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Types of salt commonly used in cooking

Salt is considered a basic cooking seasoning, popular in many families' kitchens. But in fact, salt has many types and each type has a different structure and use-value. In this article, UniMall will help readers learn more about salts commonly used in cooking.

Salt

This is the most commonly used salt in the household. Derived from salt mines, table salt has been refined and removed most of the naturally occurring minerals. At the same time, people also add anti-clumping agents, so that the salt grains are always soft and smooth. Due to its small size, table salt is very soluble and is used when cooking or baking.

In processing, table salt should only be used in a sufficient amount, about 5g/day as recommended by the World Health Organization. When baking, table salt plays an almost irreplaceable role by any other salt. Because table salt can control yeast growth as well as strengthen gluten. Because of its important role, when used, table salt needs to be accurately measured in proportions suitable for each type of cake.

Sea salt

Sea salt refers to unrefined salt, harvested from evaporating seawater. Because it is unrefined, sea salt contains a lot of minerals and has a stronger flavor than table salt. However, the salinity of sea salt often depends on where the salt is harvested. Therefore, before using, you should taste to know the saltiness of the salt and adjust accordingly when seasoning.

Sea salt is coarse in nature, not as thoroughly ground as fine salt. Usually, sea salt is often used to deodorize foods, seasoning marinades, or used in some recipes for savory and sweet dishes.

Himalayan pink salt

Pink salt is a type of salt mined in the Khewra salt mine near the Himalayas of Pakistan. This salt has a natural pale pink color and is less refined. Not only contain sodium, but pink salt also contains small amounts of trace minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. This is also the factor that creates the characteristic pink color as well as the strange taste of this salt.

Because the sodium content in pink salt is not high, you can easily season the dish when using this salt. This means that the amount of sodium consumed in the body will be less than normal table salt. Therefore, pink salt is also considered a solution for those who are looking to change their salty eating habits or follow a healthy diet.

Kosher salt

Kosher salt is a type of salt with a large, pyramid-shaped crystalline structure. This is a favorite salt used by many chefs because kosher salt is moderately salty, so it can be easily adjusted when seasoning foods during processing. Kosher salt is often used to marinate meat, helping the meat retain moisture, so the meat is softer and sweeter.

Notes on using salt

Salt plays an important role in maintaining the normal functioning of cells as well as organs in the body. But to ensure good health, every day we only need to use a sufficient amount of salt about 5g / day.

Here are a few tips when using salt you should apply:

  • When seasoning food, you should add salt in a small amount first and then slowly adjust to suit your taste.

  • Pay attention to the taste of family members, because what may be palatable to one person but salty to another. It could be a sign of your health. Attention should be paid when seasoning food for people with diseases related to blood pressure and stomach.

  • Use dipping sauce in sufficient quantity, do not immerse food in the bowl of dipping sauce.

  • Replace salt with other natural spices such as black pepper, cumin, onion, ginger powder, ground turmeric, etc. to enhance the flavor of the dish and add nutrients to the body.

Hopefully, the above article has helped readers understand more about commonly used salts as well as how to use salt properly and choose appropriate spices to enhance the taste of dishes, supplement nutrition to improve health.

See more: How to use salt for better health?