FASCINATING
FACTS ON SALT
For centuries both cooks and
physicians have realized that salt is not only an essential component
to good health but makes food more palatable, bringing out the
essential flavor of a dish (even a sweet one) in a way no other
ingredient on earth possibly can.
Today salt is inexpensive and
universally available, but that wasn't always the case. Because
of its importance in food preservation and the fact that the
human body requires it (for the regulation of fluid balance),
salt has been an extremely valuable commodity throughout the
ages. It was even once used as a method of exchange — Roman
soldiers received a salt allowance as part of their pay. Salt
was valued by the ancient Hebrews and Greeks, throughout the
Middle Ages and well into the 19th century when it began to become
more plentiful and therefore reasonable in price. Salt (sodium
chloride) comes either from salt mines or from the sea. Most
of today's salt is mined and comes from large deposits left by
dried salt lakes throughout the world.
Types of Salt
- Table Salt: A fine-grained refined salt with additives
that make it free-flowing, is mainly used in cooking and as a
table condiment. It's what most of us grew up on.
- Iodized Salt: Is table salt with added iodine (sodium
iodide) — particularly important in areas that lack natural
iodine, an important preventative for hypothyroidism.
- Kosher Salt: Is an additive-free coarse-grained salt.
It's used by some Jews in the preparation of meat, as well as
by gourmet cooks and chefs who prefer its texture and flavor.
Also called "coarse salt".
- Sea Salt: Is the type used down through the ages
and is the result of the evaporation of sea water — the
more costly of the two processes. It comes in fine-grained or
larger crystals. Of the brands available in the marketplace,
"Hain" brand, is a fine grain, best for general cooking
and making bread; "LaBaleine" brand is coarser grained
with a softer taste; "Maldon" brand is more expensive
and great for seasoning at the table. The most expensive, and
considered the best sea salt, comes from Brittany, France, "Fleur
de Sel" brand is top-of-the-line and hand-harvested.
- Pickling Salt: Is a fine-grained salt used to make
brines for pickles, sauerkraut, etcetera. It contains no additives,
which would cloud the brine.
Continued
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