Would You Like More Salt?

After the salt article, I received some email questions that I wanted to answer.

Number 1 – Is Kosher salt really not kosher?

In the article, I spoke of most kosher salt not necessarily being kosher. This was based on the false impression that kosher salt requires Rabbinical blessing to be considered kosher. The official opinion, according to Star-K Kosher Certifications, is that granulated salt including kosher salt, due to the heat processing used during its creation, is kosher and may be used on Shabbos or sabbath occasions. However, evaporated gourmet sea salts have not been subject to enough heating process to be considered kosher.

Number 2 – What is pickling salt?

I totally neglected to mention this in the article. Pickling salt or canning salt is similar to table salt and is very fine grained to dissolve in brines. Pickling salt simply lacks the iodine and anti-caking additives in normal table salt. These added elements turn pickles dark and the pickling liquid cloudy. Pickles made with table salt would still be fine to eat, however they wouldn’t look as appetizing.

Number 3 – Does all this finishing salt raise my blood pressure?

If you want to get a shock, look at the labels of canned goods, frozen or fast foods at the market. You will be surprised how many foods give you nearly a whole day’s sodium in a single serving, with many providing more than the recommended amount. While excess sodium consumption is directly link to high blood pressure, most people get their sodium from processed foods. The trouble is that frozen or highly processed foods require large amounts of sodium to maintain flavor. So to properly answer the question, if you have high blood pressure, follow your doctors advice regarding your diet. But the key to limiting your sodium intake is to cut down on eating [highly salted] processed foods. If you are judicious in using salt when cooking, the use of finishing salts will not greatly increase your blood pressure risk.

Number 4 – You said rock salt was not made from sea salt. This isn’t true is it?

Most rock salt for salt grinders and mills is made from mined salt. It is possible to buy rock salt from sea salt for grinders, but it is hard to find. Read the labels carefully. If they are indeed made from sea salt, the label will clearly state it. You should expect to pay more money for rock salt made from sea salt.

Additional thoughts…

Faithful Kitchenboy reader Howard, said “…Tropical sea salt should be added to your list. This salt has a great and smooth subtle taste. I have tried plenty of sea salt and this one is a hidden secret…their website: http://www.tropicalsalt.com”

When using finishing salts in the kitchen or at the table, most people like to use products known as salt holders, crocks, or salt pigs. The only thing to be aware of or concerned with are those naturally moist salts. These salts require a tight fitting lid to keep these moist and fresh.

Styles available…

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