Salt is an essential element for the preservation of many foods. Without salt, many foods would not be possible to eat. The trace elements and minerals in salt are what help to make food taste great and keep it healthy for people to eat. Each type of salt has its own special characteristic that is good for certain foods. It is important to understand the difference between regular table salt and kosher salt when cooking or shopping.
A: It really depends. All three kosher, sea salt, and fine table salt all weigh about the same when weighed by weight. But kosher salt has a coarse grain, so it has less salt by mass. That means that kosher salt has less salt per volume by weight than regular table salt, making kosher salt ideal for table salt and cooking salt. Most people don’t notice the difference, but those who know the difference will notice.
B: It does have some advantages over regular table salt. Some of the best uses of kosher salt are for seasonings in soups and stews, for making salty snacks such as chips and cheese, and for bread dough. But it is also used in some cooking methods, such as adding spices to meat. Kosher salt contains trace minerals that give the food a distinct flavor and also enable the salt to penetrate the meat and release the flavor in the bread or chips. The crystals found in kosher salt also add to this distinctive flavor.
C: Cooking with Himalayan pink salt gives a rich flavor to fish, meat, and vegetables. It is very flavorful and does not overpower the taste of the food. This is because the crystals found in this type of salt have a structure similar to that of a diamond. The larger the crystal, the more it will sparkle in your mouth. So when you salt your vegetables or cook fish, think twice about adding other types of salt to mask the flavor of Himalayan pink salt. Salt is a powerful flavor creator, but it is also a very strong absorber, so be careful about what you put in your body.
D: Himalayan Pink Salt is similar in its absorption ability to regular table salt; however, it surpasses regular table salt in its resistance to heat. This is why many chefs prefer to use this salt instead of the usual salt used in their dishes. Even if you are looking for a healthy alternative to salt, it can’t be beat as far as absorbency.
E: Irrespective of its absorbency, kosher salt is still salt, and it should be treated accordingly, such as using it in the right food. Regular table salt is suitable for only table salt, and not for use in cooking. Although sea salt is a great cooking salt, it should be kept away from food that may cause excessive burning or swelling of the skin. It is also not advisable to use sea salt directly on the skin, because it can burn the tissue, creating an open wound.
F: Although Kosher salt is widely available today, you should be cautious about the type of salt that you buy. In addition to the highly-refined and synthesized varieties, there are also a variety of salts that were mined from the Dead Sea. These salts are high in sodium and have a smoky flavor. So when choosing kosher salt, make sure that you get a brand that does not use such salt mines.
G: As far as minerals are concerned, it all depends on what you want it for. Most people prefer sea salts because they are less sodium, which makes it ideal for sprinkling on salads and low-fat foods. But do not forget that table salt is also a mineral salt, albeit a much healthier variety. Table salt is the cheapest among all varieties, while sea salts are more expensive, contain higher levels of sodium, and are best used in cooking. Therefore, it is essential to choose the right kind of kosher salt for your dietary requirements.