Check Your Sodium Intake—Not All Salts You Eat Are the Same

Weight Loss and DietNovember 1, 2023

Salt is one of the most basic and most important ingredients in cooking. There are a lot of variants of salt out there, but they’re not all the same. These salts can differ in terms of concentration and how fast it dissolves. Some salts are recommended for cooking, while others should just stay as finishing touches. So, which of these 6 types should you use?

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Iodized Salt

Perhaps the most common salt in the market, iodized salt is also known as table salt. And it probably should just stay on your dining table. It’s not the best salt to cook with as it is highly processed and has weaker salinity.

The anti-clumping agents that this salt usually has are said to bring out that distinct metallic taste that culinary experts are not fans of. You can have iodized salt at arm’s reach when you want to add saltiness to your already-cooked meal. Using it when baking is also fine if the recipe doesn’t specify a different kind of salt since you’re just using a small amount of it.

Sea Salt

Sea salt appears finer and is less concentrated than other types of salt. Since it has finer crystals, it’s a favorite in the kitchen as you can control the saltiness of delicate food like fish and shellfish much easier. It can also disperse evenly, so it is a great option for baking. However, keep in mind that there are some sea salts that are coarser and more concentrated.

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Coarse Salt

Most of the coarse salt, with the most common ones being sel gris, gross el, and fleur de sel, come from the sea. However, these should be used differently. Coarse salt is also more concentrated and does not dissolve that easily, so it’s recommended to use it as a garnish at the end. Although, using it to cook beets, potatoes, or salt-crusted fish can be an exception.

Kosher Salt

Even though it’s called Kosher Salt, it isn’t always kosher. But why call it Kosher Salt, you ask? Well, it’s actually the salt of choice for koshering the meat. If you’re not familiar with koshering, it is the process of removing blood from the meat by rinsing, soaking, and salting.

With a lower salinity, there is a lesser chance of over-salting your food. Culinary experts also love its coarseness as it can be easily picked up and spread evenly using the fingers. It’s recommended for salting meat or pots of water.

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Pink Himalayan Salt

Pink Himalayan Salt has been becoming more popular recently both as an aesthetic décor and as a cooking ingredient. Its pink color can be attributed to the traces of minerals in the salt that includes potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals give the salt its slightly unique flavor. However, save it for finishing. Its slab form can also be used for food presentation.

Flaky Salt

With its crispy texture, the flaky salt is more enjoyed for its texture rather than its taste. However, it’s said to be pricier than the other salt variants, so you’re better off saving it for finishing touches or for special cooking sessions. Its most common type, the Maldon sea salt, is actually a hit among chefs from around the globe.