Kosher Salt

What Is Kosher Salt?

Kosher salt is an additive-free culinary salt with coarse, flat-flake-shaped grains. It gets its name from traditionally being used to kosher meat (drawing out blood); it is recognized by its coarse-grained structure suited to this function.

It is coarser than table salt and generally contains no iodine or anti-caking agents. Because its coarse flakes are easy to pick up with the fingers and sprinkle evenly over food, it is a popular cooking salt in professional kitchens.

Nutritional Value of Kosher Salt

Since kosher salt is pure salt (sodium chloride), it contains no energy; its main component is sodium. As with all salts, using it in moderation is important to avoid excessive sodium intake.

What Are the Benefits of Kosher Salt?

Salt is a basic seasoning that balances the flavor of dishes; however, moderate sodium intake is recommended for healthy eating. The advantage of kosher salt is that its coarse grains make it easier to control seasoning.

This information is general; kosher salt is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment. Those who need to restrict salt intake should follow their doctor's recommendations.

How to Choose Kosher Salt

Good kosher salt should be dry, coarse-flaked, and non-clumping; moist, clumped salt should not be preferred. The label can be checked for whether it contains additives.

• The grains should be coarse, dry, and non-clumping
• Additive-free (iodine-free) is generally preferred
• Moist, clumped salt should not be bought

How to Store Kosher Salt

Kosher salt is stored for a long time in a sealed container, in a dry place; it should be protected from moisture. If it absorbs moisture it may clump, but in that case it can still be used after breaking it up.

Using Kosher Salt in the Kitchen

Kosher salt is used in salting and curing meat, seasoning dishes during cooking, and in boiling water; its coarse grains make it easy to pick up and sprinkle by hand. Being coarse, the same volume seasons less than table salt, so the amount is adjusted to taste.

How Is Meat Salted With Kosher Salt?

The coarse flakes are sprinkled evenly over the meat from above; the coarse grains cling to the surface for even seasoning and are left to rest before cooking so the flavor works its way in.

Why Is Kosher Salt Measured Differently From Table Salt?

Due to its coarse, loose flakes, the same volume of a spoon contains less salt; so a teaspoon of kosher salt seasons less than a teaspoon of fine table salt.

Which Recipes Is Kosher Salt Used With?

Meat salting and curing, pasta-vegetable boiling water, brine, and general cooking seasoning are its best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between kosher salt and table salt?

Kosher salt has coarse, flat flakes and is mostly additive-free; table salt is fine-grained and generally iodized. Its coarse structure makes seasoning easier to control.

Is kosher salt iodized?

It mostly contains no iodine or anti-caking agents; however, this can vary by brand, so the label can be checked.

What can be used instead of kosher salt?

Coarse sea salt provides a similar use; if fine table salt is used instead, a smaller amount should be used compared to coarse salt.

Why is kosher salt preferred by chefs?

Because its coarse flakes make it easy to pick up with the fingers and sprinkle, and to visually gauge the amount of salt, it provides practical and consistent seasoning in the kitchen.