7 Odd Facts About Salt That Most People Don’t Know
Salt is one of the most familiar ingredients in any kitchen, yet few people think about where it comes from or how it behaves. Its role goes far beyond seasoning.
Salt affects texture, preservation, and even the chemistry of cooking. After learning these interesting facts, you'll never look at salt the same way again!
Salt can be harvested in several ways
Different types of salt come from different sources. Sea salt is evaporated from seawater, while rock salt grows beneath the earth and is harvested by miners.
There are some minor differences between the two types of salt, such as how many trace minerals they contain and how concentrated their flavor is.
Salt enhances sweetness
Salt doesn't just make food taste salty—it can actually enhance sweeter flavors by adding balance and reducing bitterness.
A small pinch in baked goods, caramel sauces, or fruit salads makes for a more well-rounded flavor. Salt is a quiet but powerful partner in sweet recipes.
The most expensive salt in the world comes from South Korea
Korean bamboo salt is the most expensive type of salt in the world, often costing around $100 per cup. This salt can be used in cooking as well as for traditional medicinal purposes.
The reason bamboo salt costs so much is because the process of making it is extremely labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Not all salts taste the same
Even though salt is chemically similar across types, subtle minerals and crystal structures can affect its flavor.
Sea salt may taste more briny, while rock salt can feel sharper. Flake salt melts differently on the tongue, creating a softer burst of flavor.
Salt was once used as currency
In ancient times, salt was so valuable that it was traded like money. Some Roman soldiers were even paid partly in salt. This is where the word 'salary' comes from.
Its ability to preserve food made it essential for survival, which is why it was so highly valued.
Salt lowers water's freezing point
Salt does not melt ice by creating heat. It works by lowering the freezing point of water. This is why salt is used on icy roads to prevent freezing in colder temperatures.
The same principle appears in cooking when making ice cream with a salt ice mixture.
The superstition that spilling salt is bad luck may trace back to Leonardo da Vinci
There is a commonly-held superstition that spilling salt causes bad luck. Legend has it that the way to remedy this is by throwing a pinch of salt over your left shoulder.
Some people believe that this superstition stems from Leonardo da Vinci's "The Last Supper," in which there's a container of spilled salt next to Judas' elbow, implying that he knocked it over. The Bible describes how Judas betrayed Jesus, which could be why spilled salt is associated with bad fortune.
Salt is complex
Salt may seem ordinary, but it plays a complex role in history, chemistry, and cooking.
Knowing how it behaves and where it comes from helps you season with more intention and appreciate its impact on your food.