Salt is not only an important ingredient for seasoning food, it also plays a vital role in maintaining many body functions. It is better to know about the salt that you use every day to cook your meals.
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 will explain rock salt in detail so that you can choose the best salt for everyday 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 the salt mountains in the form of large rocks that are then crushed into different sizes according to 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 evaporation from large oceans. It is one of the least processed types of salt available on the market.
It is manually extracted from underground salt deposits that 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 pink Himalayan salt because of its unique color that ranges from light pink to dark pink to rosy white.
What mineral is the main component of rock salt?
Its chemical properties are the same as table salt. The main component of Himalayan rock salt is sodium chloride, which reaches 98%. The remainder of the salt consists of 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 composition, but there are many differences between these two salts 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 sea water, 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 more than 80 trace elements and minerals. These minerals include iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc and many more.
I like
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.
Cor
Table salt has a pure white color which is due to all the bleaching and processing it goes through. Whereas, Himalayan salt has a pink hue, due to the minerals contained in it. This pink color sets it apart from table salt.
It is safe from pollutants and does not require any bleaching as its natural color and mineral content remain intact. But table salt undergoes processing and bleaching that removes pollutants along with minerals.
Texture
Himalayan salt has pink crystals which can be transferred into different forms as per requirements. It does not undergo severe refinement due to which its beautiful crystalline structure remains intact. Table salt has a fine to coarse texture.
Why is Himalayan rock salt better?
Any less processed and refined type of salt is best for consumption. Himalayan pink salt is a better choice because of so many reasons. First of all, its source of origin makes this salt safe from environmental pollutants, so it doesn’t require any 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 healthy well-being . It can be used to meet the body’s mineral needs and maintain electrolyte balance.
It also helps maintain the body’s pH level. Unlike table salt, it can be used for a variety of purposes as mentioned below.
What is rock salt used for?
Rock salt or pink Himalayan salt is being used in cooking and Ayurveda because of its numerous benefits . There are many Himalayan salt products that are completely made from Himalayan rock salt crystals. These products range from beautiful salt lamps, candlesticks, kitchen salt blocks, salt inhalers and bath salt .
When used for culinary purposes, it imparts a beautiful color and flavor to food. Pink Himalayan salt in the bath can detoxify the skin and improve its texture.
Himalayan salt is also used to make unique water, which is basically Himalayan salt dissolved in water. Taking 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 double as air fresheners. Salt inhalers are devices that use Himalayan salt to cure many respiratory ailments.
Not just for humans, this salt also has some amazing benefits for animals. Himalayan salt in the form of salt licks can have several benefits for farm animals. These mineral rich salts can be used to satisfy the salt cravings of your livestock animals. These licks also provide essential minerals that help improve their digestive systems.
Final result
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 an amazing alternative to table salt. That’s why this salt is becoming very popular in the gourmet food industry and skin care industry with each passing day.
