Chemical Components
Mediterranean Sea salt, or ‘Mesotyri’, is a natural salt that is used mainly for culinary purposes but also for traditional medicine and decorations. It is typically found in a rock form, known as Halisi, which is Mediterranean sea salt that has been crystallized from seawater. Meanwhile, Kosher salt is most commonly sold as a large-grain table salt and is used in many dishes as a flavour enhancer. It is a refined salt, mass-produced for food preparation, and is available in various shapes, sizes, textures and levels of purification.
Chemically, Mediterranean sea salt is made up of electrolysed sodium chloride and magnesium chloride. The magnesium chloride present in the salt forms a magnesium hydroxide with the other components of the salt such as calcium, potassium and sulphates. Sodium chloride is the same chemical present in regular kitchen salt. Kosher salt, on the other hand, is a refined salt made up of only sodium, chloride and water molecules, with traces of other minerals such as iron, calcium and magnesium.
Health Properties
Mediterranean Sea salt has many health benefits due to its mineral content. Magnesium chloride is thought to improve digestion, help maintain normal blood pressure, reduce stress and generally improve overall health. It is believed to help the body absorb and utilise more of the other essential minerals present in sea salt, such as iodine and iron.
Kosher salt has fewer health benefits than Mediterranean Sea salt. Its lack of magnesium chloride, iron, iodine and other minerals makes it a less nutritious alternative to traditional sea salt. In fact, it has around half the sodium content of regular table salt, which has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and hypertension.
Taste and Textures
Mediterranean Sea salt has a distinct salty but earthy flavour, thanks to its naturally occurring minerals and trace elements. The salt can be used in a variety of different recipes, adding a unique, salty taste. The large-grain table salt commonly used in cooking is available in many different types, from coarsely ground to more finely ground options. The taste and texture of the salt depend on the type chosen.
Kosher salt is generally coarser than Mediterranean sea salt and has a milder taste. It is typically used in baking, as well as for flavouring roasts, meats and fish. Because of its large-grain structure, kosher salt is often preferred for pickling, brining, curing and preserving and it disperses quickly and evenly in liquid solutions.
Uses in Cooking
Mediterranean Sea salt is incredibly versatile and can be used to enhance flavours, textures and colours of many dishes. Not only is it a cheaper alternative to regular table salt, but it is also locally sourced and relatively easy to find. As it is less processed than most table salt, it retains its minerals which can help to improve flavour and health benefits. It is commonly used in sauces, marinades, as a finishing salt, and as a preservative to extend the shelf life of many foods.
Due to its larger-grain structure, Kosher salt is not recommended for baking and is best used for flavouring of dishes. Its mild and light taste makes it the perfect salt to enhance the flavours of meats, poultry, fish and vegetables. It is also the ideal type of salt for preserving, pickling and brining.
Nutrients and Mineral Content
Mediterranean Sea salt is a great source of essential minerals, including sodium, potassium and magnesium chloride. As it has not been heavily processed, most of the trace minerals remain which can help to improve overall health. These minerals also make Mediterranean Sea salt a good option for people on a low-sodium diet, as it contains fewer chemicals and additives than table salt.
Kosher Salt, because it is refined, is not a good source of calcium, iron and magnesium chloride. Its lack of certain minerals means that it is not as effective at enhancing flavours, and is not a great source of health benefits.
Conclusion
Overall, Mediterranean Sea salt and Kosher salt both possess many different attributes, from ingredients and chemical compositions, through to taste, texture and health benefits. Mediterranean Sea salt has many advantages over Kosher salt and it is likely to become increasingly popular as more people become conscious of the health benefits and nutritional value of sea salt.
