Salt is not only an important ingredient for seasoning food, but also plays a vital role in maintaining many bodily functions. It is better to know about the salt you use every day in cooking. One type of salt that is all the rage these days is rock salt. . It is said to be the purest form of salt. This salt is being widely used in the gourmet food industry due to its beautiful, unrefined, chemical-free, pink crystals. In this article, we are going to explain rock salt in detail so that you can choose the best salt for daily use.
What is rock salt?
Rock salt is the type of salt that is obtained in the form of rocks. Unlike sea salt, it is extracted from mountains of salt in the form of large rocks that are then crushed into different sizes based on the respective needs. Rock salt is also popularly known as Himalayan salt, pink salt, or khewra salt.
What is rock salt made of?
Rock salt is basically halite, or sodium chloride. It was formed over time due to the evaporation of large oceans. It is one of the least processed. types of salt available in the market.
It is manually extracted from underground salt deposits that were formed 200 to 250 million years ago due to the evaporation of water. It now exists in the form of the Khewra Salt Mines which are the second largest salt mines in the world. That is why this salt has its own meaning.
It is more commonly known as Himalayan pink salt due to its unique color ranging from light pink to dark pink to pinkish white.
What mineral is the main component of rock salt?
Its chemical properties are the same as those of table salt. The main component of Himalayan rock salt is sodium chloride, which makes up to 98 percent. The rest of the salt consists of trace minerals, such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium. The minerals in Himalayan salt give it a pink hue that sets it apart from other salts.
What is the difference between rock salt and table salt?
Rock salt and table salt have the same chemical makeup, but there are many differences between these two salts based on their source, color, processing, and nutritional value.
Fuente
Himalayan salt is obtained from salt mines found in Pakistan. Table salt is obtained from evaporated seawater, so it contains contaminants and requires refining.
Composition
Table salt is 99% NaCl, but pink salt is 98% NaCl, the remaining 2% is made up of over 80 minerals and trace elements. These minerals include iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, and many more.
Gusto
Due to the presence of different minerals, the taste of pink salt may be slightly different from table salt, which is refined and contains additives.
Color
Table salt has a pure white color which is due to all the bleaching and processing it goes through. While Himalayan salt has a pink hue that is due to the trace minerals it contains. This pink color distinguishes it from table salt.
It is safe from contaminants and does not require any type of bleaching so its natural color and mineral content remain intact. But table salt is processed and bleached, which removes contaminants along with minerals.
Texture
Himalayan salt has pink crystals. which can be transferred in different forms as per the requirements. It does not go through refining so its beautiful crystalline structure remains intact. Table salt has a fine to coarse texture.
Why is Himalayan rock salt better?
Any type of salt that is less processed and refined is the best for consumption. Himalayan pink salt is a better option due to many reasons. First, its source of origin makes this salt safe from environmental contaminants, so it doesn’t require any bleaching like table salt, as mentioned above.
It is available for use in its natural form without any additives or chemicals. This mineral-rich salt is highly beneficial for healthy well-being . It can be used to meet the body’s mineral requirements and to maintain electrolyte balance.
It also helps maintain the body’s pH level. Unlike table salt, it can be used for so many different purposes as mentioned below.
What is rock salt used for?
Himalayan rock salt or pink salt is used in cooking and in Ayurveda due to its many benefits. . There are many Himalayan salt products that are made entirely of Himalayan rock salt crystals. These products range from beautiful salt lamps, candle holders, cooking salt blocks, salt inhalers , and bath salts .
When used in cooking, it provides a beautiful color and flavor to food. Himalayan pink salt in the bath can detoxify the skin and improve its texture.
Himalayan salt is also used to make sole water, which is basically Himalayan salt dissolved in water. Drinking sole water early in the morning increases minerals in the body and improves intestinal health.
Beautiful Himalayan crystal salt lamps and candle holders are amazing decor pieces that also act as air purifiers. Salt inhalers are devices that use Himalayan salt to cure many respiratory conditions.
Not just for humans, this salt has some amazing benefits for animals too. Himalayan salt in the form of salt licks can have several benefits for farm animals. These mineral-rich salt licks can be used to satiate your livestock animals’ salt cravings. These licks also provide them with essential minerals that help improve their digestive system.
Bottom line
Each salt has its specific properties regardless of the same chemical composition. Pink salt, being the purest salt, is the best option for use in cooking and other uses. Its mineral-rich nature and health benefits make it an excellent alternative to table salt. That is why this salt is becoming very popular in the gourmet food industry and skin care industry with each passing day.
