Salt: A lesson in savory seasoning

A rising trend in the culinary world has brought forth a renewed interest in something we use (and sometimes overuse) everyday. Salt. I'm not talking about your everyday iodized Morton's salt. I'm sure we all grew up with that beloved image of the Morton's umbrella girl shielding herself from the rain while the salt she carries empties out on the street. While this particular salt is a staple and generally suitable for everyday use, it isn't this blog entry's focus. We're talking about a whole 'nother ball game here. Gourmet salts are on the rise and there might be some confusion as to where and when to use them.

As you peruse your grocer's shelves, you'll notice that salts are now available in just about every color of the rainbow. Look too quickly and you'll mistake them for decorative sugars. You don't want to make that mistake! Not only do they come in an assortment of colors, they are also imported from exotic locations. While seemingly gimmicky, a great example is Himalayan pink salt. At first thought, one might think, "C'mon, give me a break." The price tag too, might be a turn-off, followed by a, "...well, what would I put it on?" Don't be so quick to turn away. Himalayan pink salt claims to have various health benefits as well--with moderate use, of course.

Himalayan pink salt is an unrefined salt which derives its color from iron oxide. It has a significantly higher mineral content than that of regular table salt, including copper, iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium. It is used primarily for cooking and bath salts. Here's where the clever marketing ploy comes into play, however. Himalayan sea salt is actually harvested 300km away from the Himalayan mountain range in Punjab, Pakistan. The Himalayan foothills are farther north. Wait! I have another surprise. It seems that our own Hawaii is marketing Himalayan Sea salt as well. Last I checked, Mt. Everest was not in Hawaii. I could be wrong though. It goes beyond Hawaii though. Countries from South America, Eastern Europe and even Australia are mining pink salt and marketing it as Himalayan. If you purchased this product because you think it was harvested from the base camps of Everest or K2--you my friend, have been had. This kind of false advertising unfortunately may be a turn-off and may rid you of the temptation to buy the product. Do not misunderstand me. My intention is not to discourage. I simply would like you to take everything you read with a grain of salt. Ba-dum-bump.

Truth be told, "Himalayan" pink salt (I will henceforth refer to the Himalayan part in quotes) is still a much better alternative to refined table salt. It is decorative and makes for a pleasant presentation. Also sold in slabs, the salt is becoming increasingly popular as a way to serve food. Sushi, fruit and vegetable platters and dessert displays are enhanced with the salt flavor. Such slabs are cleaned easily and are reusable. They can withstand high temperatures and are thus also used as a method of cookware or "saltware" rather, claiming to provide optimum heat distribution. It seems like a good idea and I'm willing to splurge on a small slab to give it a try. I'll let you know how it goes. I encourage you to do the same. I'd be curious to know how it turns out.

Some other salts worth giving a try:

Fleur de Sel (literally flower of salt in french): it is grey in color and sold slightly damp. It dissolves quickly and thus should be sprinkled on food just prior to serving. It is a wonderful complement to chocolate and caramel. Favorite use of Fleur de Sel: Vosges Barcelona chocolate bar. Pricey at $6-$8 a bar, but worth every penny. Vosges chocolates can be found at Whole Foods Market, Chesapeake Wine Co., Roots Organic Market.

Hawaiian Black Lava Salt: pearl-like, nutty flavor, satin texture, slightly sulphuric aroma from lava. Suggested use: breakfast foods, poultry, seafood

Hawaiian Red Alaea Sea Salt: a specialty, mostly decorative salt with a slight iron flavor

Moorenko's Salted Caramel and Praline ice cream can be found at MOM's Organic Market at the intersection of Routes 1 and 175, Jessup. MD.

Salt Tavern: have the duck fat french fries with a nice sprinkle of salt!

Remember, recommended daily salt consumption is between 1500-2400mg per day. If you have high blood pressure, that figure should be considerably lower. Moderation is key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the flavor of salt.