Any food fan will already know about gourmet salts and how the various crystals, colours and flavours are another level compared to the fine running table salt we keep on our counter tops.
The
difficult decision is choosing between the different kinds of gourmet salt
available and which will enhance our dish the most, whether meat, fish or
vegetables.
Pink,
grey or Balinese? Here’s a look at some of the world’s most particular gourmet
salts you could have on chargrilled fiorentina, fresh grilled fish or roast
root vegetables, as well as some you perhaps hadn't heard of.
1. Pink Himalayan
Salt
Himalayan
crystal salt, which is harvested from the mountains of Pakistan, is prized for
its mineral content and health benefits. Its pale pink hue makes it easily
recognizable and distinguishes it from other salt varietals. It also carries a
heftier price tag than regular salt. Why?
Unlike
table salt, which undergoes a chemical cleaning process to remove impurities,
Himalayan crystal salt is a naturally occurring salt that contains 84 minerals.
It is also rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus - elements
necessary for good health - and contains traces of zinc, fluoride, iodine,
selenium, copper and boron, as noted by Livestrong.
These
characteristics in Himalayan crystal salt contribute to vascular health,
promote a stable Ph balance, increase bone strength and promote kidney and
gallbladder health among other things, according to the Global Healing Center.
Additionally, the pink salt is used for removing toxins and pollutants from the
body through mineral baths and other natural preparations.
Himalayan
crystal salt can be used just like table salt to season your favorite foods. If
you do splurge on this gourmet salt be sure to store it properly in a dark, dry
place.
2. Grey Atlantic Salt
The
distinctive coloured salt comes from the minerals absorbed from a particular
type of clay usually found in the Brittany region of France. Its subtle, salty
aftertaste that makes it popular with chefs and ideal for fish and meat dishes,
or simply sprinkled over nuts or popcorn.
3. Hawaiian Pink Salt
With
its particular shade coming from clay, this salt is ideal for roasted meats or
grilled fish with its mellow and earthy notes. It’s perfect for being ground or
crushed along with aromatic herbs.
4. Black Hawaiian
Hiwa Kai Sea Salt
Photo of Indieplate.com
Containing
vegetable carbon, this salt has an effective depurative action in the digestive
system. It’s perfect with fish and used often in haute cuisine for its
decorative effect. There’s also a green Hawaiian salt, mixed with bamboo
leaves, suitable for giving dishes a spicy aroma.
5. Smoked Yakima Sea
Salt
Photo of Six Depot
An
integral sea salt from the Yakima region, in the state of Washington, famous
for its apple orchards, whose wood is used to smoke the salt. Perfect for all
kinds of grilling, especially pork and white meat. There are many kinds of
smoked salt, with different aromas.
6. Maldon Salt
Photo of Gourmet Versand
The
English salt that forms in flakes, much beloved by chefs – perfect for giving a
dish a special touch: being a crystal, it slowly melts in your mouth and using
it in cooking ensures contrasting effects. It works very well with soft
consistencies and is particularly wonderful on chocolate.
7. Balinese Salt
Photo of Spice Trekkers
A
flaked salt with an unusual pyramid shape that makes it totally unique in the
world of salt. It comes from the Indian Ocean around the Indonesian island of
Bali and is perfect for giving food both a savoury flavour as well as a nice
touch of crunch.
By FDL