Remember the days when salt just meant standard table salt? Whether we were cooking or adding additional flavour to our meals, table salt was always the ‘go-to’ to make it happen.

Nowadays however, with more options on the market, and overall increased concern for our health, many of us have started turning to other alternatives.  But why is this such a big decision? Because nothing makes or breaks a dish more.  If you oversalt your food, you’ve pretty much ruined it, and if you under-salt, then you’re very likely to end up with a dish that is bland and boring.

With many of us struggling with finding a balance between creating delicious meals, but not compromising on health, how do we know what salt is best for us? Well, here’s a list of some of the most common salts on the market to help you decide.

• Table Salt: Though very accessible and affordable, the issue is that they tend to be very processed and extremely high in sodium, which makes them great for flavouring, but not ideal for those of us watching our BP.  It is therefore best used in cases where only a minimal amount is consumed. For example, use to season pasta water, because though a significant amount is required, most of the water gets thrown away.
• Kosher Salt: definitely the most popular salt to cook with in the US and very quickly making its way around the world. Its mild flavour and large crystals make it ideal for flavouring, but without overpowering the dish. It is also very quick to dissolve, which is great for seasoning meats and vegetables before cooking.
• Pink Himayalan Salt: Currently a very ‘trending’ salt, and is generally preferred as a result of its health benefits, namely the fact that it has a lower sodium content and therefore better suited to those looking to cut back and are in search of healthier options.
• Sea Salt: Derived from evaporated sea water, and can be found in fine, coarse or flaked textures. In fine form, it is great for cooking, but use sparingly, as it can be quite salty. As for coarse flakes however, it works well as a finishing touch to cooked foods and salads.

I hope this helps, and to learn more about how to salt your food, check out our previous blog post!