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 what salt you use every day for cooking meals. One type of salt that is popular today is rock salt . It is said to be the purest form of salt. This salt is widely used in the gourmet food industry for its beautiful pink colored, unrefined, chemical free 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 rock. Unlike sea salt, it is extracted from salt mountains in the form of large rocks which are then ground into different sizes depending 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 actually halite or sodium chloride. It was formed over time by the evaporation of major oceans. It is one of the least processed types of salt available on the market.
It is extracted manually from underground salt deposits formed 200 to 250 million years ago by the evaporation of water. It now exists in the form of Khewra Salt Mines which are the second largest salt mines in the world. Therefore, this salt has its own meaning.
It is most commonly known as Himalayan pink salt due to its unique color that ranges from light pink to dark pink to pinkish white.
Which mineral is the main component of rock salt?
The chemical properties are the same as table salt. The main component of Himalayan rock salt is sodium chloride, which can be up to 98 percent. The rest of the salt consists of trace elements, such as potassium, magnesium and calcium. The minerals in Himalayan salt give it a pink hue that makes it different 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 based on their source, color, processing, and nutritional value.
Bron
Himalayan salt is extracted from salt mines located in Pakistan. Table salt is extracted from evaporated sea water and therefore contains pollutants and must be refined.
Composition
Table salt is 99% NaCl, but pink salt is 98% NaCl, the remaining 2% consists of more than 80 trace elements and elements. These minerals include iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc and many more.
Taste
Due to the presence of various minerals, the taste of pink salt can differ slightly from table salt that is refined and contains additives.
Colour
Table salt has a pure white color due to all the bleaching and processing it goes through. While Himalayan salt has a pinkish hue due to the trace minerals in it. This pink color makes it distinctive from table salt.
It is safe from contaminants and does not require bleaching, keeping its natural color and mineral content intact. But table salt is processed and bleached, which removes contaminants along with minerals.
texture
Himalayan salt has pink crystals that can be transferred into different forms as needed. It does not undergo any hard refining so that its beautiful crystalline structure remains intact. Table salt has a fine to coarse structure.
Why is Himalayan rock salt better?
Any type of salt that is least processed and refined is best for consumption. Himalayan pink salt is a better choice for so many reasons. First of all, the source of origin makes this salt free of environmental contaminants, eliminating the need for bleaching like table salt as mentioned above.
It is available for use in its raw natural form without additives and chemicals. This mineral-rich salt is very beneficial for a healthy well-being . It can be used to meet the body’s mineral needs and maintain electrolyte balance.
It also helps maintain the pH level of the body. Unlike table salt, it can be used for so many different purposes as listed below.
What is rock salt used for?
Rock salt or pink Himalayan salt is used in cooking and Ayurveda for its many benefits . There are many Himalayan salt products made entirely from Himalayan rock salt crystals. These products range from beautiful salt lamps, candle light holders, table salt blocks, salt inhalers and bath salts .
When used for cooking purposes, it gives a nice color and flavor to the food. Pink Himalayan salt in the bath can detoxify the skin and improve its texture.
Himalayan salt is also used to make tongue water, which is basically the Himalayan salt dissolved in water. Taking tongue water early in the morning increases minerals in the body and improves gut health.
Beautiful Himalayan crystal salt lamps and candle holders make great decor pieces that double as an air purifier. Salt inhalers are devices that use Himalayan salt to cure many respiratory ailments.
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 licks can be used to satisfy the salt hunger of your cattle. These salt licks also provide them with essential minerals that help improve their digestion.
Bottom Line
Each salt has its specific properties, regardless of the same chemical composition. Because pink salt is the purest salt, it 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. That is why this salt is becoming very popular every day in the gourmet food industry and skin care industry.
