Are you a fan of cooking and experimenting with different seasonings and rubs? If so, you may have come across the term “mesh” when it comes to kosher salt.
But what exactly does this mean?
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of kosher salt and explore what mesh is and how it affects your cooking.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out in the kitchen, understanding the nuances of kosher salt can take your dishes to the next level.
So let’s get started!
What Mesh Is Kosher Salt?
Kosher salt is a type of salt that is commonly used in cooking due to its large, coarse grains and lack of additives. But what exactly is mesh when it comes to kosher salt?
Mesh refers to the size of the grains in kosher salt. The higher the mesh number, the smaller the grains. For example, 10 mesh kosher salt has larger grains than 20 mesh kosher salt.
But why does this matter?
The size of the grains can affect how the salt is used in cooking. Larger grains of kosher salt are ideal for seasoning meats and vegetables before cooking, as they provide a nice crunch and texture. Smaller grains are better suited for baking and other recipes where a finer texture is desired.
It’s important to note that not all brands of kosher salt use mesh numbers to describe their product. Some may simply state “coarse” or “fine” on the packaging.
What Is Kosher Salt?
Kosher salt is a type of salt that is commonly used in cooking due to its large, coarse grains and lack of additives. It is called kosher salt because historically, it was used for its effectiveness in the Jewish process of preparing meat for consumption, known as koshering. The larger grains draw out moisture from meat faster, which is part of the koshering process. However, it has become a ubiquitous term for coarse salt and is used by chefs and home cooks alike for its ease of use and control in seasoning. Kosher salt is a standardized product that is the same everywhere in America by brand, making it cost-effective, available, and reliable. It has a larger flake than table salt, which makes it easy to manipulate with your fingers and hard to oversalt. Unlike some other types of salt, it is made solely from sodium chloride and doesn’t usually contain additives or iodine. Overall, kosher salt is a pure and versatile seasoning agent that can enhance the flavor and texture of various dishes.
The Importance Of Salt In Cooking
Salt is a crucial ingredient in cooking, as it enhances the flavor of food and brings out the natural flavors of other ingredients. It also has a variety of functional uses, such as preserving food and tenderizing meat.
When it comes to using salt in cooking, it’s important to choose the right type of salt for the job. Kosher salt, with its large, coarse grains, is ideal for seasoning meats and vegetables before cooking. Its larger grains make it easy to control the amount of salt being added, and provide a nice crunch and texture.
Table salt, on the other hand, is much finer and more densely packed than kosher salt. This makes it ideal for baking and other recipes where a finer texture is desired. However, because it’s more compact, it can be easier to over-salt a dish when using table salt.
In addition to choosing the right type of salt, it’s also important to use the right amount. Too little salt can result in a dish that tastes bland, while too much salt can overpower the other flavors.
Understanding Mesh Size
Mesh size is a standard unit of measure used to determine the number of holes in a sieve or screen. This method is used to categorize particles into two or more size fractions. The larger materials stay trapped above the screen while the smaller materials pass through it. The larger the number of holes per square inch on the screen, the finer the kosher salt becomes.
For example, 16 mesh kosher salt has grains that are small enough to fit through a 1/16 inch mesh screen. This size is ideal for seasoning meats and vegetables before cooking, as it provides a nice texture and crunch. On the other hand, 20 mesh kosher salt has even smaller grains and is better suited for baking and other recipes where a finer texture is desired.
It’s important to keep in mind that mesh size can vary depending on the brand and type of kosher salt. Some brands may not use mesh numbers to describe their product, but instead may use terms like “coarse” or “fine.” It’s always a good idea to check the packaging or do some research to ensure you’re using the right type of kosher salt for your recipe.
How Mesh Size Affects Cooking
The mesh size of kosher salt can have a significant impact on the outcome of a dish. As mentioned above, larger grains of kosher salt are ideal for seasoning meats and vegetables before cooking. This is because the larger grains provide a nice crunch and texture, which can enhance the overall flavor and presentation of the dish.
On the other hand, smaller grains of kosher salt are better suited for baking and other recipes where a finer texture is desired. This is because the smaller grains dissolve more quickly and evenly, ensuring that the salt is distributed evenly throughout the dish.
It’s also worth noting that the mesh size can affect the amount of salt needed in a recipe. For example, if a recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of 10 mesh kosher salt, using 1 tablespoon of 20 mesh kosher salt may result in a dish that is too salty, as there are more grains per volume in the smaller mesh size.
Choosing The Right Mesh Size For Your Dish
Choosing the right mesh size for your dish can make a significant difference in the overall taste and texture of your food. Here are some helpful tips to determine the best mesh size for your dish:
– For soups and sauces: Extra fine black pepper with a 60 mesh size is ideal for soups and sauces. The fine grind allows for quick flavor infusion into your dish.
– For visual appeal: Table ground black pepper with a 20 mesh size is perfect for when visual appeal is desired. It adds a nice touch of black specks to your food.
– For salad dressings and proteins: Restaurant style black pepper with a 14 mesh size is slightly coarser than table style black pepper, making it great for salad dressings and added on proteins before cooking.
– For meats or poultry on a grill or smoker: Coarse black pepper with a 10 mesh size is a great “butcher’s grind.” It works well for meats or poultry on a grill or smoker, and also as an ingredient in spice rubs.
– For garnish: 1/4 cracked black pepper with an 8 mesh size works well as a garnish. It can create visual appeal when pepper is part of the featured ingredient, such as in pasta salad. It also works well as part of a rub for steaks.
– For fresh grind peppermills, pickling spices, and infusions: Whole black pepper with a 6 mesh size is perfect for fresh grind peppermills, pickling spices, and infusions.
When it comes to choosing the right grain size for salt, Redmond Real Salt offers four different variations: fine, kosher, coarse, and powder. The finer the grain size, the better it will dissolve and spread throughout your dish. However, larger grain sizes are better suited for seasoning meats and vegetables before cooking. Ultimately, it’s up to personal preference and the specific dish you are making.
Tips For Using Kosher Salt In Your Cooking
Now that we know what mesh is when it comes to kosher salt, let’s talk about some tips for using this type of salt in your cooking:
1. Use kosher salt for seasoning meats and vegetables before cooking. The large grains provide a nice crunch and texture.
2. When using kosher salt in baking or other recipes that require a finer texture, look for a lower mesh number or a brand that specifically states “fine” on the packaging.
3. Keep in mind that kosher salt is less salty than table salt by volume, so you may need to use slightly more of it in recipes that call for table salt.
4. If a recipe calls for kosher salt and you only have table salt on hand, use half the amount of table salt as the recipe calls for.
5. When seasoning dishes with kosher salt, start with a small amount and taste as you go. You can always add more, but it’s difficult to remove excess salt once it’s been added.
6. Store your kosher salt in an airtight container to prevent clumping and moisture absorption.
By following these tips, you can successfully incorporate kosher salt into your cooking and enhance the flavors of your dishes.
