We are often made aware of the importance of iodine for a healthy thyroid and the question is often asked; does sea salt have iodine? Yes, sea salt retains its natural iodine in the form of microscopic sea life, however, not enough to provide the human body with enough to sustain the human body. Organically harvested sea salt is produced through the evaporation of seawater and contains other trace minerals good for the body.
Update: If you read the comments below, you’ll see that natural sea weed is a great source of naturally occurring iodine. Look for it in your supermarket the next time you’re there!
Sea salt is much more flavorful than table salt. The increase in flavor is attributed to the trace minerals in sea salt. You can use less sea salt to achieve the desired flavor in cooking and at the table.
Table salt is stripped of natural iodine, magnesium and other valuable trace minerals during the harsh refining process. Potassium iodine added to table salt in an attempt to replace the natural iodine destroyed during the refining process. Potassium iodine contributes to the chemical taste of table salt. Table salt contains anti-caking agents, often times containing aluminum, to keep the salt dry on the shelf. These anti-caking agents also contribute to the metallic taste of table salt.
Chefs and home cooks are both keeping sea salt (rather than table salt) close at hand in their kitchens. The large coarse flakes of sea salt are pure and clean in flavor. Pinching sea salt with your fingers to add flavor to your favorite foods is much easier due to the crystal size. A pinch of salt curbs bitterness and enhances the flavors of many foods.
What foods do you add a pinch of salt to? Let us know in the comments.
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