Salt is a necessary ingredient we use daily, either for cooking or enhancing the flavor of our meals but you know that there are various kinds of salt available in the market and the two popular varieties include Himalayan salt and sea salt. Himalayan salt originates from ancient salt deposits while sea salt is derived from evaporated seawater, and each type has its benefits and applications.
For instance, Himalayan salt is known for its mineral content which is commonly used in cooking or as a final touch, to dishes. On the other hand, sea salt is renowned for its flavor and pair well with seafood dishes and salads.
So if you want to know more than keep reading to look more into their uses, benefits, and differences between these two types of salt.
The Difference Between Himalayan Salt and Sea Salt
Himalayan Pink Salt and sea salt have many similarities though they differ in some properties too like their color, mineral content, and others.
So let us have a look at their different properties and uses.
-
Origin
Himalayan pink salt comes from the largest Khewra salt mines. Himalayan pink salt is rich in trace minerals responsible for its appealing pink color and flavor. To know more about Himalayan pink salt, Visit Ittefaq Salt – a Himalayan salt supplier.
In contrast sea salt comes from the ocean since it is made by extracting water from the sea and leaving behind salt there are numerous types of sea salt depending on which ocean they originate from.
-
Mineral Content
There are usually more calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium in Himalayan pink salt which is purer than the common table salt with less sodium content and some iodine although not as much as iodized salt.
In addition, minerals such as iron, potassium, and zinc can also be found in sea salt since it is produced by evaporating seawater thereby leaving minerals behind while the darker types of sea salts have higher quantities of these minerals along with other elements that affect their flavors. Sea salt is preferred by people due to its less processed nature, but it may contain some other pollutants.
-
Nutritional Value
When you cook with Himalayan pink salt, it not only enhances the seasoning of your meal but also supports your body with trace minerals and essential elements. Despite being natural and pure, it maintains all your beneficial resources. However, Himalayan salt contains trace minerals that your body can readily digest, keeping your body cells healthy, and consuming this salt daily can fill up your body with essential trace minerals and elements. Sea salt is also high in minerals, but the amount varies depending on the source as it is made by drying seawater so its mineral content may vary based on the specific source and processing methods. However, it is less pure than Himalayan salt since it may contain other pollutants.
-
Taste and Texture
Himalayan salt provides a subtle salty and mild flavor because it is natural and contains no additives. It has a smooth taste and is ideal for finishing dishes. Also, Himalayan salt comes in various grain sizes ranging from fine, medium, and coarse grain sizes and because of its versatility, it can be used in a wide range of food including snacks, bread, and table shakers.
Sea salt has a more delicate flavor because it contains many different minerals from the ocean since it is balanced and refined, it is a nice addition to your food. However, the texture of sea salt varies depending on where it comes from because it is made by drying ocean water, so it contains minerals while making it slightly rough.
-
Color
Himalayan salt is famous for its pink color from light pink to dark pink and even orange hues as this comes from a trace of iron in the salt.
The color of sea salt varies according to where it comes from since it can be pure white, light gray, or even slightly blackish white. The color variation in sea salt is influenced by factors such as the presence of minerals, algae, clay particles, or other impurities in the seawater from which it is harvested.
Which One Is Better for Your Health?
Himalayan salt is a popular choice because it contains naturally occurring trace minerals and offers a clean, mild taste. Sea salt also contains minerals and is loved for its rich flavor. Both can fit into a healthy lifestyle. Just remember that the key is moderation, because too much salt of any kind can affect your health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s):
1) Is Himalayan pink salt healthier than sea salt?
Himalayan pink salt is often considered healthier because it contains trace minerals like iron, magnesium, and potassium. However, both salts are still mostly sodium chloride, so the key is to use either one in moderation.
2) Does sea salt have less sodium than Himalayan salt?
No. Sea salt and Himalayan salt have very similar sodium levels by weight. The difference is mainly in texture and crystal size, which can affect how much you use per pinch.
3) Which salt is better for cooking: Himalayan or sea salt?
Both are good choices for cooking. Himalayan salt works well for everyday cooking and finishing dishes, while sea salt is commonly used for seafood, salads, and garnishing due to its clean flavor and crunch.
4) Why is Himalayan salt pink?
Himalayan pink salt gets its pink color from 84 minerals and trace elements, especially iron, naturally present in the salt.
Concluding Remarks:
Now you are familiar with the differences between Himalayan pink salt and sea salt since both have unique features and advantages whether it is the minerals in Himalayan salt or the delicate flavor of sea salt when it comes to cooking with salt, remember that moderation is key.
You can choose the one that best suits your taste and dietary preferences but remember to limit your salt intake for good health. So, the next time you are in the kitchen, experiment with these salts to see which one adds the perfect touch to your dishes.
