If you like your dishes to have a very intense flavor, salt crystals are the best alternative. At Your Spanish Shop we offer you the best selection.
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Salt crystals allow you to enhance the flavor of your dishes, and in some cases they incorporate particular flavors such as paprika, garlic, etc. At Your Spanish Shop we offer you a wide variety of salt crystals to add the perfect finishing touch to your dishes.
What are salt crystals?
Salt crystals are small solid structures that form when salt water evaporates and leaves the salt mineral behind. These crystals have a chemical composition predominantly of sodium chloride (NaCl), the same compound found in common table salt.
The formation of salt crystals occurs through a process called crystallization. When salt water evaporates, the salt concentration increases until it reaches a saturation point. At this time, sodium and chloride ions begin to attract each other and organize into a lattice structure, forming crystals. This process can occur naturally, such as in the salt flats where sea salt is collected, or artificially in laboratories and industrial processes.
Salt crystals can vary in size and shape, depending on the conditions under which they form, such as the rate of evaporation and ambient temperature.
Flavored salt crystals
Salt crystals, although primarily known for their salty taste, can exhibit a range of flavor nuances depending on their origin and the additional minerals they contain.
For example, sea salt, obtained from the evaporation of seawater, can have a milder and slightly sweet flavor compared to table salt. This is due to the presence of minerals and trace elements such as magnesium, calcium and potassium. These minerals can affect the structure of salt crystals, altering their texture and, consequently, the way they dissolve and are perceived on the palate.
Himalayan salt, famous for its pink color, has a milder, earthier flavor. This pink hue and distinctive flavor are due to traces of iron and other minerals embedded in the crystals.
Other specialized salts, such as smoked salt or black salt, take on unique flavors through additional processes. Smoked salt, for example, takes on a deep, smoky flavor due to its exposure to aromatic wood smoke, while black salt, common in Indian cuisine, has sulfurous notes and a more complex flavor.
Dishes and recipes with salt crystals
Salt crystals are a fundamental ingredient in cooking, used to enhance and balance flavors in a wide variety of dishes. Their versatility allows them to adapt to different types of cuisine, from the simplest to the most sophisticated.
Meats: Salt crystals are essential for seasoning all types of meats. Salt helps bring out the natural flavors of the meat and, when used in the brining or marinating technique, can also help tenderize it.
Fish and shellfish: For both grilled fish and shellfish, salt crystals are essential. In dishes like ceviches or carpaccio, salt not only seasons, but also plays a crucial role in the chemical cooking of fish with acids.
Vegetables and salads: Roasted vegetables enhance their flavors if we add salt crystals. In salads, a pinch of salt can enhance the flavors of fresh vegetables and dressings.
Soups and Stews: Salt is key in building layers of flavor in soups and stews. An adequate amount of salt can transform a bland dish into a tastier one.
Breads and pastries: Although it may not seem like it, salt crystals are also important in baking and pastries. A small amount of salt can intensify the flavors of the ingredients and balance the sweetness.
Pasta dishes and risottos: Salt is not only used to season these preparations once cooked, but it is also crucial for salting the cooking water, which adds flavor to the pasta or rice from the inside.
Desserts and chocolates: In modern cuisine, a touch of salt in desserts, especially those with chocolate, caramel or fruit, can enhance and balance sweet flavors, creating a more complex taste experience.
Preserves: Salt crystals are essential in the preservation of foods, such as pickles, preserves and salted foods, where they act as a natural preservative and enhance the flavor.
Cocktails and drinks: Even in the world of drinks, salt has its place. A classic example is the salty rim of a margarita, which complements and contrasts the sweetness and acidity of the drink.
At Your Spanish Shop we have a wide variety of salt crystals, such as Carmencita smoked paprika salt.