Salt
Also called sodium chloride
Salt makes sweetness stand out and masks bitterness through ion interaction.
Flavor profile
Aroma: salty
Good to know
Origin: Global
Forms: table, kosher, sea
Storage: Store in a dry, airtight container to prevent clumping.
How to use salt
Seasoning Meats
Salt seeps into meat, breaking down proteins and making it more tender. It also makes brined meat juicy.
Brining Solution
Salt changes muscle fibers, trapping juice and improving texture.
What goes with salt
- Black pepper. Salt sharpens flavor while pepper adds piperine heat and aroma, so the two season nearly every savory dish.
- Potato. Salt draws moisture out for crispy, well-seasoned potatoes.
- Lemon. Salt suppresses lemon's bitterness, accenting its brightness.
- Olive oil. Salt amplifies olive oil's fruity and peppery profile.
- Radish. Salt accentuates radish's peppery sharpness.
- Cabbage. Salt draws water from cabbage and favors the lactic bacteria that ferment it into sauerkraut.
- Chicken Breast. Salting or brining helps chicken breast hold moisture and season through.
- Cocoa. Salt suppresses cocoa's bitterness and brings up its sweetness.
- Cucumber. Salt draws water from cucumber, making it crisper and more concentrated in flavor.
- Fennel Seed. Salt and crushed fennel seed make a simple rub for pork, as in porchetta.
Mistakes to avoid
- Too much NaCl? You're stuck. Can't unsalt.
- Iodine in salt turns pickled foods darker.
Ideas for tonight
- Brined chicken
- Salt-rimmed margarita glass
- Seasoned potato wedges
Salt: questions
What does salt taste like?
Salt makes sweetness stand out and masks bitterness through ion interaction., with an aroma that is salty.
What goes well with salt?
Salt pairs best with black pepper, potato, lemon, olive oil, radish. Salt sharpens flavor while pepper adds piperine heat and aroma, so the two season nearly every savory dish.
How do you use salt in cooking?
Seasoning Meats: salt seeps into meat, breaking down proteins and making it more tender. It also makes brined meat juicy.
How should you store salt?
Store in a dry, airtight container to prevent clumping.
What is the most common mistake with salt?
Too much NaCl? You're stuck. Can't unsalt.
