Salt is more than a seasoning; it can be the main ingredient that sends flavor, texture, and presentation 180 degrees. But those all-important salts are not created equal. Here is a directory to various Top 6 Salts Used in Cooking, their applications, and who is best to use them.
1. Table Salt
Best For: Home Bakers and Everyday Cooks
Finely ground and mostly iodized, table salt best serves in definite small quantities for purposes of baking and everyday cooking at home. It dissolves faster, thus making it apt for recipes that require uniformity.
Uses in: Baking, soups, and cooking pasta or rice.
2. Sea Salt
Best For: Health-Conscious Cookers and Lovers of Shellfish
Sea salt is harvested from the evaporated seawater and still possesses the natural minerals; it has a clean subtle flavor and coarse texture.
Usage in: Grilled vegetables, seafood, and as a finishing salt for health-conscious cooks, with mineral-rich seasoning.
3. Himalayan Pink Salt
Best For: Wellness Lovers and Chefs Who Care the Presentation
Rich in minerals such as magnesium and calcium, this salt has won health proponents’ favor for the alleged health benefits and beautiful color.
Usage in: Salads, eggs, grilled meats, or just beauty.
4. Kosher Salt
Best For: Professional Chefs, Meat Lovers, and Those Who Season by Hand at Home
With large crystals to provide better sprinkle control and no additives, it’s kosher for the clean taste.
Meat rubs, brining, roasting, and general seasoning during cooking.
5. Flake Salt (Including Maldon Salt)
Best For: Food Stylist, Gourmet Chef, Plating Ninja
With that nice light crunch and dissolves on the tongue in no time at all.
Finishing on steaks, roasted veggies, or even dessert items like stacks of brownie or cookie for an added kick of flavor.
6. Black Salt (Kala Namak)
Best For: Cooks in India, Vegans, and Seekers of Strong Flavors
This black salt has an eggy odor of intense sulfur, and it is widely used in Indian street foods and many other vegan recipes.
Usages in: Chaat, chutneys, raitas, and scrambled ‘egg’ dishes.
Tip: Choose your salt based on how you cook and your dietary needs for maximum benefit to your dish.
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