Are you a foodie looking to elevate your culinary creations? Look no further than kosher salt.
This pure and natural variety of salt is renowned for its texture, flavor, and ability to enhance the taste of any dish. But where can you find it in the UK?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll explore the world of kosher salt and where to buy it in the UK.
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, adding kosher salt to your pantry is a must for any food lover. So let’s dive in and discover the best places to find this essential ingredient.
Where To Buy Kosher Salt Uk?
Kosher salt is a rock salt that is larger in grain and much coarser than standard table or cooking salt. It is free from additives such as iodine, which are common in some salts. This pure and natural variety of salt is used by chefs worldwide to enhance the flavor of their dishes.
If you’re wondering where to buy kosher salt in the UK, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s readily available in most supermarkets. However, you may not find it under the name “kosher salt.” Instead, it may be labeled as “coarse salt” or “rock salt.” If you’re looking for certified kosher salt, you may need to go online to find suitable options.
When shopping for kosher salt, it’s essential to pay attention to the brand and quality. One of the most well-known brands is Diamond Crystal kosher salt, which is referenced throughout The French Laundry cookbook. This brand is renowned for its texture, flavor, and ability to stick to food easily.
What Is Kosher Salt?
Kosher salt is a type of salt that is named after the Jewish dietary laws, but it is not exclusively used for kosher cooking. It is a rock salt that has a larger grain size and is much coarser than standard table or cooking salt. Unlike some other salts, kosher salt does not contain any additives such as iodine, making it a pure and natural form of sodium chloride.
The production process for kosher salt involves slow heating and agitation, which creates hollow, coarse crystals that are more irregular in size compared to sea salt. This unique shape means that the salt dissolves quickly on your tongue, giving it a softer flavor compared to sea salt. Despite this difference in texture, both kosher and sea salt are made up of the same sodium chloride particles and have no additives.
Kosher salt is commonly used by chefs because of its pure, strong flavor and larger grain size. When measuring salt by volume, kosher salt has 53% less sodium than table salt per teaspoon due to its larger grain size. This makes it a healthier option for those who are watching their sodium intake.
Aside from its use in cooking, kosher salt is also used as an abrasive cleaner for cookware such as cast iron skillets. Its large grain size allows it to dissolve easily, leaving no residue on the pan like some cleaning products can.
Why Use Kosher Salt In Cooking?
Kosher salt is a popular choice among chefs and home cooks alike due to its large, coarse grains, which make it easy to pick up and sprinkle over dishes. Its texture also allows for better control over seasoning, making it less likely to over or under-salt your food. Additionally, kosher salt is free from additives like anti-caking agents and iodine, which can alter the flavor of dishes. This makes it a pure and natural option for those who prefer a clean taste.
Kosher salt is also versatile in its culinary uses. It can be used for seasoning dishes, curing or smoking meat, and pickling or brining foods. It’s a good source of sodium, which plays a central role in nerve and muscle function, as well as maintaining fluid balance in the body.
While some may argue that sea salt has more subtle flavors due to its micro-nutrients, kosher salt is still a popular choice among chefs because of its consistency. Unlike sea salt, kosher salt is pure salt with a clean flavor, making it ideal for cooking purposes. Rough sea salt is better used as a finishing salt, while fine sea salt can be used as a substitute for kosher salt.
Online Retailers For Kosher Salt
If you prefer to shop online, there are several retailers that offer a wide range of kosher salt options. Amazon UK is a popular choice, offering a variety of brands and sizes, including the Diamond Crystal kosher salt. Other online retailers such as Sous Chef and The Spice Shop also offer a range of kosher salt options, including sea salt and Himalayan pink salt.
When shopping for kosher salt online, it’s important to check the product description carefully to ensure that it meets your dietary requirements. Some brands may be labeled as “kosher-style” or “kosher-certified,” which may not meet the strict dietary requirements of some consumers.
In addition to online retailers, some kosher food stores may also offer a selection of kosher salt options. These stores can be found in major cities such as London and Manchester.
Specialty Food Stores For Kosher Salt
If you’re looking for a wider variety of kosher salt options, specialty food stores may be your best bet. These stores often carry a range of high-quality kosher salt brands, including some that may not be available in supermarkets.
One such brand is Gourmet KosherTM, which is specifically designed to be an easy-to-use ingredient salt for innovative recipes and gourmet food. It carries the quality, nutrition, and “no additive” values that will always bear the name Celtic Sea Salt®. This salt is very versatile for baking, cooking and directly on food. Its delicate salt crystals are excellent for gourmet and culinary chefs based on flavor and functionality of crystals. It is similar to Fleur de Sel with more integrity in crystal structure offering a stronger crunch and ease of use.
Another option is Celtic sea salt, which is harvested from Atlantic tidal ponds off the coast of France. Its gray color comes from the minerals that are left behind when the sea water evaporates. This salt is perfect as a finishing salt on roasted vegetables or grilled meat or seafood.
When buying kosher salt from specialty food stores, it’s important to check the product’s ingredients and nutritional information to ensure that it meets your dietary needs. You may also want to read reviews or ask for recommendations from staff to find the best brands and varieties for your cooking needs.
How To Choose The Best Kosher Salt For Your Needs
When it comes to choosing the best kosher salt for your needs, there are a few factors to consider. First and foremost, it’s important to note that different brands of kosher salt have varying levels of salinity. For instance, Morton’s brand of kosher salt is about 1 1/2 times more salty than the Diamond Crystal brand. Therefore, it’s crucial to taste before salting if you switch between brands.
Another consideration is the texture of the salt. Kosher salt has a light but coarse texture, which can help you avoid over-salting your dishes. However, the density of kosher salts can vary immensely between brands. For example, Morton’s brand is almost twice as dense as Diamond Crystal, so it’s essential to weigh the salt instead of using a “cup” measurement.
If you’re using kosher salt for curing or brining, it’s worth noting that some brands dissolve more easily and stick to food better than others. Morton’s brand is known for its ability to dissolve quickly and adhere well to food.
Finally, consider whether you want certified kosher salt or not. If so, you may need to look for options online rather than in your local supermarket.
