Salt

Salt is one of the fundamental ingredients in cooking. Not only does it enhance flavors , but it also plays an essential role in the preparation and preservation of food . Used for seasoning, marinating and preserving, salt is essential for balancing flavors and improving the consistency of dishes. In many cuisines around the world, it is considered an essential element to get the most out of your ingredients.

The history of salt is fascinating and ancient. Used since prehistoric times, this ingredient has played a crucial role in the development of civilizations . It was so valuable that it was used as a currency and to seal treaties. Ancient trade routes crossed continents and facilitated cultural and commercial exchanges between different populations. Its importance was such that the term "salary" derives from the ingredient, once part of the pay of Roman soldiers .

Types of Salt

Himalayan Pink Salt

Himalayan pink salt is known for its distinctive pink color , which is due to the presence of minerals such as iron. Mined in the mountainous regions of Pakistan , it is one of the purest salts available. It is often used not only for seasoning, but also for decorating dishes due to its unique aesthetics. It is also valued for its benefits, including regulating the electrolyte balance in the body.

Black Salt

Black salt, also known as kala namak , is a type of salt of volcanic origin , popular in Indian and Asian cuisine. It has a distinctive dark color and a unique, slightly sulfurous flavor, reminiscent of hard-boiled eggs. The black variety is often used in vegan dishes to replicate the flavor of eggs and is also prized for its supposed digestive properties .

Red Salt

Hawaiian red salt is a sea salt enriched with red volcanic clay , which gives it its distinctive color and rich mineral composition . It is traditionally used in Hawaiian cuisine to prepare dishes such as kalua pig and poke . Its earthy flavor and bright color also make it ideal for decorating and flavoring a variety of dishes.

Flower of Salt

Fleur de sel is born from a natural crystallization process, the result of the combined action of sun, wind and water. Hand-picked using artisanal techniques , fleur de sel retains its mineral richness intact, giving dishes a unique and unmistakable taste . Its crunchy crystals release floral and marine notes that enhance the freshness of meat, fish, vegetables and salads. A true star of gourmet cuisine , this is the ideal ingredient for those who love to experiment and create refined dishes.

How much salt per day for a healthy diet?

Excessive salt consumption can lead to complications. Excessive sodium consumption can cause fluid to build up in the tissues, a condition known as water retention. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends limiting intake to less than 5 grams per day , or about a teaspoon, for adults. This includes salt added during cooking and salt found in processed foods.

Natural, unrefined salts offer a richer nutritional profile than refined table salts. They retain many essential minerals in addition to sodium, such as magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron, which can provide benefits.

To get the most out of its benefits, you can use different varieties to improve the nutritional profile of your diet and add unique flavors to your dishes. Preparing your meals at home allows you to control the amount you use better than with processed foods and restaurants.

The properties of salt

Salt is not just a simple seasoning, but a true ally of taste and well-being . This mineral, composed mainly of sodium chloride (NaCl), is a key element in our cuisine and for our well-being.

Thanks to its ability to reduce the water available to microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, salt is an exceptional natural preservative . For this reason, since ancient times it has been used to preserve foods such as meat, fish and vegetables, ensuring their freshness and food safety.

A pinch of salt can transform a dish , enhancing its natural flavors and making it tastier. Its chemical action on the taste buds amplifies the perception of other flavors, creating a richer and more satisfying sensory experience .

When enriched with iodine it becomes a fundamental element. Iodine, in fact, is an essential mineral for the correct functioning of the thyroid , a gland that regulates metabolism and development. Its deficiency can lead to disorders, making the intake of iodized salt a valuable preventive measure.