Salt Versus Sugar - A Taste Test
Salt, like many other things in life, has been mislabeled and misunderstood for far too long. In today's world, we need to pay more attention to the source of our food, but a lot of people are still confused about salt. What is salt, what is its purpose, and how is it made? Read on to learn more about salt...
Salt is one of the most common natural substances found in nature. It is an earthy flavor and color that some refer to as "saltiness". Most sea salt is harvested from sea water because the rocks around the ocean are soft enough to extract salt from the waters. When you buy salt, you are buying grains from the sea. Table salt and sea salt both have the exact same basic mineral content.
Salt comes from mineral particles that have been dissolved in water and come from rock pores in rocks such as sand, quartz, and limestone. It has no chemical or biological activity and does not contain any vitamins or trace amounts of other minerals. It is made from different combinations of minerals and impurities that are exposed during different stages of the salt forming process. The salt you buy in stores today typically contains up to 99% refined salt.
Salt is used for a variety of purposes including saltine crackers, seasoning, and baking. Salt can be used to season and add flavor to foods, but table salt and sea salt do not contain any nutritional content of their own. Salt contains different types of mineral content which includes calcium, magnesium, and iron. Each of these mineral content contributes to the different types of nutrients present in foods.
The mineral content and the amount of iron or other nutrient content each mineral adds to a food are denoted by the unit of measure, or grain size, of the salt. For example, table salt contains about one part per million of magnesium. Table salt can range from very coarse (too coarse for food processing) to very fine. Sea salt contains about five grains of salt per million of magnesium. The grains of salt add varying amounts of magnesium, calcium, and iron.
Many people prefer to use table salt because it is generally lower in sodium than seawater. However, many people also prefer the natural source of calcium that comes from the sea. Many sea salt manufacturers also add iodine, which is an important mineral that helps strengthen teeth and bones. People who often consume a lot of calcium supplements may find they need to increase the amount of iron they are taking because their body does not make as much.
Rich flavor and unique texture come from the minerals found in organic salts. Natural sea salt can contain a variety of minerals including calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. Organic salts are commonly used as food seasoning or in the making of dishes that require trace amounts of these minerals. truffle salt can be purchased commercially or through mail order.
Salt is the only mineral that is contained in every salt drop. Trace amounts of other minerals like potassium and iodine are required by our bodies but not found in the trace amounts contained in salt. This is one of the reasons that experts advise against the use of table salt when cooking.
Another advantage of sea salt is its ability to draw out impurities from the water. Impurities can include bacteria and viruses, both of which can pose serious health risks if introduced to the body. Sea salt has also been proven to reduce symptoms of colds and flu.
Unlike table salt, brine solutions can provide a number of benefits for those suffering from sea sickness. Many sea salts have brine tanks where huge quantities of water are held to combine with air and salt minerals. As the solution begins to attract moisture, it becomes saturated with salt and expands, creating a brine pool. People who become accustomed to the brine pools in their homes often find that they do not get sick as often. Salt is an effective preventative treatment for various diseases and conditions, and its popularity is growing as a home remedy.
Unlike table salt, the texture and color of sea salt can vary widely. There is no prescribed way to prepare the crystals, but many recipe makers prefer a fine, white powder with the consistency of coarse sand or cornmeal. They are generally salty enough to taste, but not oily. Salt can be purchased at practically any grocery store and processed into table salt or brine.