these salts to find the one that suits your taste preferences and enjoy the rewarding results of brining.
FAQS
Can I use table salt for pickling?
Table salt is not the ideal choice for curing. It is finely ground and can result in over-salting your meat. It’s best to opt for salts made specifically for curing, such as kosher salt or coarse sea salt.
What is the difference between kosher salt and table salt for pickling?
Kosher salt has larger crystals than table salt, which makes it easier to control the amount of saltiness in your brine. Table salt is denser and saltier by volume, so if you’re replacing it with kosher salt, you’ll need to adjust the amount accordingly.
Why is Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt a popular choice for brining?
Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt is popular with brine makers because of its precise texture and mild flavor. The large crystals ensure that you don’t over-salt your meat, and the consistent size makes it easier to measure accurately.
Can I use flavored salts for curing?
While flavored salts can add interesting nuances to your dishes, it’s generally recommended that they not be used for brining. The focus of brining is to enhance the natural flavors of the meat, and flavored salts can introduce unwanted flavors that may overpower the meat’s flavor.
Are Himalayan salt suitable for pickling?
Yes, Himalayan salts such as The Spice Lab Coarse Himalayan Salt and Sherpa Pink Authentic Himalayan Salt can be used for brining. They offer unique flavors and additional trace minerals that can enhance the flavor of your cured meat.
What is the role of salt in the curing process?
Salt plays an important role in the curing process. It helps to tenderize the meat by breaking down proteins, resulting in a more tender and moist texture. In addition, salt enhances the flavor of the meat by balancing the salt levels between the meat and the brine, ensuring a well-seasoned final product.