19 Types of Cooking Salts and When to Use Them

Cooking Salts

Cooking salts is one of the most important ingredients in a kitchen. Cooking salts enhance the flavors of food and helps to tenderize meat. But did you know that not all salt is created equal? In fact, there are different types of salt that serve various cooking purposes. From kosher to Himalayan, and even smoked, this blog post will cover 13 different types of cooking salts and when to use them in the kitchen.

 

Kosher Salt

This is the most commonly used cooking salts in a kitchen. Its large, flaky grains dissolve quickly, making it perfect for general cooking purposes such as seasoning meat or vegetables.

Sea Salt

Sea salt is harvested from evaporated saltwater and comes in a variety of textures, including fine and coarse. Its subtle, briny flavor makes it ideal for finishing dishes, such as a sprinkle on top of a grilled fish.

 

 

Himalayan Salt

Extracted from ancient salt beds in the Himalayan mountains, this pink-hued salt contains high levels of minerals and has a slightly earthy taste. It’s best used as a finishing salt or for seasoning salads and roasted vegetables.

Celtic Sea Salt

This French sea salt is unrefined and untreated, resulting in a high mineral content and a distinct flavor. Its coarse texture makes it perfect for use in a salt grinder and is ideal for seasoning steak or poultry.

 

Fleur de Sel

Translated to “flower of salt,” this fancy French sea salt is hand-harvested from the surface of salt ponds. Its delicate texture and briny flavor are perfect for finishing dishes like roasted potatoes or caramel.

 

Black Salt

Also known as Kala Namak, this Indian salt is slightly pink in color and has an egg-like taste. It’s used extensively in Indian cuisine but can also be used as a finishing salt for dishes like deviled eggs or tofu.

 

 

Smoked Salt

Smoked salt is made by smoking salt over hardwood fires, giving it a bold, smoky flavor. It’s perfect for use in any dish that calls for a smoky flavor, such as BBQ or adding depth to a vegetarian chili.

 

 

Red Hawaiian Salt

This vibrant red-hued salt is naturally occurring and harvested from the Pacific Ocean. It has a delicate flavor and is often used as a finishing salt on seafood or roasted vegetables.

 

 

 

Gray Salt

This French sea salt gets its distinct gray color from the clay deposits in which it’s harvested. It’s a great salt to use in a salt grinder and is great for seasoning dishes like roasted vegetables or grilled meats.

 

 

 

Pickling Salt

Pickling salt is a fine-grained salt that dissolves quickly, making it perfect for pickling vegetables or brining meat. It’s important to note that pickling salt does not contain any anti-caking agents, which can interfere with the preserving process.

 

Black Lava Salt

Made from volcanic charcoal, this visually striking salt adds a dramatic touch to seafood and salads

 

 

Red Alaea Salt

This Hawaiian salt is mixed with red volcanic clay, giving it a subtle nutty flavor. It’s a perfect seasoning for traditional Hawaiian dishes like Kalua pork.

 

 

Cyprus Flake Salt

These delicate, pyramid-shaped flakes are a stunning addition to roasted vegetables, and they provide a delightful crunch to dishes.

 

Maldon Salt

Hailing from England, these thin, crisp flakes are wonderful as a finishing touch on chocolate, caramel, or delicate seafood.

 

 

Garlic Salt

A blend of garlic and salt, this seasoning is perfect for garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or homemade spice blends.

 

 

Seasoned Salt

This type of salt is a mixture of table salt, herbs, and spices and is best used as an all-purpose seasoning for dishes such as soup, stews, or pasta sauce.

 

 

 

Hawaiian Black Salt

Also known as ‘Black Lava Salt,’ this salt’s activated charcoal content makes it an excellent detoxifier. Use it sparingly on fresh salads and seafood.

 

 

 

Flaked Salt

Flaked salt has delicate, thin, and flat crystals. It’s often used as an ingredient in baking or as a finishing salt in savory dishes.

Sel Gris

Harvested from the bottom of salt ponds, sel gris has a moist texture and earthy flavor. Use it in stews, soups, and rustic bread recipes.

 

Salt is an essential ingredient in any kitchen, and understanding the differences between types of salts can help elevate your cooking to the next level. Whether you’re looking to add a finishing touch to your dish or looking to enhance the natural flavors of meat or vegetables, there’s a salt out there to fit your needs. Experiment with different kinds of salt, and soon you’ll find yourself adding a little sprinkle of salt to every dish.