Have you been wanting to explore specialty, high-quality salts for use in cooking and health, but haven’t been sure where to start? You might have heard of both sea salt and Himalayan pink salt from friends or family members who tout their benefits. But do you know what sets them apart, how they are harvested and used in food preparation? Read on as we dive into the difference between sea salt and Himalayan pink salt so that you can make an informed decision when shopping for quality salts.
What is Sea Salt?
- Sea Salt is a type of salt that is made from evaporated seawater and has become a popular seasoning for cooking. While Sea Salt may not look different than table salt, its texture and flavor vary slightly due to the high mineral content it contains.
- Sea Salt has an earthy, briny flavor that adds complexity to dishes. It generally comes in larger, coarser grains compared to table salt, which makes it great for sprinkling over vegetables or seafood before baking or grilling for a bit of added crunch.
- Sea Salt can also be used when making brines or seasoning rubs for added flavor. In addition to adding flavor Sea Salt may provide health benefits such as helping boost memory and aiding digestion due to its iron and iodine content!
What is Himalayan Salt?
- Himalayan Salt is a naturally occurring salt that comes from Himalayan Mountains. It is typically mined in the Khewra Salt Mine in Pakistan, the second largest salt mine in the world.
- Himalayan Salt is pink in color and contains 84 trace minerals, including calcium, magnesium and iron, which give it a unique flavor as well as numerous health benefits. Himalayan Salt can be used to season a variety of food dishes such as seafood, pasta, vegetables and even popcorn.
- More recently, it has become popular for use as an exfoliating agent in spa treatments as well. Himalayan Salt is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the benefits of Himalayan Mountains.
Difference between Sea Salt and Himalayan Salt
- Sea Salt and Himalayan Salt may look similar but they have several significant differences. Sea salt is harvested from oceans and is usually less refined than Himalayan salt which is mined from the foothills of the Himalayan mountains.
- Sea salt is coarser and often contains trace minerals while Himalayan salt is purer with a slightly pinkish color due to its rich mineral content. Sea salt tends to dissolve faster in food, resulting in a quicker taste, while Himalayan salt needs more time for its flavors to be released.
- Sea salts are the preferred choice for many people when making dishes like popcorn because it’s easier to sprinkle evenly through the kernels, while coarse-grounded Himalayan salts are ideal on salads or meats where larger flakes can add a crunchy texture with a boost in flavor.
Conclusion
The next time you are at the store, pick up a container of Himalayan salt and a container of sea salt. Take them home and do a side-by-side comparison. Try one in your favorite recipe tonight. Taste the difference for yourself and see which kind you like best.
