What is the Difference Between Table Salt and Coarse Salt?
Many recipes are now calling for coarse salt in lieu of regular table salt. But if specified, can you substitute your table salt instead? And what is the difference between table salt and coarse salt?
Did you know that our bodies need salt and we cannot live without this mineral? Salt in its pure form is healthy and necessary, but table salt is the “manufactured” product of natural rock salt.
What is Regular Table Salt or Cooking Salt
Regular table salt is the finer ground of all the salts and is most commonly used in cooking and baking. You will find regular table salt in most salt shakers and salt packets. Table salt has been refined and all of the minerals have been removed.
Most of us would find table salt easy to recognize and overly familiar because of the rounded blue Morton salt containers in the grocery store. If you can sprinkle it out of a salt shaker then that’s a good indication it’s basic table salt.
But what do we use when the recipe calls for “course” salt? Coarse salt is salt that has not been ground down into a finer table salt therefore making it thicker particles of salt.
What is Coarse Salt?
Coarse salt and it refers to a type of salt that has larger crystal sizes than regular table salt. Coarse salt is often used as a finishing salt, meaning it is sprinkled on top of finished dishes just before serving to add texture and a burst of salty flavor.
It can also be used in certain recipes where the larger crystals provide a specific texture or flavor. Coarse salt is commonly used in baking, such as for making pretzels, and is also used in brines for pickling and preserving foods. Because of its larger size, it is not recommended for use in recipes that call for precise measurements of salt, as it can vary in saltiness depending on how much is used.
Use Kosher Salt
Kosher salt isn’t necessarily a “coarse” salt, but it is one of the best salts you can choose when buying a coarse salt. Nothing is added to this salt like anti-clumping agents and it has not been heavily processed, making it a wiser choice for cooking. Kosher salt has a bigger grain size than regular table salt making it a perfect choice when “coarse” salt is on the ingredient list.
One of the benefits to cooking and seasoning with coarse Kosher salt is being able to feel the salt crystals with your finger tips. When sprinkling salt over vegetables or meats, you can actually measure by sight. Just grab some salt between your fingers and lightly season.
A coarser salt will of course stick to meat better and not melt away like sprinkles of table salt.
Can you substitute table salt for a coarse salt?
Since table salt is really just a denser salt, you can substitute if necessary. Just use smaller amounts of table salt when a recipe calls for coarse salt.
A full teaspoon of table salt would be a lot of salt sprinkled on a plate of steamed asparagus. But a teaspoon of Kosher or “coarse” salt would probably be perfect.
Salt Smarts
Sea Salt vs. Table Salt. What’s the Difference?
Sea salt comes from, you guessed it, the sea. It’s produced by evaporating water from the ocean or saltwater lakes. Processing is minimal, if any, because its all natural. If organic and natural is your thing, then sea salt is your best bet.
Table salt, on the other hand, is mined from underground, and additives help prevent clumping. Unlike sea salt, table salt is heavily processed and contains additional (manufactured) iodine, which supports a healthy thyroid.
Nevertheless, gram for gram, sea salt and table salt contain the same amount of sodium. The trick is how you use the salt in the cooking process to maximize flavor.
As Salty as the Sea
For example, one way to add flavor to your food without overdoing your sodium intake is to season your dish throughout the cooking process. It may look like a lot, but when the meal arrives to the table, no one will be reaching for the salt and pepper shaker. Pasta water should taste as salty as the sea. You’ll enhance the flavor of everyone’s favorite carbohydrate.
What about Kosher Salt?
You can easily distinguish Kosher salt from regular table salt by it’s classic snowflake-like appearance. It’s a compacted form of cubic salt crystals that come from either the sea or underground mines. It’s terrific for seasoning meat because the larger surface are of the salt allows for the protein to retain more moisture.
What is Himalayan Salt?
Himalayan pink salt is another natural salt that is mined from ancient sea beds in the Himalayan mountains. It contains trace amounts of minerals and is known for its distinctive pink color.
What is the Difference between Iodized Salt and Salt?
The main difference between iodized salt and salt is that iodized salt contains iodine, whereas regular salt does not. Iodine is a mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism and other important bodily functions.
Iodized salt is created by adding small amounts of potassium iodide or sodium iodide to regular table salt. This helps to ensure that people who may not get enough iodine from their diet can still get the iodine they need to support their health. In many countries, including the United States, iodine is added to salt as a public health measure to help prevent iodine deficiency.
Overall, iodized salt can be a good option for those who are concerned about getting enough iodine in their diet, but it should still be used in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Put Down the Salt Shaker
Did you know that salt can become addicting? Just like fatty foods can be addictive to some people, so can salt.
If you’re worried about your family’s sodium intake — the goal is less than 2,300 milligrams/day — then consider retiring your shaker of salt and replacing it with a fun selection herbs and spices. No calories, lots of flavor, and no concerns about sodium. Have fun and experiment with pepper, oregano, rosemary, and thyme. Add a dash of cilantro or zest a lemon. You’ll amazed how your taste buds will tingle, and you won’ even miss the salt. Go to your grocery’s bulk section to get the freshest dried goods without having to invest in a full container.
Healthy Salt Options –
- Sea salts
- Himalayan salts
- Reduced-sodium salt – Reduced-sodium salt is a type of salt that contains less sodium than regular table salt. It can be a good option for those looking to reduce their sodium intake, but it is important to note that it still contains sodium and should be used in moderation.
- Herb and spice blends – Rather than relying solely on salt for flavor, try using herb and spice blends to add flavor to dishes. This can help reduce the amount of salt needed while still adding plenty of flavor.
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