Difference in Sea Salt & Regular Salt

Although people disagree about how much taste difference there is between sea salt and regular table salt, some people swear by sea salt. Even without a significant flavor difference, other aspects of sea salt can be attractive to food connoisseurs.

Origin

Sea salt is collected from seawater in man-made pools through evaporation. Table salt is mined from mineral deposits on land and then refined.

Texture

Table salt is fine-grained, while sea salt is available in fine or coarse grain. A flaky sea salt also is available, which has a more delicate texture and flavor.

Minerals

Table salt is refined after mining and all minerals are removed, although many brands have iodine added back in. Most sea salt is not fully refined, so it contains trace minerals including iodine, iron, magnesium and potassium.

Additives

Some table salt contains an anticaking additive such as calcium phosphate. Most sea salt does not contain additives, but some brands include added iodine.

Colors

Nearly all table salt is white, but sea salt can be white, gray, pink or a mix of colors. Gourmet cooks appreciate the different colors and textures.

Black Salt

An exception to white table salt is black salt, another land-based salt which is mined in India and contains sodium sulfide in addition to sodium chloride. This salt actually is a pink-gray color, despite its name.

References

• Some Differences between Sea Salt and Table Salt
• Different Types of Salt

Resources

• Gourmet Salts

Who Can HelpSponsored

• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.