Salt is a staple ingredient in every kitchen, but not all salts are created equal.
With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your dish. However, one brand of kosher salt has been making waves in the culinary world, and it’s no surprise that it has caught the attention of renowned chef and author Samin Nosrat.
In this article, we’ll explore why Diamond Crystal kosher salt has become a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike, and why Nosrat recommends it for all your cooking needs.
From its unique texture to its impact on flavor, we’ll dive into the science behind this beloved ingredient and discover what sets it apart from other salts on the market.
So grab a pinch of salt and let’s get started!
Why Does Samin Nosrat Recommend Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt?
Samin Nosrat is a well-known chef and author who has made a name for herself in the culinary world. Her book, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, has become a must-read for anyone interested in cooking and understanding the science behind it.
One of the ingredients that Nosrat is particularly passionate about is Diamond Crystal kosher salt. In her book, she sings its praises and even helped save it from being discontinued.
So why does Nosrat recommend Diamond Crystal kosher salt? Let’s take a closer look.
Firstly, Diamond Crystal kosher salt has a unique texture that sets it apart from other salts. Its flakes are light and delicate, making it easy to crush between your fingers and dissolve quickly in your food. This means that it’s less likely to overseason a dish, as the salt dissolves more quickly.
Additionally, Diamond Crystal kosher salt is less salty by volume than other salts, making it more forgiving when it comes to seasoning food. This is because its coarse granules make it less intense in flavor than table salt.
Another reason why Nosrat recommends Diamond Crystal kosher salt is that it sticks better to food than other salts. This makes it ideal for seasoning meat, as it creates a beautiful salty crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Finally, Diamond Crystal kosher salt is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Its delicate flakes make it perfect for finishing dishes like roasted vegetables or cookies, while its ability to dissolve quickly makes it great for cooking meats and vegetables.
What Is Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt?
Diamond Crystal kosher salt is a type of salt that has been used by top chefs in restaurants around the country for over 130 years. It is a pure and authentic kosher salt that is chosen for its simplicity, purity, and coarse texture. Unlike other kosher salts, Diamond Crystal is coarse enough to pick up and fragile enough to crush between your fingers for perfect seasoning.
The unique shape of Diamond Crystal kosher salt is what sets it apart from other salts. It is crafted using a patented evaporation process that creates unique hollow, multifaceted salt crystals. The crystals are shaped like upside-down pyramids stacked one over the next, giving them a delicate and light texture. This unique shape influences many of its functional properties, including seasoning control, adherence to food surfaces, a flavor burst when used topically, and its naturally lower sodium content.
Diamond Crystal kosher salt does not use additives or mechanical compaction, making it an authentic and pure kosher salt. It even contains 53% less sodium by volume compared to table salt, making it a healthier option for those watching their sodium intake.
The Science Behind Its Unique Texture
The unique texture of Diamond Crystal kosher salt is due to the way it is produced. Unlike other salts, which are made by evaporating seawater or mining salt deposits, Diamond Crystal kosher salt is made by crystallizing brine in an open container. This process creates light and hollow flakes that dissolve quickly and adhere well to food.
The size and shape of the flakes also play a role in the texture of Diamond Crystal kosher salt. The flakes are larger than regular table salt, which means they dissolve more slowly and provide a gradual and less intense saltiness. This makes it easier to control the amount of salt in a dish and avoid overseasoning.
Furthermore, the unique texture of Diamond Crystal kosher salt makes it ideal for a variety of cooking techniques. Its light and delicate flakes make it perfect for seasoning delicate foods like fish or vegetables, while its ability to stick to food makes it great for seasoning meat or poultry.
How It Impacts Flavor In Cooking
Diamond Crystal kosher salt has a significant impact on the flavor of food. As Samin Nosrat points out, salt is the most important ingredient in the kitchen, and Diamond Crystal kosher salt enhances the flavor of other ingredients.
When used properly, Diamond Crystal kosher salt can minimize bitterness, balance out sweetness, and enhance aromas in food. Its unique texture allows it to adhere to food better, creating a more even distribution of salt throughout the dish. This results in a more balanced and nuanced flavor profile.
Diamond Crystal kosher salt also has a lighter and less intense flavor than other salts, making it more forgiving in the kitchen. This means that you’re less likely to overseason a dish with Diamond Crystal kosher salt, as its delicate flakes dissolve quickly and evenly.
Why Chefs And Home Cooks Prefer Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
Chefs and home cooks prefer Diamond Crystal kosher salt for a variety of reasons. Firstly, its unique texture and delicate flakes make it easy to work with and less likely to overseason a dish. Its coarse granules also make it less intense in flavor than table salt, making it more forgiving when it comes to seasoning food.
In addition, Diamond Crystal kosher salt sticks better to food than other salts, making it ideal for creating a beautiful salty crust on the outside of meat while keeping the inside tender and juicy. This makes it a favorite among chefs for dry-brining meats and other dishes that require a perfect balance of seasoning.
Finally, Diamond Crystal kosher salt is versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Its delicate flakes make it perfect for finishing dishes like roasted vegetables or cookies, while its ability to dissolve quickly makes it great for cooking meats and vegetables.
Samin Nosrat’s Endorsement And Recommendation
As a chef and author, Samin Nosrat has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to cooking and ingredients. In her book, Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, she not only explains the science behind cooking but also shares her favorite ingredients and brands.
One ingredient that Nosrat is particularly passionate about is Diamond Crystal kosher salt. In fact, she even helped save it from being discontinued. In her book, she praises its unique texture and versatility in cooking.
According to Nosrat, Diamond Crystal kosher salt has delicate flakes that dissolve quickly in your food. This means that it’s less likely to overseason a dish and creates a more gradual saltiness. Additionally, its coarse granules make it less intense in flavor than table salt, making it more forgiving when it comes to seasoning food.
Another reason why Nosrat recommends Diamond Crystal kosher salt is that it sticks better to food than other salts. This makes it ideal for seasoning meat, as it creates a beautiful salty crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Finally, Nosrat highlights the versatility of Diamond Crystal kosher salt. Its delicate flakes make it perfect for finishing dishes like roasted vegetables or cookies, while its ability to dissolve quickly makes it great for cooking meats and vegetables.
Using Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt In Your Own Cooking
If you’re interested in using Diamond Crystal kosher salt in your own cooking, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it’s important to note that Diamond Crystal and Morton’s kosher salt are not interchangeable in recipes due to their differing crystal sizes.
When using Diamond Crystal kosher salt, it’s best to measure by weight rather than volume to ensure accuracy. If a recipe only lists the salt by volume, keep in mind that Diamond Crystal is less salty than other salts and adjust accordingly.
Diamond Crystal kosher salt is great for seasoning meat and creating a salty crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It’s also perfect for finishing dishes like roasted vegetables or cookies due to its delicate flakes.
