Kosher Salt is very common in many kitchens. This can be very confusing because there are two different types of salt - kosher sea salt and kosher salt. What is the difference between the two?
What it's made of: Table salt has been refined for commercial use. The larger flakes don't compact as neatly, so even a small pinch is not as fine and coarser. Kosher sea salt is much coarser but has no salt content at all. It is usually very fine and doesn't have the same texture as table salt. When to use it for cooking: Kosher sea salt is ideal for seasoning foods before, during and after using them in the oven.
How do I tell which kosher salt is best for me? Kosher sea salt tends to be much more expensive. It's available at your local store and sometimes has the word "Kosher" on the label. Kosher sea salt also has a higher salt content than table salt, so it should be used sparingly. Kosher sea salt has the same properties as table salt; however, it is more expensive and usually reserved for more delicate cooking tasks like roasting meat or fish. Kosher sea salt may be better for you if you want the finer textures of table salt but don't want the high salt content.
Kosher sea salt has a high concentration of potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese and sodium. Table salt does not have these properties. You may also notice that Kosher sea salt tends to stick to the teeth after brushing and rinsing it off. Table salt also tends to dry out the skin of your lips. It may also leave a greasy film on your hand after washing your hands with it.
So, how do I use kosher salt? Kosher sea salt will need to be used sparingly because it contains a lot of minerals, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese and sodium. These minerals can interfere with the way your body absorbs certain medications. Therefore, using
kosher salt with certain medications may cause unwanted side effects. So it's best to check with your doctor before using salt for a specific medication. Also, Kosher sea salt may not be appropriate for babies or toddlers because they are not used to the way it feels on their mouth.
I'm wondering why there is so much controversy over this type of salt? There are a number of different reasons for its popularity. Many people want to use this type of salt to prepare Jewish dishes. Other people worry about the salt's side effects. Some feel that the salt could lower the effectiveness of certain drugs. Some even claim that it makes your breath smell bad. Kosher sea salt has a lot of health benefits and is a good choice for preparing Kosher food.