Flake Salt
A salt that crystallizes into thin, flat, crunchy flakes. Used as a finishing salt sprinkled over dishes right before serving, thanks to its light saltiness and texture that dissolves quickly on the tongue.
What Is Flake Salt?
Flake salt is a type of salt that crystallizes into thin, flat, pyramid- or flake-shaped crystals. Formed by controlled evaporation of seawater or brine, these crystals have a crunchy texture that dissolves quickly in the mouth.
England’s Maldon salt is the best-known example of this type. Because it has a light, crunchy saltiness rather than an intense, sharp one, it is used mostly as a finishing salt sprinkled over food at serving time, rather than during cooking.
Flake Salt Nutrition Facts
Salt has no calories, and its predominant component is sodium. Because flake salt is light and airy, the same volume contains less sodium than table salt; keep this in mind when adjusting the amount.
What Are the Benefits of Flake Salt?
Flake salt adds both flavor and a crunchy textural contrast to food. Its light structure makes it possible to create a distinct salty accent with less salt. Still, like all salt, it should be used in moderation.
This is general information; flake salt is a salt, not a medical treatment. High salt consumption can pose a risk for blood pressure, so moderate use is recommended.
How to Choose Flake Salt
Good-quality flake salt has distinct, crunchy, dry crystals. Salt that has been crushed into powder or has absorbed moisture and clumped has lost its characteristic texture.
- Choose salt with distinct, flat, crunchy crystals.
- It should not have absorbed moisture or clumped.
- Look for a label indicating pure sea salt with no additives.
How to Store Flake Salt
Flake salt keeps indefinitely in a dry, sealed container. Protect it especially from moisture, which can ruin its crunchy texture and cause the flakes to clump.
Using Flake Salt in the Kitchen
Flake salt is used mainly as a finishing salt: sprinkle it over grilled meat, salads, chocolate desserts, and baked goods just before serving to add flavor and a crunchy texture.
When Should You Add Flake Salt?
To preserve its crunch, sprinkle it over the food just after plating, at serving time, rather than during cooking. If it melts from the heat, it loses its crunchy texture.
Can You Use Flake Salt in Desserts?
Yes. Sprinkling a small amount of flake salt over chocolate and caramel desserts in particular accentuates the flavor through its sweet-salty contrast.
Recipes That Use Flake Salt
Grilled meats, fresh salads, salted caramel, chocolate cookies, and baked breads are among the best-known uses of flake salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between flake salt and table salt?
Flake salt has flat, crunchy crystals and is used as a finishing salt; table salt is fine, dense, and suitable for cooking. The same volume of flake salt contains less sodium.
Can flake salt be used in cooking?
It is generally not used during cooking; when it melts in the heat, it loses its crunchy texture, and you would be wasting an expensive salt. Table salt or rock salt is more suitable for cooking.
Is Maldon salt a flake salt?
Yes. Maldon is a sea flake salt produced in England and one of the best-known brands of flake salt.
Is flake salt less salty?
Chemically, it is the same sodium chloride. However, because it is light and airy, the same volume contains less salt, which gives a perception of a “lighter” saltiness.
How should flake salt be stored?
Store it in a dry, sealed container away from moisture; moisture makes the flakes clump and ruins their crunchy texture.