Kosher sea salt and table salt are not the same thing. While both share some similar properties including being able to retain moisture and neutralize odors, kosher sea salt is actually the salt harvested from the sea. Sea salt contains trace amounts of a substance called sodium chloride. Most sea salts have a grayish-green color, while kosher salt tends to have a bright red color. These differences are primarily due to harvesting methods, although they may also be related to the type of animals used for kosher sea salt production.
While all sea salt is kosher, in certain regions it was named after the kosher market, namely the sea salt Kashrut, which is most often harvested from the Dead Sea. Kashrut means “The Law of the kosher market” – this is because all kosher sea salt sold in the kosher market is harvested from the Dead Sea. Although there are a number of companies that claim to produce kosher sea salt, these are usually not the same products. In fact, they are very different products, each with their own key features and characteristics. Below are five of the key features found in kosher sea salt.
One of the key features of kosher sea salt is its naturally high sodium content, up to 90%. This content can come from many sources, including seawater and other sea creatures. As such, this contributes to its high sodium count, which may prove to be an issue for those with high blood pressure or other medical conditions. It helps reduce the risk of hypertension by lowering blood pressure and preventing atherosclerosis.
A second key feature of kosher salt is that it is a very fine grained salt. The grains in kosher salt are all held together by a solution of calcium carbonate and magnesium chloride. Each time a grain is exposed to the air, these compounds are broken down, thus releasing the calcium and magnesium ions. This constant exchange results in highly-salt and low-salt characteristics of kosher salt. It also contributes to its overall refined texture, meaning that when table salt is added, it doesn’t stick to the food like regular table salt will.
A third key feature of kosher sea salt is that it contains a concentration of potassium, which is needed to re-establish proper electrolyte levels in the body. Potassium aids in neutralizing the effects of sodium on the body, which can result in a number of health benefits, including reduced blood pressure and better heart function. This is because potassium is known to help lower blood pressure and heart rate.
A fourth feature of kosher salt comes from the way it’s harvested. Most kosher salt comes from the Dead Sea, located in Israel. Although most of the salt in this area is collected from local salt pans, it’s also shipped throughout the world, reaching as far south as Australia. And because there’s no pollution or alteration of the land itself, this salt is considered one of the most environmentally friendly options available. Many kosher table salt products contain it, which is why it’s so popular. And the unique harvesting methods used to create kosher sea salt mean that the end product offers a highly varied and interesting variety.
The biggest drawback of kosher salt, however, is the lack of trace minerals. Unlike table salt, which has these minerals naturally in the salt, this type of salt lacks these vital trace minerals, making it prone to contain high amounts of fine impurities such as lead, silver and potassium hydroxide, which can harm the human body over time. One of the biggest drawbacks of using kosher salt is that it doesn’t always provide the amount of trace minerals that people need. Because of this, its use often has to be supplemented with a natural mineral supplement.
kosher salts and sea salt both have their place in traditional cooking. They’re both very affordable options for seasoning a wide range of recipes. As with any kind of seasoning, though, you should use kosher salts and sea salt in moderation, especially if you’re sensitive to them or have a health problem. Table salt may seem like a convenience, but its lack of trace minerals and health risks makes it an unnecessary addition.
