What is the differance between Kosher salt and regular table salt?

Answer 1

Kosher salt (sodium chloride) is one of the most commonly used salt in commercial kitchens today. Kosher salt, unlike common table salt, typically contains no additives (for example, iodine). Kosher salt has a much larger grain than regular table salt, and a more open crystal structure.

Kosher salt gets its name, not because it follows the guidelines for kosher foods as written in the Torah, but rather because of its use in making meats kosher, by helping to extract the blood from the meat. (Nearly all salt is kosher, including ordinary table salt). Because kosher salt grains are larger than regular table salt grains, when meats are coated in kosher salt the salt does not dissolve readily; the salt remains on the surface of the meat longer, allowing fluids to leach out of the meat.

Kosher salt can be used in nearly all applications, but it is not generally recommended for baking with recipes that use small amounts of liquid (wet ingredients). If there is not enough liquid, the kosher salt will not dissolve sufficiently, and this can result in small bits of salt in the resulting product. In certain applications this is undesirable. In recipes where there is enough liquid to dissolve all the salt, a volume of table salt can be replaced by approx. twice as much kosher salt (by volume.)

Chefs often prefer kosher salt because its texture allows the chef to pinch a larger quantity of salt and evenly sprinkle the flakes on food.

One of the most ardent supporters of kosher salt cooking for the layman is Alton Brown, Food Network's host of Good Eats. At least half of his recipes use it, and he often speaks of its value. One of his hour long specials, 'Eat this Rock' featured salt, its origin and uses exclusively.


Edible salt, also called table salt or just salt, is a mineral, one of a very few rocks (such as calcium) commonly eaten by humans. There are different forms of edible salt: unrefined salt, refined salt, table salt or iodised salt. It is a crystalline solid, white, pale pink or light grey in colour, obtained from sea water or from rock deposits. Sea salt comes in fine or larger crystals. In nature, it includes not only sodium chloride, but also other vital trace minerals. Edible rock salts may be slightly greyish in colour due to this mineral content.

Salt is necessary for the survival of all living creatures, including humans. Salt is involved in regulating the water content (fluid balance) of the body. Salt flavour is one of the basic tastes. Salt cravings may be caused by trace mineral deficiencies as well as by a deficiency of sodium chloride itself.

Salt is required for life, but overconsumption can increase the risk of health problems, including high blood pressure, in those individuals who are genetically predisposed to hypertension. In food preparation, salt is used as a preservative and as a seasoning.

Answer 2

Sodium chloride -- aka salt -- is a crystalline compound that comes from the oceans. Salt can be harvested from seawater through evaporation, or it can be mined from inland deposits left by ancient oceans. Most salt we use in our kitchens and dining rooms is mined, except salt sold as "sea salt," which comes from seawater.
Different types of salt are created during the refining process. Some varieties include additives that make them flow freely through salt shakers, and others have added iodine, which can prevent hypothyroidism. Most are ground into very fine grains, but a few types are left in a more natural form made of large, rocky crystals. Fine-grained salts include table salt, iodized salt, pickling salt, and popcorn salt. Rock salt and kosher salt are coarse-grained. Sea salt can be found in both fine and coarse forms. While all of these taste, well, salty, the degree of saltiness and the precise flavor can vary.

Kosher salt usually has no additives, and it has big crystals with large surface areas. This size and shape allows it to absorb more moisture than other forms of salt, and this makes kosher salt excellent for curing meats. That is essentially where the name comes from. The salt itself is not kosher, meaning it doesn't conform to Jewish food laws, but this salt is used to make meat kosher. The Jewish holy book, the Torah, prohibits consumption of any blood, which is why kosher meat must be slaughtered and prepared in a specific manner. A common way of removing the final traces of blood from meat is to soak and salt it.

That's not the only use for kosher salt, however. The flavor is distinct from ordinary table salt, and some cooks prefer to use it in all their cooking. Like other coarse salts, kosher salt can be used in recipes that call for a salt crust. You can even use it to salt the edge of a margarita glass.

Nutritionally speaking, kosher salt is no different than table salt, although it does not provide iodine. The human body needs salt to regulate the electrolyte balance inside and outside of its cells. But studies have shown that diets low in salt lower a person's blood pressure. As with many health issues, scientists and doctors don't universally agree on the health benefits and problems related to salt intake.

Answer 3

"Regular" table salt is a mined product that usually contains additives that make it pour easily. It is typically fine-grained, and iodine is also often added as a nutritional supplement.

Kosher salt is an additive-free, coarse-grained salt regulated by strict kosher guidelines. It's more pure and better tasting.

Answer 4

I have a box of kosher salt in my cabinet.

The grains are larger.

It's good for making soft pretzels and salting the rims of margaritas.

Answer 5

crystal shape.. kosher is flakes, table salt is generally cubes.. table salt is also generally iodized (a supplement for people who dont get enough iodine from their food, very rare). kosher salt is not iodized.

i like fine sea salt personally.

Answer 6

Kosher salt is made from Yak's milk and is especially good on sushi.

Answer 7

i think that it is blessed because i have some blessed salt and the person who gave it to me said it was kosher

Answer 8

jews can eat kosher salt

Answer 9

the kosher salt has been supervised by a ribbi and made sure no meat or milk was spilled over it

Answer 10

Kosher is great to cook with!