Kosher sea salt and table salt are two of the most commonly used salts in the United States. Both kosher salt and table salt come from the same mines in Israel. The process used to create kosher salt and table salt is the same, yet the end product always differs greatly in texture. This has a lot to do with the various types of minerals found in kosher salt and table salt.
When you compare kosher sea salts and table salts, you will notice that the mineral content is virtually the same. Karsaline sea salts are the lowest in sodium and magnesium but they also lack a trace of calcium. This is because it is during the formation of the salt that the calcium in your food comes into play. When you kosherize sea salts, you basically make it saltier with the minerals intact.
In addition to the differences in mineral contents, there are other differences as well. Most kosher salt and table salt will be labeled as kosher if it also has the traditional mark of the seal of the Jewish National Museum of Natural History. This seal guarantees that the salt was created in a certain area of the earth. To get kosher certification, kosher salt and table salt will undergo several testing by a panel of experts to ensure that the salt is indeed kosher.
The one thing that both the kosher salt and table salt share is their distinct softness. Each type of salt will be softer in texture than seawater. This is why home cooks and chefs love kosher salt. It allows their cooking methods to come alive when using it. Here are the three main key features of kosher salt to give you an idea of its unique qualities:
Apart from the softness, kosher sea salt and table salt have a high concentration of minerals. This makes it ideal for use in a wide variety of cuisines. If you are looking for the best seasoning for your next grilled cheese sandwich or pizza, kosher salt may be exactly what you’re looking for. Not only does it add that special flavor to your food, but it also helps to preserve the natural flavors of whatever it is that you prepare. For instance, sea salt contains calcium and magnesium, while kosher salt contains sodium and potassium. With all these key features, kosher salt is an ideal seasoning for chefs and home cooks.
Although kosher sea salt and table salt do have some common additives, like baking soda, they differ greatly in their ingredients. While both have salt as an essential ingredient, kosher sea salt has considerably more minerals and less additives to help retain its unique characteristics. Home cooks and chefs are likely to find that kosher sea salt and table salt can be used interchangeably for their distinctive flavors and pleasing saltiness.