Chef’s Secret | A Pinch of Salt
Tips from Chef Calvin Rouse on making your dishes sparkle with salt🧂
Salt is essential to biological life and was prized by many ancient cultures. Did you know salt was once used as money? Roman legionnaires were often paid in salt. If a soldier was performing poorly, his wages (called a salarium) might be cut, hence the phrase, “not worth his salt.”
Different types of salt are harvested from mines or by evaporating seawater. All salts are mainly composed of sodium chloride (NaCl), but the trace minerals and characteristics imbued by their place of origin result in a stunning variety of flavors, colors, and textures.
Six Salts to Enhance Your Cooking
There are many ways to jazz up the ordinary salt that you use in everyday cooking. It can be smoked or blended with everything from herbs to citrus (just grate in some zest and leave the mixture out on a tray to dry). You can even infuse your salt with red wine, espresso, or ghost pepper. Imagine how that could step up your chocolate chip cookie game!
Table Salt
It’s heavily ground with most of the impurities and minerals removed. Because it is so finely ground, anti-caking agents are added. Iodine is added as a preventative measure to fight hypothyroidism.
Kosher Salt
The main difference between regular table salt and kosher is the structure of the flakes. The larger size makes it easier to pick up with your fingers and spread. Kosher salt is also less likely to contain additives and iodine. Bear in mind, kosher salt weighs less than table salt, so you cannot substitute either in a 1:1 ratio.
Himalayan Pink Salt
Mined in Pakistan, from the second largest salt mine in the world, it contains trace amounts of rust (iron oxide) which gives it that beautiful pink hue. Use it for its subtle flavor and to finish off your dish with a touch of delicate color.
Sea Salt
Made from evaporating seawater, it can contain trace minerals such as potassium, iron, and zinc. Try infusing sea salt with wine or coffee by simmering about one cup of liquid in a pot and stirring in five cups of sea salt. Then spread the mixture over baking sheets and let it dry overnight.
Celtic Salt
Celtic salt is harvested from the sea at high tide. The water is trapped in estuaries and then guided through a series of clay-lined channels until it crystallizes under the sun. It’s pale gray in color and contains a little moisture, so it tends to clump slightly. Like other salts on this list, Celtic salt contains natural electrolytes, so it could be a great addition to a post-workout meal.
Finishing Salt
Our Chef Calvin Rouse’s favorite. It’s what he calls “Fancy AF Salt,” with Maldon being a go-to brand. He sprinkles it on just before serving a dish. It’s extremely light and flaky, and all you need is a pinch!
Using Salt in the Kitchen and Beyond
Here are eight of our Chef’s Secrets to make your life a little easier.
1. Reach higher peaks
Add a tiny pinch of salt to whip up egg whites faster and higher. You can also add a little bit of salt when whipping cream.
2. Banish coffee stains
Clean a glass coffee pot by filling it with 1/4 cup of table salt and a dozen ice cubes. Swish the mixture around, let it sit for half an hour, fill it with cold water and rinse.
3. Win “Ironpan”
Clean the inside of a cast-iron pan by covering it with salt. Scrub it with a stiff brush, then rinse with very hot water and wipe with a clean towel. Repeat as necessary for stuck-on food.
4. Is that egg past it?
Test for rotten eggs by putting an egg in a cup of water to which you’ve added two teaspoons of salt. A fresh egg will sink, but one that’s iffy will float.
5. Salt a sting
Soothe a bee sting by moistening the sting right away, then cover it with salt. The inside of a banana peel will work too.
6. Fire!
Use the pan lid if possible, but in a pinch, eliminate a grease fire by pouring salt on top to smother it. (Never use water on a grease fire.)
7. Eliminate oven odors
If food boils over onto the oven floor, sprinkle salt on top to stop smoke and odor from forming. When the oven is cool, it’ll be easy to brush away the mess. (If you think something will spill over, it’s best to put a baking sheet under your dish.)
8. Battle Poison Ivy
For a short-term solution to push back poison ivy, add three pounds of salt to a gallon of soapy water. Spray it onto leaves and stems. If the plant proves persistent, hire some goats. Seriously, google it!
Whether it’s for cooking, cleaning, or healing, salt can be used in many ways. A pinch of salt? Yes, please! With moderation, of course.
Your SRVE Team
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