A Guide to Rock Salts Types, Health Benefits, and Culinary Uses

March 17, 2025

Types of Rock Salts and Their Culinary Uses

Salt is a fundamental ingredient in cooking, but not all salts are created equal. Rock salt, a natural, unrefined form of salt, offers a variety of flavors, textures, and health benefits. Understanding the different types available on the market and their best applications in cooking can help elevate your culinary skills.

There are many different types of salt in the bowls.

Himalayan Pink Salt

Flavor Profile: Mild, slightly mineral-rich taste
Health Benefits: Rich in trace minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium, which support overall wellness
Best Used For: Seasoning meats, vegetables, and seafood; finishing dishes; creating salt crusts for baking; brining

Black Salt (Kala Namak)

Flavor Profile: Sulfuric, umami-rich, slightly tangy
Health Benefits: Aids digestion and helps regulate acidity in the body
Best Used For: Vegan egg substitutes, Indian and South Asian dishes, chutneys, fruit salads, raitas

Persian Blue Salt

Flavor Profile: Mildly salty with a slightly sweet aftertaste
Health Benefits: Contains potassium, which supports muscle function and hydration
Best Used For: Finishing gourmet dishes, seafood, cheeses, and salads

Hawaiian Black Lava Salt

Flavor Profile: Earthy, slightly smoky, and rich
Health Benefits: Infused with activated charcoal, which helps with digestion and detoxification
Best Used For: Grilled meats, seafood, roasted vegetables, cocktail rims

Bolivian Rose Salt

Flavor Profile: Delicate and slightly sweet
Health Benefits: Contains essential minerals that help maintain electrolyte balance
Best Used For: Baking, finishing touches on salads, meat seasoning

Fleur de Sel

Flavor Profile: Delicate, briny, slightly moist
Health Benefits: Lower in sodium compared to table salt and helps enhance flavor without excessive use
Best Used For: Finishing steaks, chocolate desserts, caramel, fresh vegetables

Red Hawaiian Alaea Salt

Flavor Profile: Mildly sweet with a slight nuttiness
Health Benefits: Rich in iron due to its volcanic clay content, which supports blood health
Best Used For: Hawaiian dishes like poke and Kalua pig, roasting meats, stews

A heart made out of salt crystals on a black surface

Health Benefits of Rock Salt

Rock salts are typically less processed than table salt, meaning they retain more natural minerals. Some key benefits include:

Electrolyte Balance: Helps maintain hydration and nerve function.
Supports Digestion: Certain rock salts, like black salt, aid in digestion and can reduce bloating.
Lower Sodium Intake: Some rock salts provide a stronger flavor with less sodium, allowing for reduced salt consumption.
Rich in Essential Minerals: Unlike refined salt, rock salt contains beneficial minerals that contribute to overall health.

Cooking With Rocksalt -

Herb-Crusted Baked Salmon

Ingredients:

1 whole salmon fillet (about 1.5 lbs)
1 cup Himalayan pink salt (for crusting)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp black pepper
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place the salmon fillet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle olive oil over the fillet and rub with minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper.
Gently press the Himalayan pink salt onto the surface of the salmon, creating a thin crust.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from the oven, let rest for a few minutes, and serve with lemon wedges.

This recipe enhances the natural flavors of the salmon while benefiting from the mineral-rich qualities of Himalayan pink salt.