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Everything you need to know about Salt

Salt is a seasoned champion in any kitchen. It has became a have-to-have ingredient even outside the kitchen and a must in a girls handbag because who would risk an unseasoned plate of food. Salt dates all the way back to 6050 BC and has been such an important ingredient in world history. In the ancient times salt was used as part of religious offerings in ancient Egypt and was considered a valuable trade item between Phoenicians and the Mediterranean empire. It is said that the word "salary" was derived from the word salt due to its value in the ancient times. Salt symbolizes purity in many cultures around the world.


But why is salt so incredibly important is what we ask ourselves. Not only is salt used to bring life to many vegetables but it is also used in preserving food items and was even used as an antiseptic for wounds back in the ancient time. Salt is a man's best friend with the power of enhancing flavour and creating a deep rich flavour in baked goods which is perfect for comfort food. As said before, salt carries preserving qualities thus food developers for retail stores need to find that sweet spot of using enough salt to enhance flavour and extend it's shelf-life. Salt is used in fermenting processes such as kimchi.




Due to the high demand of salt, the production of this ingredient has changed and there are now several ways salt is made, however, the most interesting way salt is made is by niche businesses who practice in a sustainable manner. First water will be collected from the ocean and passed through a filter to ensure there are no impurities within the water. The filtered water is then placed in long trays where the water level reaches about 2cm. The trays are then covered with a netting and left to basque in the sun. Slowly the water will evaporate and crystals will start to form. This process can take about two to three months. Once the crystals are formed, the excess water is drained and there it is, the magic rock.


We now know that salt has many different uses in terms of cooking, however, there are various other uses for salt that don't include cooking. Salt can be used for removing rust off of metal, or removing stains off our clothes. Salt can even be used to kill weeds in your garden as well as be used as an exfoliator for your skin. There are an unlimited amount of uses for salt.


As an added bonus to eating well seasoned food, salt also carries health benefits. Salt balances out our electrolytes as well as carries nutrients through the body and into our cells. Salt can also help regulate our bodies blood pressure.


Salt is an ingredient that has seasoned our hearts and now is part of our everyday lives. Not only is salt a chefs best friend but also a best friend to any home cook who spreads love one pinch at a time.



If you would like to know more about salt and the science behind salt in the process of bread baking then make sure to check out my ebook, "The Bread Course". This book uncovers tips and tricks when baking bread as well as helps create a better understanding of baking bread.


References:


Saltworks, n.d, History of salt, saltworks, n.d, https://seasalt.com/salt-101/about-salt/history-of-salt , 01/08/2024


Chef Samantha Cowens-Gasarro, n.d, The Importance of Salt in Cooking, HealthySchoolRecipes, n.d, https://healthyschoolrecipes.com/importance-salt-cooking/ , 01/08/2024


Eater, 2018, Where does salt come from- How to make it, Eater, 11/06, https://youtu.be/C19PIEe5Ti8?si=3QDevTIRbpCQdeYj , 03/08/2024


Iran J Med Sci, 2016, Salt and it's Role in Health and Deseas, Prevention from the perspective of Iranien Medicine, Pubmed Central, May, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27840524/ , 03/08/2024


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