Understanding the Origins and Processing
The most significant distinction between kosher salt and Real Salt lies in their origins and how they are processed. Their unique backstories are responsible for everything from their flavor profile to their crystalline structure.
The Kosher Salt Journey: From Mine to Flake
Kosher salt is a mineral salt, which means it is mined from underground salt deposits left behind by ancient, evaporated seas. The raw material, or rock salt, undergoes an industrial process to create its signature coarse, flaky texture. The most common industrial method is the Alberger process, which produces hollow, coarse crystals that are light and airy.
Unlike many table salts, kosher salt is typically not iodized and contains minimal to no anti-caking additives, which can sometimes leave a bitter aftertaste. Its primary purpose, and the reason for its name, stems from its historical use in the koshering process, where its large, coarse flakes are ideal for drawing blood and moisture from meat.
The Real Salt Story: Ancient Seabed in Utah
Real Salt is a brand-name mineral salt produced by Redmond, Inc. and is harvested from an ancient seabed located in Redmond, Utah. This deposit, sealed underground for millions of years by protective volcanic ash, is the source of the salt.
What sets Real Salt apart is that it is unrefined and unprocessed. It is simply harvested, crushed, and packaged. Because it's never heat-processed or stripped of its mineral content, it retains more than 60 trace minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and potassium. These minerals are what give it a subtle reddish or pinkish hue. The company emphasizes its natural state and lack of modern pollutants, positioning it as a purer, more natural alternative to processed salts.
Comparison: Kosher Salt vs. Real Salt
| Feature | Kosher Salt | Real Salt |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Underground salt deposits (rock salt) | Ancient seabed in Redmond, Utah (a specific brand) |
| Processing | Industrially processed, often with the Alberger method, to create uniform flakes | Unrefined and minimally processed; crushed and screened |
| Texture | Coarse, irregular, lightweight, flaky crystals that vary by brand (e.g., Diamond Crystal vs. Morton) | Available in various grain sizes, from fine to coarse; often has a crystalline, slightly sweeter texture |
| Additives | Typically no additives or iodine, though some may contain small amounts of anti-caking agents | No additives, anti-caking agents, or bleaching; contains natural trace minerals |
| Mineral Content | Pure sodium chloride (NaCl) with minimal to no trace minerals | Contains over 60 natural trace minerals, which contribute to its color and flavor profile |
| Flavor | Clean, pure salty flavor without bitterness | Described as subtly sweet and never bitter, with a more complex flavor due to minerals |
Choosing the Right Salt for Your Culinary Needs
When deciding which salt to use, your cooking application is the most important factor. Both salts have their place in the kitchen, but they are not always interchangeable, especially when measuring by volume.
Why and When to Use Kosher Salt
For many professional and home cooks, kosher salt is the all-purpose kitchen workhorse for everyday cooking. Its large flakes are easy to pinch and sprinkle, providing greater control over seasoning meats and vegetables by hand. It also dissolves well, making it suitable for brines, marinades, and seasoning water for pasta. However, because the flake size and density can vary significantly between brands, it is important to be mindful of this when substituting it in a recipe that calls for a different salt.
Common Uses:
- Seasoning meats, poultry, and vegetables.
- Making brines and marinades.
- Salting water for boiling pasta or vegetables.
- Rimming glasses for cocktails like margaritas.
Why and When to Use Real Salt
Real Salt is favored by those who prefer a less-processed option with a more complex flavor profile. The brand's emphasis on natural sourcing and its high trace mineral content appeals to health-conscious consumers and food enthusiasts. Its subtle sweetness can enhance the flavor of dishes, and it can be used for both cooking and as a finishing salt.
Common Uses:
- Seasoning food during and after cooking.
- Baking, especially in recipes where a more complex flavor is desired.
- Making homemade bath salts or electrolyte drinks.
- As a finishing salt to add a final burst of flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts: Flavor Profile or Pure Salt?
Ultimately, the choice between kosher salt and Real Salt comes down to a balance of culinary preference and personal values regarding purity. Kosher salt offers a consistent, clean, and reliable saltiness prized by chefs for its control and versatility. Real Salt provides a more mineral-rich, unrefined alternative with a unique flavor profile that some prefer. Neither is inherently "better" than the other, but understanding their differences helps you make a more informed choice for your specific needs.
For the vast majority of cooking applications, especially when measuring is done by weight, the salts are interchangeable. However, if you are measuring by volume, remember that kosher salt's larger flakes mean less sodium per teaspoon compared to the finer grain Real Salt, and you should adjust your recipe accordingly. The best advice is to taste and experiment to see which salt, or even which brand, you prefer.
Conclusion
While they are both simple salts, kosher salt and Real Salt have distinct qualities that affect their taste, texture, and application in the kitchen. Kosher salt's industrial processing results in a clean, flaky crystal preferred by many for its ease of use and seasoning control. Real Salt, conversely, is an unrefined, mineral-rich salt with a slightly sweeter and more complex flavor, sourced from an ancient seabed. The right choice depends on your desired flavor profile and culinary goals. By understanding the differences, you can select the perfect salt to elevate every meal. For further details on the specific brand, you can visit the Redmond Real Salt website for more information on their products.
