If you’ve ever made any of my recipes, or even just read through them, you’ll always see that I say to add a certain number of pinches of Kosher salt. So why Kosher salt? Why pinches? What about other salt options? Let’s learn a little bit more!
Kosher salt contains larger crystals, that are often irregular in size. The larger crystals actually make it easier to create more even distribution on your food, especially when using to season meats and such. It adds more flavored texture to dishes, while remaining less “salty” in flavor once cooked than traditional table salt would make your food. Since the granules are larger, they’re less dense, giving it a less intense and smoother flavor than all other salt varieties. It’s an easy addition to any kitchen, as a large box (found with all other seasonings in the store) costs between $2 - $4.
Kosher salt also contains no additives, such as anti-caking agents and iodine, so remains most pure. Iodine is actually good for you, but if you consume dairy, eggs, sea food, or many types of beans, you’ll get plenty without iodized salt.
I often get asked about Sea Salt in the cooking classes I teach, and it is similar to Kosher salt when it comes to cooking, so I’d still choose it for that benefit over table salt. Unfortunately, sea salt contains trace amounts of micro-plastics, since it’s made by dissolving sea water, which often contains much plastic waste. It’s been proven that there isn’t enough micro-plastics to be concerned about in current sea salts, but as ocean pollution and plastic waste continues to be on the rise, I choose to avoid it since I can get the same taste benefits from Kosher salt.
And in my recipes, you’ll see I mention “pinches” of salt. When baking and needing some more precise measurements, I’ll sometimes add something more specific. Otherwise, I like to teach people to learn to become comfortable seasoning without such a strict guide. Since Kosher salt has such thick granules, it cannot be put into a shaker, therefore, it works better in a little dish or pinch pot on your counter, making it fun and easy to throw pinches in and at your food when needed. When I “pinch”, I use three fingers to grab the granules. Use your own tastebuds to master the perfect pinch! And remember, food needs salt, so don’t skimp. Don’t overdo it! But do. not. skimp.
In summary, Kosher salt makes food taste more flavorful, without causing an over-powering salty taste. It’s easy to grab and throw in a pot, on meat you need to season, or to add a little extra to something you’d just cooked and wish it to be more salty. So grab a box at the grocery store, get a cute little dish to set on your counter, and get ready to season like a pro!