10 TYPES OF SALT AND HOW TO USE THEM

Sea salt is harvested from evaporated seawater and retains several natural minerals during processing. This type of salt is available in coarse and fine textures, making it a versatile seasoning that can be used in a variety of recipes.

You can use fine sea salt for seasoning fresh salads or hearty roasted potatoes, while coarse sea salt is best used for salting meats or adding a finishing touch to pastries, truffles and even ice cream.

Black salt, also known as Kala Namak, is known for its dark color and sulfuric flavor. This type of salt is often used to enhance plant-based meals to provide a savory, meat-like taste to round out the flavor profile of vegan recipes, like tofu scrambles or vegan mayonnaise. 

Black salt is also commonly used in spicy chutneys, yogurt-based sauces like raita and even as a unique pickling seasoning.

Sourced from mines in the Himalayan mountains, Himalayan pink salt is often considered an elevated choice thanks to its enticing appearance and taste. The rosy hue and enhanced salty flavor of this salt variety make it the perfect finishing salt for salads, sauteed vegetables and juicy roasted meats.

Blue salt, sourced from ancient seas in Iran, is visually striking with its jewel-like blue hue attributed to mineral deposits. Known for its color and subtle, nuanced flavor, blue salt is a delicious finishing salt that adds a burst of flavor and color to any dish without overpowering the other flavors.

The distinct hue of this mineral inspired the minds in charge of selecting KitchenAid brand’s Color of the Year, Blue Salt. This shade of iridescent periwinkle has a subtle red finish that is sure to enhance the visual interest to your kitchen’s color scheme, just like the mineral’s subtle flavor enhances a recipe.

Homemade butter can add an artisanal touch to any recipe. Make salted butter with flavorful salt varieties like fleur de sel, sea salt or Himalayan pink salt to transform butter from a simple ingredient into the star of the meal.

Curing meat with salt is an ancient technique that increases the shelf life of your meat while transforming the flavors into something bold and intensely savory. To dry-cure meat at home, completely submerge a piece of meat in a container of non-iodized salt, herbs and whole spices. Place the container in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours, then remove from the salt, slice and enjoy.

Though you may associate salt with savory dishes, this mineral can add a depth of flavor to your favorite baked goods. Transform traditional chocolate chip cookies into a sweet, salty dream when you make these sea salt miso chocolate chip cookies. Brighten the velvety richness of dark chocolate truffles by sprinkling flaky sea salt as a finishing touch, or enjoy a complex flavor profile of sweet, salty and subtle spice with these salted caramel ginger cookies.

Salt and potato chips are a classic pair, and you can elevate your snacking experience by making your own batch of crunchy, salty chips at home. Coat your chips with kosher salt and other flavors like rosemary, parmesan or truffle oil to tailor your recipe to your cravings.

Making salt-cured egg yolks is a delicious way to use up any yolks you have leftover from making meringue or homemade macarons. Gently place raw egg yolks in a container full of salt and sugar and completely coat the tops with the mixture. Seal them in an airtight container and chill for four days, then remove them from the container and dust off any remaining salt and sugar. Place them in a 150ºF oven for about one and a half hours to dry.

Once the curing process is complete, you can use the egg yolks like you would a hard cheese. Grate them over pasta, soup and salads for a unique and savory boost of flavor.

There’s truly nothing quite as delicious as home-churned ice cream, and this unique ice cream flavor is sure to stand out on a sundae bar. Simply add flaky sea salt to your homemade ice cream recipe, then top each cone or bowl with an extra pinch for an added crunch.

Instead of buying your favorite self-care staples, you can simply open your pantry. Finely ground sea salt can be used as an exfoliating ingredient in body scrubs, making it easy to create a spa-worthy experience at home. Mix fine sea salt, coconut or almond oil, honey and a few drops of your favorite skin-safe essential oil to create a luxurious DIY body scrub.

Just like the body scrub, sea salt can be used to buff away dry or peeling skin on your lips. Simply mix fine sea salt with honey to create a homemade lip scrub in a pinch. Be sure to moisturize your lips afterward with a nourishing lip balm for best results.

This pantry staple can also help you clean up messes all over your home. The abrasive nature of salt makes it an effective scouring agent, tackling stubborn grime and grease with ease. You can use a solution of salt and hot water as a stain remover on fabric for wine, coffee or oil spills, or clean your oven and stove with salt and vinegar. Get rid of water stains by making a paste of water and fine salt, or clean out your refrigerator with a damp mixture of salt and baking soda.