Salt is not only an important ingredient for seasoning food, it also plays a vital role in maintaining many bodily functions. It is better to know the salt you use every day for cooking. A trendy type of salt these days is rock salt . It is said to be the purest form of salt. This salt is widely used in the gourmet food industry due to its beautiful, unrefined, chemical-free, pink-colored crystals. In this article, we will 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 obtained in the form of rocks. Unlike sea salt, it is extracted from the salt mountains in the form of large boulders which are then ground into different sizes depending on the respective needs. Rock salt is also 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 the great oceans. It is one of the least processed types of salt available on the market.
It is manually mined from underground salt deposits that formed 200-250 million years ago due to water evaporation. It exists today as Khewra Salt Mines which are the second largest salt mines in the whole world. That is why this salt has its own meaning.
It is more commonly known as Himalayan pink salt due to its unique color which ranges 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 can reach 98%. The rest of the salt is made up of trace elements, such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. The minerals in Himalayan salt give it a pink tone that differentiates it from other salts.
What is the difference between rock salt and table salt?
Rock salt and table salt have the same chemical composition, but there are many differences between these two salts which are based on their source, color, processing, and nutritional value.
Source
Himalayan salt is obtained from salt mines located in Pakistan. Table salt is obtained from evaporated seawater, which is why it contains pollutants and requires refining.
Composition
Table salt is 99% NaCl but pink salt is 98% NaCl, the remaining 2% is made up of over 80 trace elements and minerals. These minerals include iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc and many more.
To taste
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 tint due to the trace elements it contains. This pink color distinguishes it from table salt.
It is safe from pollutants and requires no bleaching whereby its natural color and mineral content remain intact. But table salt goes through a treatment and bleaching that removes pollutants as well as minerals.
Texture
Himalayan salt has pink crystals which can be transferred into different shapes as needed. It does not undergo harsh refining due to which 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 the least processed and refined is best for consumption. Himalayan pink salt is a better choice for many reasons. First of all, its original source makes this salt safe from environmental pollutants due to which it does not require any bleaching like table salt as mentioned above.
It is available for use in its raw natural form without any additives or chemicals. This mineral-rich salt is very beneficial for healthy well-being . It can be used to meet the body’s mineral needs and to maintain electrolyte balance.
It also helps in maintaining the pH level of the body. Unlike table salt, it can be used for many different purposes as mentioned below.
What is rock salt used for?
Rock salt or pink Himalayan salt is used in cooking and 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, kitchen salt blocks, salt inhalers and bath salt .
When used for cooking purposes, it imparts a beautiful color and flavor to food. Pink Himalayan salt in the bath can detoxify the skin and improve its texture.
Le sel de l’Himalaya est également utilisé pour fabriquer de l’eau de sole qui est essentiellement le sel de l’Himalaya dissous dans l’eau. Prendre de l’eau de sole tôt le matin augmente les minéraux dans le corps et améliore la santé intestinale.
Les magnifiques lampes à sel et bougeoirs en cristal de l’Himalaya sont des pièces de décoration étonnantes qui agissent également comme des purificateurs d’air. Les inhalateurs de sel sont des appareils qui utilisent le sel de l’Himalaya pour soigner de nombreuses affections respiratoires.
Not only for humans, this salt also has amazing benefits for animals. Himalayan salt in the form of salt licks can have various benefits for farm animals. These mineral-rich salt licks can be used to satisfy the salt cravings of your farm animals. These licks also provide them with essential minerals that help improve their digestive system.
Conclusion
Each salt has its specific properties regardless of the same chemical composition. Pink salt being the purest salt is the best choice for use in cooking and other uses. Its mineral-rich nature and health benefits make it a great alternative to table salt. This is why this salt is becoming very popular every day in the gastronomic industry and the skin care industry.
