Coarse Salt Vs. Table Salt

Salt shopping was never difficult, you simply had to walk down to a supermarket and grab a packet of white granular substance, placed near the shelves of sugar and flour. There cannot be any ambiguity or confusion regarding the type or color of the ingredient called 'salt'. But, what if I told you that there are at least half a dozen types of salt, all available in colors of rainbow? I bet, your salt shopping wouldn't be that easy. This article talks about the two important varieties of salt, coarse salt and table salt. So, let us understand the comparison between coarse salt and table salt.

Coarse Salt Vs. Regular Table Salt

It would be interesting to note that, chemically, there is not much of a difference between the various types of salt. About 97% of their chemical composition is identical. Whatever variation there is, it's in their composition, mainly due to methods of extraction and processing. One may not find any difference in the chemical composition of these two salts because coarse salt essentially means any salt that has not been ground into finer granules.

The main difference between coarse salt and table salt lies in their texture. Table salt is fine, smooth and is composed of minute granules. Whereas, coarse salt consists of large, crystalline grains, hence it is also called rock salt. Both coarse salt as well as table salt are derived from underground salt resources, unlike sea salt. Thus, if we were to compare sea salt vs table salt, then the major difference would be their source. Sea salt is harvested by evaporating sea water from large salt water resources. Thus, sea salt is obtained in 100% natural form with most of its minerals intact. Coarse salt also contains some minerals such as calcium silicate which come from its underground origin.

The fine granules of table salt are convenient to use in cooking and hence are often preferred over coarse salt. However, coarse salt too, has its own advantages and uses. Coarse salt for baking is most ideal as it renders a crunchy, briny flavor to your cookies. However, rather than using coarse salt in the batter of the cookies, it is wise to sprinkle freshly ground coarse salt for the desired flavor. For recipes, it is best to stick to table salt as the fine grain size allows it to mix with other ingredients.

Coarse salt is slightly mild in taste as compared to table salt, which has a sharp, distinct taste. Due to its fine grain size, table salt is very salty and hence, is required in small amounts. This factor is particularly important while coarse salt substitution with table salt. If a particular recipe demands the use of ½ a tsp coarse salt and you substitute it with ½ a tsp table salt, you will most likely make your dish too salty. In this case only a pinch of table salt should suffice your salt requirement.

Coarse salt is very useful in preservation of foodstuffs, especially meats. The large crystals of coarse salt absorb moisture from the meat in much effective manner. It is also used to create a salt crust on meat or fish. Apart from culinary uses, coarse salt also has several other uses due to its certain therapeutic properties. Coarse salt comes without any additives, which is not the case with table salt. During the process of refining, certain elements like iodine are often added to table salt to enhance its nutrient value.

The choice of salt would primarily depend upon the purpose for which you are going to use it. So, the next time you go for salt shopping, do not forget to consider other salt options.