Is there any real difference between kosher salt and sea salt? Is there any difference in taste? It is commonly believed that the only difference between kosher salt and sea salt is the size of the crystals. However, there are numerous other factors that make kosher salt different from sea salt.

Would you like to know what they are? Keep reading!

Difference Between Kosher Salt And Sea Salt:

Kosher salt and sea salt have large sized, asymmetrical grains. All types of salt add a lovely crunch when added to any dish. Sprinkling on a dish in the last minute provides a briny flavour. There are many other factors that differentiate kosher salt from sea salt. Here are some key points of difference between the two types of salt.

1. Method Of Production:

Kosher Salt:

The method used for the production of kosher salt is the very popular evaporation method. There are also processes that support the growth of crystals at a normal atmospheric pressure. These natural processes provide larger crystals with different shapes. In addition to these processes, another method used to prepare kosher salt is by compressing crystals of table salt under pressure. The compressing procedure is followed by the sizing of resultant agglomerates to produce a coarse-type salt.

Sea Salt:

Sea salt is prepared through the process of evaporation. Sea water is evaporated at atmospheric temperature under natural pressure. The crystals form pyramid shapes in an inverted direction. The color of the salt produced depends upon factors like altitude, geographic location and the composition of the ponds from where the salt is extracted. The color of salt represents trace minerals, such as iron, potassium and zinc of the area.

A darker color represents a higher concentration of trace nutrients and impurities. Experts also say that due to the increasing pollution of oceans, the extracted sea salt may carry trace quantities of heavy metals, such as lead.

2. Usage:

Salt is considered the basic ingredient used while cooking. Food without salt is tasteless and unexciting.

Kosher Salt:

Usually, savvy chefs recommend kosher salt be used while cooking (1). The reason, as given by them, is the coarse texture of the grains. This texture makes it easier to pick the salt in a pinch for seasoning of savoury dishes. However, if added while cooking and allowed to mix well into the dish, kosher salt provides a taste similar to what is provided by table salt.

Additional uses of kosher salt include baking in recipes with the use of lesser quantities of liquid. The coarse structure of this salt helps in curing meat by extracting blood out of it. However, kosher salt does not contain additives, such as iodine and anti-caking agents.

Sea Salt:

Sea salt is very similar to common salt. However, it is less ground than the refined form of common salt. This salt is, generally, added to foods while cooking. Sprinkling on a dish after it is cooked may provide a briny taste. It adds a stronger flavour burst than what is provided by regular salt.

Sea salt is generally used in cosmetics for the benefits it provides to the skin (2).

3. Constituents:

Both kosher and sea salt constitute 97.5% sodium chloride.

Kosher Salt:

Kosher salt is free from additives of any kind. However, some production companies add a few minerals to raw kosher salt to make it flow more easily. The reason is that kosher salt possesses a texture that makes it absorb more moisture than other salt types.

Sea Salt:

With sodium chloride being the basic component of sea salt, it is processed to add minerals such as magnesium. This provides a unique taste to sea salt that is very different from kosher salt, as well as other types of salt.

4. Health Impacts:

Salt has numerous health benefits associated with it. Human cells depend largely on sodium for survival. Salt helps in the proper functioning of the body, with the transfer of nutrients being the most important one (3). Salt is essential for the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. This acid forms a crucial digestion component. Low salt intake may cause problems like muscle spasms, increased risk of cardiac arrest, irregular heartbeat and even death.

Some specific health benefits associated with kosher salt and sea salt are listed respectively to add to your knowledge.

Kosher Salt:

1. Free from Additives:

Just like sea salt, kosher salt does not contain additives like sodium iodide, potassium iodide and sodium iodate (4). Also, it does not contain any chemicals, like sodium ferrocyanide or sodium silicoaluminate as anti-caking agents.

2. Large Grains:

The texture of kosher salt is comprised of large, coarse grains. This facilitates easier measuring. This makes it an all time favourite of chefs and savvy cooks. However, the size of the grains may vary with the brand. This, sometimes, makes it difficult to find the exact quantity. Using one brand over time would help get an idea about the exact quantity.

3. Lesser Cooking Time:

Kosher salt, when added to water for boiling foods like pasta, potatoes and vegetables, increases the temperature of water. This reduces the time taken for cooking.

4. Flavor:

Being void of chemical additives, kosher salt is cleaner, and tastes lighter and milder than sea salt. It has a tendency of being less salty as compared to other salts.

5. Enhances Flavor:

Kosher salt works effectively on enhancing the flavor of any dish. It sticks well to the food to provide a crunchy and exciting taste.

Sea Salt:

As substantiated by experts, sea salt also has numerous health benefits associated with it. It contains various minerals and elements with healing properties. This is what makes it just perfect for use as a natural ingredient in beauty products and therapeutic treatments.

Adding further, sea salt helps treat problems like asthma and allergies with its natural anti-allergenic properties. Sea salt therapies also support improved immunity and treatment of conditions like dandruff, hives, skin rash and hair loss. Some other benefits of sea salt are listed below:

1. Dental Health:

Sea salt is rich in fluoride. This makes it perfect for enhancing dental health (5). Fluoride is known to protect teeth against acidic damage, cavities and caries. Regular gargling and rinsing with warm sea salt water helps in the alleviation of mouth sores, ulcers, bleeding gums, and also relieves pain caused due to a sore throat.

2. Osteoarthritis:

It has been proven through research and studies that sea salt helps in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

3. Psoriasis:

Sea salt is believed to be one of the most effective natural remedies for psoriasis. Sea salt treatments for the problem have shown remarkable improvements in patients suffering from scaling and itching.

4. Exfoliation:

Another cosmetic use of sea salt is its occurrence in the production of scrubs as well as other products related to skin care. Sea salt exfoliation aids in the removal of dead skin, provides proper toning of skin tissues and enhances blood circulation, thus rejuvenating the skin.

5. Improved Blood Circulation:

Sea salt scrub therapy is recommended for patients with epilepsy, low blood pressure, general bad fatigue and poor blood circulation.

6. Maintains Blood Sugar:

Sea salt is known to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. This also reduces the dependency on medicines and insulin that diabetics use to control their blood sugar levels.

7. Aching Feet:

Sea salt provides wondrous results for aching feet. Soak your aching feet in a warm sea salt solution to relieve the soreness and pain.

8. Rhino Sinusitis:

Studies have shown sea salt can provide amazing benefits for rhino sinusitis. Also, nasal irrigation and sprays done using sea salt provided better symptomatic relief in contrast to what is provided by a hypertonic saline solution.

It is also considered a healthier alternative to nasal steroids for treatment of nasal allergies, as well as other respiratory ailments. These nasal steroids might show certain side effects, such as inflammation and further mucus secretion. Moreover, the minerals present in sea salt help reduce congestion as well as swelling.

9. Acne:

The sulphur present in sea salt facilitates cleansing and healing of skin conditions like acne scars and dermatitis.

10. Regulates Heartbeat:

Sea salt is helpful in maintaining healthy blood pressure and regulates irregular heartbeat. It also plays a vital role in avoiding the occurrence of numerous cardiac disorders.

11. Balanced Electrolyte Levels:

Sea salt is also known to facilitate healthy balance of electrolytes in the body. This balance of electrolytes in the body is essential to maintain optimal blood composition and proper circulation, muscular strength and general functioning of the body.

Sea salt comprises of minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium that are effective in the maintenance of electrolytic equilibrium in the body.

12. Muscle Cramps:

Sea salt is believed to enhance muscular strength by relieving muscle cramps. It contains minerals like potassium and magnesium that provide therapeutic and invigorating effects. This makes sea salt effective for curing pains and aches and easing stiffness and discomfort that result from tension and muscle fatigue.

13. Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Sea salts also provide proven benefits for patients of rheumatoid arthritis. This is through the anti-inflammatory properties possessed by sea salt. Sea salt baths prove more beneficial for the ailment than a common salt bath.

14. Better Sleep:

Sea salt baths offer a soporific and calming effect on the body. This further facilitates better sleep as the body is free from toxins and tension. Furthermore, it also prevents the excessive flow of saliva during sleep.

15. Prevents Hair Loss:

This is one of the rarest known benefits of sea salt. It stimulates healthy hair growth. A massage on the scalp with sea salt improves blood circulation and provides stronger hair follicles.

16. Aids Healing And Purifying:

Sea salt is popularly used as the basic ingredient of salt baths. These sea salt baths are known to contain purifying qualities by absorbing negative energies and impurities from the body.

17. Eye Wash:

Sea salt solution works great to reduce the puffiness around eyes. Also, sea salt compress helps reduce the sagging bags and under eye dark circles, thus providing a stress relieving and calming effect.

18. Controls Acidity:

Sea salt facilitates alkalization of body cells by ensuring removal of excess acids through urination. This further facilitates maintenance of the desired acid-alkali ratio in the body.

19. Culinary Use:

Sea salt is known for its unique flavour. It is more commonly used in French and Thai cuisine.

Comparison: Kosher Salt vs. Sea Salt:

As suggested by experts, kosher salt possesses fewer health benefits compared to sea salt. Although kosher salt is free from additives and added chemicals, it is also void of the essential minerals that are present in sea salt.

Kosher salt is a more refined form of table salt. It is obtained from compression under pressure to form large grains. Moreover, kosher salt doesn’t mix well into food due to the large-sized grains. It is, however, preferred for seasoning foods, as it has the ability to stick better.

The large grain kosher salt is a good choice for occasional cooking. However, it is not recommended for baking and regular cooking as the large size of grains makes it spread more in the food. This might lead to an increased intake of salt.

On the other hand, sea salt contains essential minerals and nutrients vital for the treatment of various ailments and overall health and wellbeing. These minerals and nutrients help neutralize body acids, facilitate removal of toxins and help in the regulation of muscular functions.

The Bottom Line:

Irrespective of the salt type, it is best to limit the consumption of salt. Excessive intake of any type of salt can be a cause of health ailments like high blood pressure and edema. It is important to choose the correct salt type depending upon your health conditions and requirements.

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by Daiwik Suresh Gejji via STYLECRAZE