Salt

• Seasoning dishes: Salt is used to enhance the flavor of soups, stews, meats, vegetables, and baked goods, making it an indispensable seasoning in cooking.
• Preserving food: Salt is a key ingredient in curing meats, pickling vegetables, and fermenting foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, thanks to its ability to inhibit bacterial growth.
• Baking: A small amount of salt is often added to baked goods to balance sweetness and improve the overall flavor profile of cakes, cookies, and bread.
• Brining: Salt is dissolved in water to create a brine solution, which is used to tenderize and flavor proteins such as chicken, turkey, and pork before cooking.
• Finishing touch: Specialty salts like flaky sea salt or Himalayan pink salt are sprinkled on dishes just before serving to add texture and a burst of flavor.
• Enhancing beverages: A pinch of salt can be added to cocktails, coffee, or even lemonade to balance bitterness or enhance sweetness.

• Enhances the flavor of dishes by balancing sweetness, bitterness, and acidity.
• Provides essential sodium, which supports hydration and electrolyte balance in moderation.
• Acts as a natural preservative, extending the shelf life of foods like pickles and cured meats.
• Plays a key role in baking, helping with dough structure and fermentation processes.
• Used in seasoning blends, marinades, and rubs to elevate the taste of various cuisines.

Store salt in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from moisture and direct sunlight. Avoid using wet utensils to scoop salt to prevent clumping. For long-term storage, ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain its texture and prevent contamination.