When it comes to cooking, few ingredients are as important as salt. From adding flavor to dishes to preserving food, salt is a staple in any kitchen pantry. But not all salt is equal! It’s important to know the difference between regular salt, also known as table salt, and rock salt. You will be glad to hear that rock salt is one of the purest forms of salt available on the market. The food industry across the globe uses rock salt as it has beautiful crystal pink color and contains zero chemicals.
Table of Contents
This article has explained everything you should know about rock salt- composition, major components of rock salt, benefits, and uses. It also shed light on the all-inclusive differences between rock salt and table salt, also known as regular salt. We are hopeful that you will have an educated decision regarding the choice of the best salt for you.
What is Rock Salt?
Rock Salt is also known as Pink Himalayan salt, Khewra salt, or only Pink salt. Rock salt, or halite, is mined from salt mountains in certain areas of the world and is usually pink in color. It is different from sea salt as it is directly obtained from mountains of salt in the forms of large rock salts, which are later crushed into multiple sizes according to the needs and requirements.
Composition of Rock Salt
Rock salt is a mineral salt that is primarily composed of sodium chloride or halite, otherwise known as table salt. A million years ago, the evaporation of seawater resulted in the formation of salt mines. Rock salt has a distinctive color, which varies from light pink to dark pink to pink and white.
Globally, rock salt can be found in different natural settings such as salt lakes, salt flats as well as coastal environments. When it comes to Pakistan, Himalayan pink salt comes from the famous Khewra salt mines of Punjab. The Khewra salt mines are the world’s second-largest salt mines located at the foothills of the Himalayan Mountains. Therefore, Himalayan Salt has immense significance and demand among the masses of the world.
Major Differences between Rock Salt and Regular Salt
Salt is essential to life and is used for flavoring and preserving food. Most people know that there are two main types of salt – rock salt and regular salt. Even though they are both forms of salt, there are several differences between Rock salt and Regular salt.
Appearance
One of the major differences between rock salt and regular salt is their appearance. Rock salt looks more natural as it retains its original color, shape, and size. Unlike common salt, it’s typically harvested from underground salt deposits and looks more granular. On the other hand, regular salt is most often found in processed and refined forms. It’s usually white and extremely fine, making it ideal for cooking.
Texture
The texture of both rock salt and regular salt also varies. Rock salt is very coarse and feels like small grains when you touch it. On the other hand, regular salt is smoother to the touch and has a finer texture.
Composition
In terms of composition, regular salt typically contains various additives, such as iodine, an important mineral for the body. Rock salt has no extra ingredients, but it can have trace minerals from where it was mined.
Flavor
The flavor of Rock salt is generally stronger than regular salt as it contains different minerals that give it a unique and delicious flavor. In comparison, regular salt has a milder flavor due to its lack of additives.
Uses
Lastly, there are different ways to use rock salt and regular salt. Rock salt is mainly used for uses such as de-icing roads and can also be used in cooking in specific forms such as a salt grinder. On the other hand, regular salt is mostly used in cooking and is one of the most important parts of table salt.
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Is Himalayan Rock Salt Better than Regular Salt?
Himalayan Rock salt is better than regular salt. The primary benefit of Himalayan rock salt is its unique flavor. It is pink due to its trace minerals, giving it a special taste and texture. It is one of the best salts that enhances the flavors of foods in a way that regular salt can never.
Rock salt is healthier and better for you as it contains a range of essential minerals, like sodium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, and potassium. Himalayan rock salt also contains healthy amounts amounts of iron, zinc, and other trace minerals. So, in terms of nutrition, you will not find such levels of minerals in regular salt. Moreover, Himalayan rock salt has less sodium and reduces your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.
Uses of Himalayan Rock Salt
Rock salt, or halite, is a common mineral used for many purposes. Its numerous uses range from culinary seasonings to agricultural and industrial processes to more unconventional applications. With its natural, earthy flavor and its abundance, rock salt is a necessary component of many day-to-day activities.
In the culinary world, rock salt is often used during meal-making processes. Its organic ability to preserve flavors, enhance flavors and bring out the natural taste of meals makes it popular among professional chefs. Rubbing rock salt on meats before cooking helps tenderize the meat and bring out their savoriness. Rock salt is mixed in with seasonings to produce classic salt and pepper blends.
In agriculture, rock salt is used as a fertilizer to restore depleted soils. By adding salt to the soil, farmers can give crops important trace minerals like magnesium, which can help the plants grow better. Rock salt can also be used to keep insects and other pests away. Rock salt is used in different ways in the industrial world. It is commonly used to dissolve other minerals in a mixture so that they can be easily separated. Moreover, it is used for build-up control and corrosion, as it helps prevent the erosion of metals exposed to the elements. Rock salt also melts ice and snow on streets, driveways, and sidewalks.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is a personal preference. Whether you choose to use rock salt or regular table salt will depend on the benefits you want. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so it’s best to consider the specific context in which it is being used before deciding which option you will go with. However, dieticians recommend using rock salt for cooking. You can now see how beneficial Himalayan rock salt is in terms of your health. Contact 786 Enterprises to order Himalayan Salt in bulk worldwide.
