Smoked Salt
Image: Bryce Tugwell · CC BY-SA 3.0
A gourmet salt with a pronounced fire-and-wood scent, made by smoking coarse sea or rock salt over wood smoke for a long time. Used to carry a grilled effect into dishes cooked in an oven or on the stovetop.
What Is Smoked Salt?
Smoked salt is a gourmet salt made by exposing coarse sea or rock salt to wood smoke (usually oak, walnut, or apple wood) for several days.
The smoking process gives the salt a distinct fire-wood scent and generally a dark beige-brown color; this scent is used to create a grilled effect without actually grilling.
Nutritional Value of Smoked Salt
Being a salt, it contains no calories; its main nutritional component is sodium. The smoking process makes no meaningful contribution to nutritional value. Values vary by brand and are approximate.
How Should Smoked Salt Be Consumed?
Smoked salt is consumed in moderate amounts like other salts, as part of a balanced diet; it is recommended not to overdo sodium intake.
This information is general; smoked salt is a salt, not a substitute for medical treatment. People with high blood pressure are advised to keep their salt intake controlled.
How to Choose Smoked Salt?
Good smoked salt is dark beige-brown in color, has a distinct but not burnt natural wood-smoke scent, and is produced with a genuine smoking method.
- Should be dark beige-brown in color
- Should have a distinct natural wood-smoke scent, not burnt/chemical
- Label should state a genuine smoking method (not liquid smoke flavoring)
How to Store Smoked Salt?
Smoked salt can be stored indefinitely in a closed container in a dry cupboard; absorbing moisture can cause it to clump.
Using Smoked Salt in the Kitchen
Smoked salt is used most in oven recipes that mimic grilled meat-fish, and to add a grilled aroma to corn, potatoes, and some soups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are smoked salt and liquid smoke the same thing?
No; smoked salt is a solid salt smoked with real wood smoke, while liquid smoke is a concentrated smoke extract used in much smaller amounts.
Can smoked salt be made at home?
Yes; coarse salt can be prepared by exposing it to smoke for a long time in a home smoker or on a barbecue, though care is needed for even smoking.
Is smoked salt available in Turkey?
It can be found at gourmet markets and shops selling specialty spices and salts; it is not common.