Although commonly recognized by the name kosher salt, technically the term is actually shorter than kosher salt, and therein lies the key to what it actually is. Kosher salt contains two different minerals that are not found in sea salt; these are magnesium chloride and sodium chloride. It's important that you understand these differences between kosher salt and sea salt so you don't end up with foods that are bland or just generally bad. It's also important to realize that there is no such thing as sea salt or table salt, these are just nicknames for the manufactured product.
In its most common form, kosher salt can be purchased in the regular salt section of your grocery store or you can find kosher sea salt online. Sea salt has its own set of benefits, one of which is its ability to absorb moisture better than regular table salt does. It also allows for smoother skin for foods, and it provides an even distribution of minerals across the entire board. There is an active chemical in sea salt that causes the mineral absorption to take place at a much slower rate than regular table salt does. This is known as "bio-clarative" which allows for the mineral makeup of the salt to last longer and is the salt preferred by many chefs around the world.
Not only does kosher salt have its benefits for chefs it can also be very beneficial to the home cook. Kosher salt is much less expensive than regular table salt because it is much purer and therefore doesn't have to have as much of the other additives to make it taste better. The same is true of sea salt as well, which is why it's used as a popular seasoning agent for a lot of different cuisines. Another reason why regular table salt is not conducive to high-end cooking is that it doesn't release its moisture well, thus the product becomes too runny and it must be added to water before any sort of baking takes place. Regular kosher salt on the other hand releases moisture when it comes into contact with heat, making it ideal for use in a lot of the more delicate arts and crafts when it comes to preparing foods that require ingredients to be moistened prior to cooking.
Kosher salt has also found its way onto the menu of many fine dining establishments. New American chefs are discovering that kosher salt can add a lot to a dish without taking away from the flavors of the actual food itself. Many chefs have discovered that Himalayan Pink Salt produces a unique flavor that is quite distinct from traditional table salt, one that is highly sought after within the fine-dining community. The salt is used to produce an intense pink color that is often seen on foods like oysters, truffles, and salmon. The flavor that can be produced is highly desired in this industry, which has lead to many chefs creating their own varieties of this type of salt.
Another reason why kosher salt is preferred over regular table salt is because of its texture. Regular table salt has a coarse feel and lacks the array of textures that kosher salt offers. The textured nature of kosher salt allows the food to have more texture, as well as adding to its flavor. When you are eating food with kosher salt on it, you are left with a distinctive flavor that is less likely to be associated with regular table salt. This makes the salt highly desirable for use in a variety of culinary recipes.
The highly desirable texture also makes kosher salt highly suited to use in a number of baking recipes. One of the best uses for the salt is in the preparation of kosher salt-glazed fruit. The texture allows the fruit to have a smooth consistency that does not lose its flavor until it is completely baked. The use of this texture feature allows chefs to create a number of different types of cakes that come out rich and flavorful. The crystals that make up the salt crystallizes while it is still warm, creating a unique texture that is less likely to be found in regular table salt.
Some other common uses for kosher salt are in the preparation of bread and grains. The kosher salt granules allow for more texture and increased flavors in bread that is made from traditional grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. The grains can also be prepared for use in a number of different non-traditional foods, such as pizza and bagels. Because of its wide range of uses, kosher salt tends to be less processed than regular table salt.
There are many other ways that kosher salt is used in the kitchen. This includes use in a variety of kosher salt recipes and the addition of the salt to a variety of other ingredients to make the seasoning meat products or fish more appealing to consumers. The wide range of ways that kosher salt can be used in the cooking process gives cooks and chefs a lot of flexibility when they are looking to enhance the flavors of their dishes.
