Gourmet Salt is a Waste of Money - Regular Salt Works Just as Well
Editor's Note: Stirring the Pot
At Culinary Order, we love a good kitchen debate. Whether you're a fan of the latest gadgets or a minimalist at heart, there's no denying that the world of cooking is full of strong opinions. "Stirring the Pot" is where we dive into those controversial topics that make us all pause, think, and maybe even argue a little. You might agree with us, or you might not—but just like our favorite foods, we all have our own beloved techniques, tools, and hot takes. So, jump into the conversation, share your thoughts, and let’s keep it respectful. After all, the kitchen is a place for everyone!
In the world of cooking, there’s no shortage of specialty ingredients that promise to elevate your dishes to new heights. Gourmet salt is often touted as one of these essential upgrades, but is it really worth the investment? The truth is, regular salt can do the job just as well, without the hefty price tag. Let’s dive into why gourmet salt might not be the kitchen game-changer it’s cracked up to be.
Gourmet Salt vs Regular Salt: What’s the Difference?
At the end of the day, all salt is essentially sodium chloride. Whether it’s harvested from the sea or mined from ancient deposits, the primary component remains the same. Gourmet salts often boast about their unique textures, colors, or mineral content, but when it comes to the core function—seasoning your food—there’s minimal difference between gourmet salt and your everyday table salt. In blind taste tests, many chefs and home cooks alike struggle to distinguish between dishes seasoned with gourmet salt and those with regular salt.
The Hype Behind Gourmet Salt
The allure of gourmet salt often lies in its branding. Pink Himalayan salt, black lava salt, and even smoked salts come with stories of exotic origins and special processing methods. While these salts might look interesting on your dining table or add a unique finish to your dishes, their actual impact on flavor is often negligible. When you’re cooking, especially in larger quantities, the subtleties that set gourmet salt apart can easily be lost.
Cooking with Regular Salt: The Unsung Hero
Regular salt, whether it’s iodized table salt or kosher salt, has been a staple in kitchens for centuries—and for good reason. It’s consistent, easy to measure, and dissolves well in food, making it perfect for everything from seasoning to baking. Regular salt is also incredibly versatile, working well in both savory dishes and sweet treats. When you’re cooking with regular salt, you’re getting the pure, salty flavor that your dishes need, without any unnecessary frills.
Gourmet Salt Alternatives: When and Why to Use Them
While regular salt is perfectly adequate for most cooking needs, there are occasions where a gourmet salt might be worth considering. For instance, finishing salts, which are added to a dish just before serving, can add a crunchy texture or a burst of color that’s visually appealing. However, these should be seen as a garnish rather than a necessity.
If you’re looking for alternatives that offer the same aesthetic appeal without breaking the bank, consider using coarse sea salt or flaked salt as a cost-effective option. Some of our favorite flaked salts include:
-
Maldon Sea Salt Flakes - Renowned for their delicate texture and clean taste, Maldon Sea Salt Flakes are perfect for finishing dishes with a light, salty crunch.
- Jacobsen Salt Co. Pure Flake Finishing Salt - Hand-harvested and praised for its bright flavor and satisfying crunch, Jacobsen Salt Co. Pure Flake Finishing Salt adds a gourmet touch to any dish.
Adding these flaky salts to your kitchen will elevate your dishes without the need for expensive gourmet options.
Why Regular Salt Works Just as Well as Gourmet Salt
When it comes to flavor, regular salt does the heavy lifting in your kitchen. The idea that gourmet salts significantly enhance the taste of your food is more myth than fact. For most home cooks, the difference between a $10 jar of gourmet salt and a $2 box of table salt will be negligible. The real secret to great cooking lies in how you use the salt—seasoning at the right times and in the right amounts—rather than the type of salt you choose.
Conclusion
Gourmet salt may have its place as a finishing touch or a conversation starter at dinner parties, but for everyday cooking, regular salt is all you really need. It’s time to debunk the myth that expensive salt equals better food. Save your money and stick with the tried-and-true regular salt that has been seasoning dishes to perfection for generations.